Disability Benefits for Lupus: Zoraida’s Story

Zoraida started having symptoms of fatigue and joint pain so she went to see her doctor. Sadly, she was diagnosed with lupus. Over time, she found her ability to work deteriorating.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for lupus. Many people file for Social Security disability benefits when they suffer from lupus as many lose the ability to work and function like they once could.

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body. Normally, the immune system fights off bacteria, germs and viruses, but an autoimmune disease cannot tell the difference from these foreign invaders or healthy body tissue. Thus, antibodies are produced and attack the healthy tissue. These attacks are damaging and can cause inflammation and pain. Lupus can affect anyone, but is most often diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Symptoms of lupus may include:

• severe fatigue
• joint and muscle pain
• swelling in the joints
• fever
• hair loss
• sensitivity to light
• malar rash
• and other symptoms such as headaches, clinical depression, anxiety, water retention, and weight loss

Be sure to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

Unable to work because of lupus

Zoraida was diagnosed with lupus by her doctor in 2014. She tried to keep working, but her condition was worsening. “I was in a lot of pain and very tired,” Zoraida said. Zoraida knew she had to do something, so she decided to apply for Social Security disability benefits. “I applied on my own, but I was denied my first time. I was at a loss. My sister worked with Balin Law and they won her disability case so I asked her for advice,” Zoraida continued.

Getting help after a denied disability claim

Because Zoraida’s sister had a good experience with Balin Law, she decided to take her advice and call the law firm to explain her situation. “Balin Law reviewed my case and said they were going to fight for me. I was denied again, but Paulette Balin said, ‘We are going to keep fighting because you deserve this.'”

Zoraida kept going to her appointments and treatments as her doctors advised. “I went to court with Balin Law by my side and I explained to the judge exactly how I was feeling. I explained my day-to-day limitations and the lawyers asked me a couple of questions. Going into court, I felt really prepared,” Zoraida said.

A favorable decision for lupus

Working with Balin Law, Zoraida was awarded a favorable decision for her Social Security disability case. She says, “Paulette Balin and her firm gave me hope. Within six months, I got my approval letter and we won. Paulette never let me down and she kept fighting for me.” 

Overall experience with Balin Law

We asked Zoraida about her experience hiring Balin Law. She said, “I highly recommend Paulette Balin and her firm. She’s a really great lawyer and she’s got a lot of experience too. She never let me down and I think she would fight for any client just as hard as she fought for me in court.” While there is no cure for lupus, Balin Law was happy to have given Zoraida hope for her future.

Applying for Social Security disability with lupus

Were you diagnosed with lupus and unable to work like you once could? Be sure to contact a lawyer and get answers to your questions before filing a claim. Having a lawyer by your side can improve your chances of winning.

Balin Law offers a free consultation to answer any questions you have about lupus and filing a disability claim. Give us a call today 866-492-2546