| Author |
Message |
    
mel
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 10:51 am: | 
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looking for some answer how to get help with lupus and married to someone who get's ssi
Reply by Paul
Lupus
is a serious disease, and can often be the basis of a disability claim.
You should sit down and talk to an attorney. Your wife's SSI check
should affect yours, but usually not eliminate it. |
Angela Sheldon
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 7:06 pm: |
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I have lupus. Vasculitis if one of my symptoms.
This disease leaves me unable to stand or be on
my feet for very long at a time. I also can't have
my feet down for long either. If I do, my legs
break
out and swell which is very painful. It takes 3-4 days to heal from
these outbreaks. My problem is finding a job that I can do. I am a
high school graduate, 34 years old, and have just
lost my job of 15 years. Should I be able to
qualify for s.s. disability? Do you receive health
care benefits when you receive disability. I have
been unable to attain health coverage for myself
since
I'm on my own. I also have 2 children (8+11) at home. I am divorced. My
job experience is limited to working with animals and in the last 2+
years I have been doing bookkeeping. I have always worked for my family
so they were leniant in their demands because of my condition.
I hope this is enough info to get some help.
Thank you,
Angela S.
Reply by Paul
If you must keep your feet elevated for a substantial part of the work
day, this is a serious problem. Lupus is a serious problem. You might
have a chance at a disability claim.
You do receive Medicare
if you get Social Security, and Medicaid if you receive SSI. For many,
these benefits are more important than the income.
If you work for your family, be sure you show enough income to get 4 quarters of coverage a year while you are working.
If
you see that you might not be able to work any more, you might file and
continue to try to work. This is tricky, and calls for an attorney, I
think. |
Elaine Thorp
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 20, 2001 - 8:14 am: |
|
I
am a 40 year old female with a long history of arthritis and now have
mixed connective tissue disease, which is a disease in and of itself,
but also involves R. Arthritis, Lupus and Polymyositis. I have taken
almost all the medicines out there and often have had very serious
reactions to the most powerful medicines. Just tried Enbrel which
caused an irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath. The
Rheumatologist says there is nothing left to try. I still take about 8
different meds. My family dr has been wonderful and has tried to help
me in every way. I have severe pain, overwhelming fatigue, stiffness
and soreness, diarrhea, nausea,insomnia, etc with these diseases every
single day. It takes everything I have some days to just rise from bed
and get dressed. I have worked since I was 15 and have tried to
continue my job as a litigation paralegal, but I feel so bad all the
time, it is almost impossible. My family dr has advised me several
times to file for disability and has told me that most people in my
position would have already done so. I am now on morphine and tylox
daily for pain. I live in SC. Do you think I should go ahead and file
for disability? I am also a single mother. Are there any programs out
there that could help me temporarily with funds until I get my
disability? How long do you think it would take?
Reply by Paul
You certainly have a serious condition; lupus and, if you have it,
rheumatoid arthritis are taken seriously. I would file a claim if
possible; not that I would stop pursuing other avenues of help. Your
odds are increased considerably if your doctor says he will help.
As
far as assistance, the only thing to be sure of is that it is a bumpy
road between where you are now and a regular check. As a general rule,
you really need friends and family, or a good long term disability
policy, to get through that time, but each community has its resources.
If you will give me your county, I can be more specific. I will know
more or less depending on the county. My ambition is to have a state by
state and county by county list on the site, but that has not yet come
to pass. Anyone please do contribute with what they know about their
county. Anyone who has some time and can take some guidance could help
with this noble project. Please contact me and volunteer.
It
can take a long time, particularly if you are young. That means you
need to get started. In many areas of the country, it is 3-5 months at
the initial stage, the same at the reconsideration, and 7-12 to the
hearing. You might win at any stage, but the hearing is the most common. |
Melissa Williams
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 7:50 pm: |
|
I
am a 21 year old woman. (Yes I know I am young) I have been diagnosed
with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (sle), and crest (variant of
scleroderma). I have my good days and my bad days. My good days consist
of me being able to tie and untie my shoes, button my shirt or pants,
and brush my hair without help. My bad days, well... I think you get
it. My problem is that I applied to ssd and ssi once and got denied. I
know that I am disabled, but these people sitting all pretty in their
fancy offices look at my file and before anything else, they see that I
am 21 and that I am in college. How do I make these people see that
even though I am 21, I feel like I am 81??!? I need help!! I am a
waitress, and that is real bad on my body. I work lunch shifts only. I
apply for jobs out of the restaurant business on a weekly basis, but I
have no experience in anything but restaurant work. No one will hire
me. I would quit my job if I had the money to provide a roof over my
head and food in my stomach, but unfortunately I am a poor college
student. I should be having the time of my life right now, but I am
struggling to pay bills with the little money I make, and literally
dragging my aching body out of bed every morning so I could eat for the
day. There has to be some kind of assistance for me out there. This
world cannot be that cruel to me and to others out there suffering with
me. If you have any suggestions, email me at lissa4304@netscape.net
Thanks, and sorry I rambled on.
-Melissa |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 11:17 am: |
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It is very rare for someone as young as you to be awarded at the initial level.
But
lupus and related diseases are serious, and they can be disabling even
if you are young. Yours sounds pretty serious to me. You should not
drop your claim.
I suggest that you file an appeal and get an attorney. It is unlikely that you will be successful without one.
You
should also vigorously pursue your education if at all possible. Your
body is failing, and Social Security might, so you need to be able to
earn a living with your brain, which is working fine. This will be hard
for you, and perhaps impossible from time to time, but when it is
possible get back in school. Direct yourself to some occupation that
will require zero exertion, and a flexible schedule.
If you can work, work. But keep your case going anyway.
Be
sure to look into the newest treatments for these diseases. There are a
lot of new ideas that are making a big difference to some people with
these sorts of diseases. Be very careful of what doctor you pick to
help you.
Take care, good luck, and don't despair. |
Greg Jones
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 7:15 am: |
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After several years of failing health, my wife was diagnosed with
systemic lupus about two months ago. She had been receiving treatment
for severe anemia (and all its complications) and for her arthritis,
but no one had put it all together. She is an RN and her work is as
physical as it gets. Without going into any details here, her outlook
as a nurse is not good.
We live in Berkeley County, West
Virginia, and are interested in at least researching disability,
knowing a concrete starting point for applying, how it might impact our
family's healthcare, what it would mean to the family budget, how long
the process can take, normal speed bumps an applicant can expect, etc.
Any directions/ideas you can give us would be great.
Thank you. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 7:12 pm: |
|
Your questions are so general that I can only point you to the rest of
the topic areas, which answer most questions that can be practically
answered on a website. That leaves a lot of questions, which can best
be answered by an attorney experienced in this area.
If your
wife is in good enough health to tolerate it, she might consider some
of the lighter nursing jobs, such as record review.
The great
thing about the RN degree is that it is in such demand that employers
tend to make Your questions are so general that I can only point you to
the rest of the topic areas, which answer most questions that can be
practically answered on a website. That leaves a lot of questions,
which can best be answered by an attorney experienced in this area.
If
your wife is in good enough health to tolerate it, she might consider
some of the lighter nursing jobs, such as record review.
The great thing about the RN degree is that it is in such demand that employers tend to make accomidations. |
Gaela Bailey
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 04, 2004 - 2:13 pm: |
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What
are my chances getting part time disability? or is there Part time
disability? Was diagnosed with SLE approx. 4 years ago. Have only been
able to work part time. And only do so because my family needs the
income. My muscles are in terrible shape and it is hard for me to even
walk up steps or even walk at times. I push myself just because I feel
I have no other choice. Have always worked my whole life, I have heard
it is extremely hard to get disability. |
Amika Coleman
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 12:45 pm: |
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I need to know if the procedure is any easier transforing a disability case from California to Sumter, South Carolina.
My
mother in law has a severe case of Lupus. She requires 24 hour
assistance and has diabete, kidney failure, and mini strokes which have
damaged her brain permantely due to her Lupus.
For this reason we
are unable to care for her out here. So we have made the choice to move
her to Sumter, South Carolina where her eldest son is and the health
care would be better and for her.
She is 63 years old and has two
years before her other social security benefits can kick. She now has a
private insurane(Kaiser Permanete) that she cant use in South Carolina.
So we are in the process of getting her on permanent disability in
California for health care benefits primarilly. This way Medicare or
Medicade can transfer out there.
Can you please tell me if this is an easy process. I fear for my mother in laws life out here and did to expedite this process. |
SELENAZEPEDA
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, October 24, 2004 - 7:58 pm: |
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I
AM ALSO SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC PAIN AND EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF. ON
MY WAY HOME FROM WORK I RECEIVED A CALL FROM MY GASTREONOLOGIST THAT HE
HAD RECEIVED MY TEST RESULTS AND THAT WE NEEDED TO TALK. HE XPLAINED TO
ME THAT I HAVE AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITUS, HE THEN TOLD ME ALL MY PAIN AND
SUFFERING IS FROM A CHRONIC ILLNESS CALLED LUPUS. I THOUGHT MY WORLD
WAS ENDING, I SAID TO MYSELF I'M ONLY 31 WITH TWO SMALL WONDERFUL BOYS
AND A WONDERFUL HUSBAND I'VE BEEN MARRIED TO FOR ONLY THREE YEARS. I
WAS LATER TOLD I COULD NOT HAVE ANYMORE CHILDREN BECAUSE MY BODY WOULD
NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT. I FELT MY WOMANHOOD TAKEN AWAY. IT'S BEEN A
YEAR NOW AND I STILL SUFFER. BUT NOT JUST ME, BUT MY HUSBAND AND
CHILDREN AS WELL. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO BE TAKEN TO THE EMERGENCY
ROOM JUST BECAUSE THE PAIN CAN GET SO UNBEARABLE. NOT ONLY DO I HAVE
AUTO IMMUNE HEP, LUPUS, BUT I NOW SUFFER FROM FIBROMYALGIA AND
RHUEMATOID ATHRITUS. I WORKED FOR A COMPANY THAT ALWAYS BRAGGED ABOUT
TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES, I WORK FOR SBC TELEPHONE. I HAVE BEEN WITH
THEM FOR 6YRS AND HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH THEM FOR A YEAR FOR
DISABILITY BENEFITS. I HAVE BEEN DENIED SO MANY TIMES UNTIL RECENTLY.
THE LORD GAVE ME A CASE MANAGER WHO HAD A HEART. SHE WAS AMAZED OF MY
ILLNESSES AND STILL DENIED. SBC HAD TO PAY ME BACKPAY, REINSTATE ALL MY
BENEFITS BACK, AND PUT ME ON A MEDICAL LEAVE UNTIL MY LONG TERM DIS. IS
APPROVED. LONG TERM HAS DENIED ME TO AND I NOW I AM IN THE PROCESS OF
APEALING. IF THEY DENY ME AGAIN THEN I WILL GET A LAWYER. TO ALL WHO
ARE STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW MENTALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND FINANCIALY---DO NOT
GIVE UP--YOU FIGHT AND YOU APPEAL! TRUST ME I KNOW IT'S HARD, WE'VE HAD
TO FILE BANKRUPTSY, WE HAVE NO CREDIT! MY HUSBAND HADD TO GIVE BACK HIS
BRAND NEW TRUCK HE HAS ALWAYS WANTED, WE WERE SPOILED WITH A CERTAIN
LIFESTYLE. I WENT THRU A DEPRESSION NOT BEING ABLE TO PLAY WITH MY
KIDS. WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR MY NORMAL ER VISIT MY 4 YEAR OLD ASKED ME IF
I WAS GOING TO SEE JESUS NOW. THAT BROKE MY HEART. THERE WAS NO WAY MY
ILLNESSES WERE GOING TO TAKE OVER MY LIFE ANYMORE, AND DON'T LET IT
TAKE OVER YOURS. LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULLEST AND YOU FIGHT FOR YOUR
BENEFITS. DON'T BE A VICTIM OR JUST A STATISTIC-BUT BE A SURVIVOR!!! MY
PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS TO ALL. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 899
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 20, 2004 - 6:50 am: |
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Selenazepeda:
Thanks for the contribution; hang in there and raise those kids, and
keep being a witness, which is the most important profession.
Please
do contact an experienced lawyer about your LTD case right now, for
this reason: In almost all LTD cases, if you are denied the second
time, the record closes and you can add no new evidence. It is highly
unlikely that the most persuasive evidence is already in the record. If
it is not put in there by someone who knows from experience exactly
what to put in, it is possible that you will lose your case because the
paper person is not disabled, and you cannot make her look like you by
adding evidence.
Take care. |
shamara Conley
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 2:12 pm: |
|
I
am 28 years old and single mother of 2. 4 years ago i have been
diagnosed with lupus, and now my new doctor saying it's rheumatoid
arthiritis, i'm pain every day, swollen joints even my legs, and arms,
i'm so fatigue that i can't hardly catch my breath, my skin also have
broken out with red raised patches, sick at the stomach, can't
concentrate it's like my mind goes blank. I work 8 hours a day by the
time i come home i could barley even walk or do nothing fevers are also
along with it. Do you think i'm qualified for disability?. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 967
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, January 01, 2005 - 7:02 am: |
|
Well,
if you cannot attend even the most sedentary work on a predictable
basis, you cannot work. You are managing to attend work; if it gets to
the point that you cannot, you would have a fair chance at a disability
claim.
Be sure to sign up for all of the insurance and disability benefits available to you while you are working.
Take care and good luck. |
cathy prater (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 20, 2005 - 2:09 am: |
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Hi
I am 34, mother of 3. I dont work but only because I hurt so much all
the time. I have been diagnosed with Lupus. It hurts to brush my hair
or zip my pants or braid my daughters hair for her. I cant sit or stand
for long periods of time. I swell and stay extremly tired. DO you think
I would qualify or have a good chance for disability? Iv been told to
sign up but I never really thought about it until I read this board. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1129
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 25, 2005 - 9:38 pm: |
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Work if you can. If you cannot, you must file to protect eligibility. If not sure, try to do both.
Lupus is a serious disease. |
theresa (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 3:11 am: |
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i
am a 33 year old woman with a 6 year old son who loves to play. i have
been told i have lupus, rhematoid artheritis, ddd, and fibromyaligia. i
have no energy at all and my son loves to play it just breaks my heart
i can't play with him.i have terrible head aches that shut me down.i
can't think some times i think i am going crazy .i can't remeber the
smallest details.my body just aches.i have signed up for ssi and
ssd.you have to have God in your corner with these people becase they
will drag it out . i wrote my congressman for help and he did respond
with a letter he wrote to the judge.i waiting and praying to see what
will happen.was that a good ideal |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1570
Registered: 5-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 7:30 pm: |
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Yes, your congressman won't hurt. I would get a lawyer, too, though, if you are denied. |
d crossley (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005 - 12:38 pm: |
|
I
am 36 years old--lupus(SLE) and Fibro and b12 anemia--muscle wasting
and terrible fatigue! I was told by my Dr. to cut back--possible part
time. He said I need to quit if I can.. I need some help--I have not
tried for benefits yet. I need to know where to start. I have complex
partial seizures. I almost fall asleep driving to work and driving
home! I am so fatigued. I just can not get enough sleep. Do you have
any suggestions of where to begin? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1569
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 25, 2005 - 7:26 pm: |
|
You
are in a tough spot. What you should do depends on what kind of
benefits you have at work, what kind of financial reserves your family
has, whehter your doctor is supportive, and the exact nature of your
impariments, and the likely progress of your disease. Get your medical
records in a pile and sit down and talk to a lawyer who does a lot of
Social Security now, before you lose your job. Take care and good luck. |
BTJ (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 10, 2005 - 6:15 pm: |
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I
have suffered with lupus since the age of 13 and (just diag.
w/fibromyalgia too). I am 57 years of age.I have been a dedicated
teacher for 36 years just retired July 2005.I have paid into a private
disability insurance program for many years and am having problems
collecting benefits from Prudential. I am in the process of writing a
letter of appeal and was hoping someone could advise me. I have also
applied for Social Security Disability Benefits but have not as yet
heard anything. I am not asking for a handout and I have worked hard
all my life and now when I try to collect benefits, I have a hard time
and more stress. Is there anything I can do to better present my case
and finally get some compensation? |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1150
Registered: 5-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 9:30 pm: |
|
BTJ, YOU MUST HIRE A LAWYER RIGHT NOW! If you appeal your LTD claim on your own, if it is covered under ERISA (some private policies are not) if you get a second letter, the record might close, and you will not be able to add evidence. It will be unlikely that the truth will be shown in the record, and you will lose your LTD claim even though you are disabled! You tried once on your own, taht was ok, but you weren't successful on your own the first time, so it is unlikely you will be the second.
You need a doctor on your side and you need a lawyer. |
denise (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 - 5:31 am: |
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I am a 39year old woman who has been diagnosed with Lupus,Fibromyalgia,Thyroid, Hashmotos and Sjogrens Disease(this has been going on about 2-6years now).I work as a retail merchandiser and was on a revisions team. While the hours are flexible, I can no longer work more than two or three hours a day (it feels as if i have put in 8-10 hours).I am scared to get in a car now because I fear that I might have a Lupus episode that consists of Headaches, dizziness, nauseau, fever and body aches.I had an episode just last week, I was scared I would never make it home.These episodes are coming on more and more.I want to look into getting some SS benefits but dont know where to start?Can you please tell me what information and steps are needed to begin the process? I really want to try to keep my part time job as a merchandiser but with the boxes weighing about 50lbs. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to lift the boxes and do all that bending. |
tinareid (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 02, 2006 - 3:48 pm: |
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My mother(57 years old) has just gotten out of the hospital today due to her 2nd set of strokes. Her first set of strokes occurred in 2004 and after 2-3 month period she went back to work (self-employed, no insurance), now her second set of strokes has affected her optical nerve and eyesight is somewhat restricted and she has been put under no driving for 6 mos. She is inquiring if she would qualify for disability but still be able to work some since she is co-owner of her own hair salon. She is also a diabetic with hypertension. |
Rebecca
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, July 12, 2003 - 8:46 am: |
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HOW can I Find out if SLE is on the disibility impairments list. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 8:52 pm: |
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Ask me. The listing for SLE, or systemic lupus, is set out below. But as a study of the listing will demonstrate several things that most people who post to this list do not realize. They are as follows:
a. You don't automatically get disability just because you have an impairment that is on the list.
b. It is highly unlikely that the doctors' records as they exist will have all of the findings required by the listing. There is almost always something to add, and the doctors almost never know what that is.
c. For almost every disease, you can almost always have a milder case, which would not match the listing, or a more severe case, which would.
d. Many people who do not quite meet a listing will still be found disabled under other provisions of the act.
"14.02 Systemic lupus erythematosus. Documented as described in 14.00B1, with:
A. One of the following:
1. Joint involvement, as described under the criteria in 1.00; or
2. Muscle involvement, as described under the criteria in 14.05; or
3. Ocular involvement, as described under the criteria in 2.00ff; or
4. Respiratory involvement, as described under the criteria in 3.00ff; or
5. Cardiovascular involvement, as described under the criteria in 4.00ff or 14.04D; or
6. Digestive involvement, as described under the criteria in 5.00ff; or
7. Renal involvement, as described under the criteria in 6.00ff; or
8. Hematologic involvement, as described under the criteria in 7.00ff; or
9. Skin involvement, as described under the criteria in 8.00ff; or
10. Neurological involvement, as described under the criteria in 11.00ff; or
11. Mental involvement, as described under the criteria in 12.00ff.
Or
B. Lesser involvement of two or more organs/body systems listed in paragraph A, with significant, documented, constitutional symptoms and signs of severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and weight loss. At least one of the organs/body systems must be involved to at least a moderate level of severity."
But the Commissioner also has this to say about how the disease should be evaluated.
"The documentation needed to establish the existence of a connective tissue disorder is medical history, physical examination, selected laboratory studies, appropriate medically acceptable imaging, and, in some instances, tissue biopsy. Medically acceptable imaging includes, but is not limited to, x-ray imaging, computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without contrast material, myelography, and radionuclear bone scans. "Appropriate" means that the technique used is the proper one to support the evaluation and diagnosis of the impairment. However, the Social Security Administration will not purchase diagnostic tests or procedures that may involve significant risk, such as biopsies or angiograms. Generally, the existing medical evidence will contain this information.
A longitudinal clinical record of at least 3 months demonstrating active disease despite prescribed treatment during this period with the expectation that the disease will remain active for 12 months is necessary for assessment of severity and duration of impairment.
To permit appropriate application of a listing, the specific diagnostic features that should be documented in the clinical record for each of the disorders are summarized for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic vasculitis, systemic sclerosis and scleroderma, polymyositis or dermatomyositis, undifferentiated connective tissue disorders, and the inflammatory arthritides.
In addition to the limitations caused by the connective tissue disorder per se, the chronic adverse effects of treatment (e.g., corticosteroid-related ischemic necrosis of bone) may result in functional loss.
These disorders may preclude performance of any gainful activity by reason of serious loss of function because of disease affecting a single organ or body system, or lesser degrees of functional loss because of disease affecting two or more organs/body systems associated with significant constitutional symptoms and signs of severe fatigue, fever, malaise, weight loss, and joint pain and stiffness. We use the term "severe" in these listings to describe medical severity; the term does not have the same meaning as it does when we use it in connection with a finding at the second step of the sequential evaluation processes in §§ 404.1520, 416.920, and 416.924.
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (14.02)--This disease is characterized clinically by constitutional symptoms and signs (e.g., fever, fatigability, malaise, weight loss), multisystem involvement and, frequently, anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia. Immunologically, an array of circulating serum auto-antibodies can occur, but are highly variable in pattern. Generally the medical evidence will show that patients with this disease will fulfill The 1982 Revised Criteria for the Classification of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of the American College of Rheumatology. (Tan, E.M., et al., Arthritis Rheum. 25: 11271-1277, 1982)." |
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