I was diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease. Can I qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

While your physician may be unable to pinpoint just one specific connective tissue disorder that you suffer from, the good news is that you may still qualify for disability benefits. These benefits are often very important because they provide much-needed financial assistance. This financial help can be critical when your connective tissue disorder is so severe that you are unable to work to support yourself.

How to Qualify for Disability Benefits With Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Qualifying for disability benefits due to connective tissue disease is not always easy. Your first hurdle in the process it to provide medical proof that symptoms support a diagnosis of one of the following conditions:

1. Undifferentiated connective tissue disease. In these cases, your symptoms are associated with connective tissue disease but do not specifically meet the criteria for one specific condition. Since your symptoms cannot be narrowed to one specific disease, you may receive a diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue disease.
2. Mixed connective tissue disease. In these cases, your symptoms and blood tests indicate that you have more than one type of connective tissue disease.

The second hurdle is to prove to the Social Security Administration that you have one of the following:

1. Two or more areas of your body are affected by the disease, with at least one of these areas showing severe symptoms. You also must prove that you have two symptoms that indicate severe illness. These symptoms may include fever, weight loss, or severe weakness.
2. You have frequent symptoms of the disease, with at least two signs of severe illness, and you are unable to perform daily tasks as a result. You are also unable to interact with others and function properly both mentally and physically in order to perform job tasks.

If you suffer from undifferentiated connective tissue disease or mixed connective tissue disease, it is important to seek assistance from an experienced attorney. We are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation at 888-904-6847.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.