Louisiana SSDI Lawyer Discusses Applying for SSDI for Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder
Mixed connective tissue disease is a rare condition that can have many challenging and painful symptoms. While seeking benefits can be a complex process, a qualified SSDI attorney can help you work through the specific details of your situation, gather evidence, and complete the SSDI application. Phillip M. Hendry Law has a strong history of helping clients in Louisiana, East Texas, and Southwest Arkansas with SSDI benefits, and you can rest assured you’ll be treated with compassion and professionalism throughout the process. Contact Phillip M. Hendry Law today for a free consultation and see how we can take the frustration out of your SSDI application.
What Are Connective Tissue Orders?
Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) are a set of health conditions that cause inflammation of the connective tissues of the body, which are made up of collagen and elastin. The connective tissues have essential functions throughout the body, and when they become inflamed, they harm proteins and nearby areas of the body, which can lead to a host of challenging symptoms ranging in severity. There are over 200 different connective tissue disorders, each with their specific symptoms and treatments. In most cases, the cause of a CTD is unknown. Genetics, injury, or environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, can sometimes be identified.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Is a Condition Involving Features of Multiple CTDs
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare condition in which an individual displays features of at least two different connective tissue disorders. Lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis are commonly involved in mixed connective tissue disease. Those with MCTDs often have additional conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome (a chronic autoimmune disorder). There is no cure for mixed connective tissue disease, but lifestyle changes and treatment can help make symptoms more manageable.
Symptoms of MCTDs That Impact Daily Life and Ability to Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity
Symptoms can vary depending on the specific connective tissue disorders involved. Treatment plans depend on symptoms and the impact of those symptoms on a patient’s life.
Common MCTD Symptoms
Common symptoms involved with MCTDs include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Inflammation of joints and muscles (which can lead to deformed joints)
- Raynaud phenomenon (pain, numbness, and sensitivity in extremities or parts of the body)
- Skin problems, including sclerodactyly, a hardening of the skin of the fingers that limits movement
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Lung disorders
- Difficulty eating, swallowing, and digesting food
- Nerve problems
- Kidney disease
Those with the condition can experience rare but serious early symptoms such as hearing loss, gangrene, severe arthritis, myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), aseptic meningitis, and others.
Impact of Symptoms
The severity of the symptoms and pain levels they cause can vary, but many symptoms can affect daily function and severely limit a person’s physical capacity. They can prevent the ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A skilled SSDI lawyer can help with your application to receive benefits as a result of MCTD.
Applying for SSDI Benefits for Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
If you have mixed connective tissue disease, an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can help. The process can be complex and require substantial evidence to support the claim.
MCTD Criteria According to the Blue Book
Mixed connective tissue disorder criteria appear in the SSA Blue Book Section 14.06,you’re your application will require documented medical evidence from acceptable medical sources (AMS). You must have documentation from AMS showing clinical features of autoimmune disorders that do not meet the criteria for other specific disorders or CTDs. Evidence from blood and antibody tests can show the overlapping presence of two or more autoimmune disorders that meet the MCTD diagnosis.
In addition, your condition must include:
- Two organ or body systems, with at least one at a moderate level of severity
- At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs
You can also provide evidence of:
- Repeated manifestation of undifferentiated or mixed connective tissue disease with two signs and symptoms
- At least one of the signs or symptoms existing at a level that limits daily living activities, social function, or “completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace”
If You Can’t Meet the Listing for MCTD
Because MCTD is a rare and complex condition, it can present some challenges when filing a claim. In order to equal the listing for mixed connective tissue disease, if you cannot meet the Blue Book criteria, evidence must show that the condition is equal in severity and duration to a comparable listing, according to tests and findings from acceptable medical sources. You can also support the claim with evidence of the impact and limitations of the impairment.
Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help Fight for the Benefits You Deserve
You don’t have to struggle through the SSDI application process for MCTD benefits alone. The legal team at Phillip M. Hendry Law is highly experienced in navigating complex SSDI cases. They can work with you to gather evidence, complete the SSDI application, avoid common mistakes, and walk you through the process to apply for the benefits you need.