SSA Blue Book · Section 14.00

All Blue Book listings / Immune System Disorders

Immune System Listings: Lupus, HIV, and Inflammatory Arthritis

Section 14.00 covers immune system disorders. These conditions can affect several organs or body systems, so SSA considers the specific criteria and the combined effects documented in the record.

Conditions covered

The listings include systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic vasculitis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory arthritis, immune deficiency disorders, and HIV infection.

Key listings in Section 14.00

  • 14.02 — Systemic lupus erythematosus

    Evaluates lupus through specified findings, manifestations, and functional effects.

  • 14.04 — Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

    Covers qualifying systemic sclerosis and related organ involvement.

  • 14.09 — Inflammatory arthritis

    Addresses inflammatory joint disease through specified patterns of involvement and functional limits.

  • 14.11 — HIV infection

    Evaluates HIV infection under defined clinical criteria and related conditions.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

  • Relevant records may include specialist notes, laboratory and immune testing, imaging, joint examinations, organ-function tests, and treatment history.
  • Because symptoms can flare and remit, dated records should show the pattern, frequency, duration, treatment response, and functioning between flares.
  • When several organs or systems are involved, include evidence of each manifestation and how the combined effects affect routine activities.

If the listing is not met

If an immune-system listing is not met or medically equaled, SSA still considers supported effects such as pain, fatigue, flares, infection risk, medication side effects, and limits on hand use or attendance.

Those limitations are considered in RFC and at Steps 4 and 5. Depending on the exertional and nonexertional limits, the Grid Rules may direct or help frame the decision.

Related resources

Read the official SSA Blue Book for Section 14.00

This page provides general information, not medical or legal advice. It is not a determination of whether any person qualifies for benefits.