The immune system is an essential component of the body. It protects against germs, viruses, bacteria, or other invasive organisms that can cause infections and diseases. When the immune system fails to function correctly, a person can experience serious illnesses that can impact their physical health and leave them feeling exhausted and ill. In severe cases, these disorders can prevent an individual from holding down a job or pursuing their daily activities. Fortunately, people with qualifying immune system disorders may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. People who suffer from these types of disorders will need to determine what benefits may be available and how they can demonstrate that they are disabled.

What Is an Immune System Disorder?

Before diving into the Social Security Disability application process, it is important to understand what immune system disorders are. These disorders occur when the immune system fails to function correctly. In some cases, this may lead the immune system to attack healthy bodily tissues, leading to inflammation and other serious health concerns. Immune system disorders may be acquired or inherited, and symptoms can vary depending on the disorder.

Update: As described below, the issue of "concentration, persistence, and pace" can play a significant role in determining whether a person's condition qualifies as a disability. When applying for Social Security disability benefits, a person may be able to show that they are unable to work in jobs they have held in the past or find employment in other jobs because they cannot concentrate on their work or continue working at the expected pace during the day. It can be helpful to understand the types of conditions for which concentration, persistence, and pace may be a factor when applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Some conditions where a person may be able to show that they qualify for disability benefits due to issues with concentration, persistence, and pace include:

If you have a physical or mental condition that qualifies as a disability, you may apply for Social Security disability benefits. When doing so, you will need to demonstrate that your condition is severe enough that it prevents you from maintaining gainful employment and earning enough income to meet your ongoing needs. During the Social Security disability application process, it is important to understand the role that medical experts may play in your case. Medical evidence is an essential part of proving that you meet the criteria for receiving disability benefits. Medical experts can ensure that this evidence is evaluated correctly to determine whether you meet the requirements to be considered disabled.

What Is a Medical Expert? 

A medical expert is a doctor or other healthcare provider who has the necessary experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the specific disabilities involved in a particular case. The purpose of having a medical expert review your records is to give an opinion about whether or not your condition meets the criteria for disability. In some cases, this may be done through a physical examination. However, in most cases, the testimony of a medical expert will be based on a review of your existing medical records. 

If you are planning to apply for Social Security disability benefits, or if you are currently receiving benefits, it is important that you follow the course of treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor or other medical professionals. Failure to do so can result in a number of consequences, including the denial of a disability claim or the loss of your benefits.  If you have encountered any issues related to treatment for your condition, it is important to understand how Social Security will address these situations.

When Will Social Security Consider Whether Prescribed Treatment Has Been Followed?

Treatment plans for a disabled person are typically put together by a combination of their doctor, physical therapist, and other medical professionals. The goal of the treatment plan is to help them improve their condition to the point where they can either return to work or stabilize their condition. There are a variety of different types of treatments that a person may be required to undergo. These can include (but are not limited to): 

• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Surgery 

Generally, Social Security will only look at whether a person has failed to follow prescribed treatment if all of the following conditions exist:

Over the last several years, it has become well-known - if not medically well-understood - that many people who were infected with COVID continue to have disruptive symptoms long after the initial infection has cleared. This has generally been referred to as “long COVID,” with people who experience this phenomenon “COVID long-haulers.” The symptoms associated with long COVID can interfere substantially with a person’s life and ability to work. Significant and persistent tiredness or fatigue is an oft-cited concern of individuals with lasting COVID symptoms.

Some individuals - predominantly women - have even had a COVID infection contribute to the development of a little-understood medical condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). In some cases, long COVID can rise to the level of a disability for the purposes of Social Security Disability benefits. If you are unable to work due to the lasting effects of COVID, an attorney may be able to help you get the disability benefits you need. 

The Substantial Limitation Requirement and Long COVID

A disability is a physical or mental health condition that substantially limits at least one of a person’s major life activities. People with long COVID may or may not experience symptoms that limit their daily activities. Long COVID symptoms and effects that may rise to the level of a disability include: