What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (1) involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one at a moderate level of severity AND two constitutional symptoms (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, weight loss), OR (2) repeated manifestations with marked limitation in daily activities, social functioning, OR completing tasks.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Rheumatologist records, ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels, organ-specific testing (renal biopsy, echo, skin biopsy), and treatment history including biologics or immunosuppressants.
Common misconceptions
Lupus varies dramatically between patients. Mild cases controlled with hydroxychloroquine rarely qualify; cases with significant organ involvement (lupus nephritis, pericarditis) often do.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.