Scleroderma and Social Security Disability Benefits
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Scleroderma and Social Security Disability Benefits
Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. In severe cases, it can affect internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart. These complications often make it impossible to maintain steady employment.
If scleroderma prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At MLF Legal, our social security disability attorneys help Texans apply for and appeal disability claims related to scleroderma and social security disability.
📞 Call us today at 214-357-1782 for a free consultation.
How the SSA Evaluates Scleroderma
Blue Book Listing 14.04 (Systemic Sclerosis)
SSA recognizes scleroderma under Listing 14.04. You may qualify if the disease causes:
- Skin thickening with severe functional limitations
- Lung involvement (pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease)
- Kidney complications (renal crisis)
- Heart involvement (arrhythmias, heart failure)
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
- Even if you don’t meet the listing, SSA considers how scleroderma limits your ability to work. Examples include:
- Difficulty using hands due to skin tightening
- Shortness of breath and reduced stamina
- Fatigue and chronic pain
- Frequent medical appointments or hospitalizations
- The MLF Legal social security disability lawyers in Dallas & Fort Worth can help people nationwide struggling with the effects of scleroderma to prove your eligibility for benefits using the sequential evaluation process. Proving your case through the sequential evaluation process is best done with a social security disability attorney.
Symptoms That Affect Work Ability
- Skin thickening and stiffness limiting mobility
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (often linked to scleroderma)
- Joint pain and swelling
- Shortness of breath and lung complications
- Fatigue and reduced endurance
- Organ involvement requiring ongoing treatment
Medical Evidence That Strengthens a Scleroderma Claim
- Rheumatologist’s diagnosis and treatment notes
- Imaging and pulmonary function tests
- Blood tests (autoantibodies such as anti-Scl-70)
- Documentation of flare-ups and hospitalizations
- Physician statements about work restrictions
- Medical Source Statements
Why Scleroderma Disability Claims Get Denied
- SSA underestimates the severity of rare conditions
- Lack of detailed medical documentation
- Inconsistent treatment records
- Failure to connect symptoms to specific work limitations
How MLF Legal Helps People Nationwide With Scleroderma Disability Claims
- Initial Applications – ensuring your claim is complete and supported by medical evidence
- Appeals & Hearings – representing you before Administrative Law Judges
- Medical-Legal Collaboration – working with doctors to document causation and limitations
- Texas-Focused Advocacy – serving clients across Dallas, Fort Worth, and statewide
- Nationwide Representation – based in Dallas, but traveling nationally to represent people before the Social Security Administration.
📞 Call 214-357-1782 or complete our Free Case Review Request Form below to get started.
FAQs About Scleroderma and Disability
Is scleroderma considered a disability by Social Security?
Yes. Scleroderma is recognized under SSA’s Blue Book Listing 14.04. If your symptoms are severe and well-documented, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
Do I need to meet the SSA’s scleroderma listing to qualify?
Yes. Scleroderma is recognized under SSA’s Blue Book Listing 14.04. If your symptoms are severe and well-documented, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.
What medical evidence is most important for scleroderma disability claims?
Detailed rheumatology records, pulmonary function tests, blood tests, and physician statements about functional limitations are critical.
Can I get disability for scleroderma if I still try to work part-time?
Possibly. SSA looks at whether you can engage in substantial gainful activity. If your earnings are below SSA’s threshold and scleroderma prevents full-time work, you may still qualify.
What if my scleroderma claim is denied?
Possibly. SSA looks at whether you can engage in substantial gainful activity. If your earnings are below SSA’s threshold and scleroderma prevents full-time work, you may still qualify.
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