Social Security Disability Benefits for Sjögren's syndrome

The main symptoms are:

• Dry eyes. Your eyes may burn or itch or feel like they have sand in them. Sometimes Sjögren's syndrome can cause blurry vision or sensitivity to bright light, especially fluorescent lighting.
• Dry mouth. Your mouth may feel chalky or like it is full of cotton.
• You may have trouble:
  • Swallowing.
  • Speaking.
  • Tasting.
• Because you lack the protective effects of saliva, you may develop more dental decay (cavities) and mouth infections.

Sjögren's syndrome also can affect other parts of the body, including:

• Skin.
• Joints.
• Lungs.
• Kidneys.
• Blood vessels.
• Digestive organs.
• Nerves.

Symptoms can include:

• Dry skin.
• Skin rashes.
• Chronic dry cough.
• Thyroid problems.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
• Fatigue or feeling very tired.

Reference: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sjogrens-syndrome

Essential Medical Documentation of Sjogren's for Disability Benefits:

• How frequent and severe is your fatiguability?
• What limitations do you have doing physical activity? (stand, walk, lift/carry)
• How frequent and severe is your muscle and/or joint pain?
• How frequent and severe is numbness/tingling in your upper/lower extremities?
• How frequent and severe are your flare-ups (dry eyes, skin cracking/peeling/rashes)?