As an inflammatory disease that can diminish the performance of a wide variety of organs in the body, sarcoidosis can turn a career upside down. Abnormally large masses called granulomas flame up to damage vital organs such as the liver and the kidneys. Not only does acute pain make it nearly impossible to complete the most basic job functions, severe fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning.
The onset of sarcoidosis is not easy to detect, which may mean people afflicted with the disease do not understand why they have slowed down on the job. However, if you discover red bumps on the skin, experience slightly blurred vision, and/or find yourself with a suddenly hoarse voice, the time has come not only to receive a medical diagnosis, but also find a way to earn disability benefits.
Making Up the Lost Income Caused by Sarcoidosis
If you have received a sarcoidosis diagnosis, and the disease has progressed to the point when you cannot perform typical job functions, then the time has come to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a resource to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits. Referred to as the Blue Book, the resource lists every eligible medical condition, along with the symptoms associated with each medical condition that qualify applicants for SSDI benefits.
Sometimes, the SSA requires SSDI applicants to submit a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment form. An RFC assessment form provides the SSA with information that shows how a disease like sarcoidosis has negatively impacted job performance. The SSA scrutinizes the affect of the disease on every job function. For example, the development of sarcoidosis can make it virtually unrealistic for a carpenter to saw through thin boards. Considered a supplemental piece of information, an accurate and comprehensive RFC can make the difference between the approval and the denial of your application.
Submit Medical Documents
Although you can submit an RFC assessment form on your own, it is recommended that you ask your physician to do it for you. An RFC form sent by a licensed personal physician carries much more weight. If you do decide to go it alone, make sure to attach important medical documents to your RFC assessment application.
Sarcoidosis requires the submission of test results such as a biopsy, which consists of a small tissue sample taken from one of the vital organs impacted by the disease. A pathologist specializing in conducting biopsy tests will sign the medical form that confirms you went through the test. An elevated ACE reading is another piece of strong evidence that should convince the SSA that you suffer from Sarcoidosis. Chest x-rays and lung function tests also help build the case that sarcoidosis has negatively impacted your job performance.
Obtain a Free Case Evaluation
Like many things in life, you have just one opportunity to make a positive impression when it comes to submitting an RFC assessment form. With your career and personal finances in jeopardy, it makes sense to find out where you stand with an RFC assessment application before you send it to the SSA. A free case evaluation will give you insight into the strength of your RFC application. It takes little time to complete the form, and you should receive results of the evaluation within a few days.
Schedule a free case evaluation today to determine the strength of your RFC application.
