It’s official — Social Security Disability Guidelines include Sjögren’s syndrome for first time!

Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome now will have an easier time obtaining social security disability. New and final rules released Tuesday, March 18, 2008, for social security disability evaluation of immune system disorders includes specific guidelines for Sjögren’s for the first time ever.

Sjögren’s syndrome was recognized as a disabling disease after long-term advocacy on the part of the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation. The Foundation presented on Sjögren’s at the two policy conferences organized by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and, with the help of Medical and Scientific Advisory Board members and associates, developed criteria and comments for SSA consideration.

Guidelines for the Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Immune System Disorders can be viewed here.