The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the leading causes of inability to work in the United States. For some, rheumatoid arthritis can make it challenging to care for oneself without pain, much less hold down a job. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is not an automatic ticket to disability benefits, however. The path from diagnosis to disability benefits can involve several steps. While a rheumatoid arthritis disability attorney may assist you through the stages of your claim, getting disability benefits can still take some time.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting, persistent condition in which your body’s immune system attacks the tissue lining your body’s joints. When your immune system attacks this tissue, it can cause the tissue to swell and become painful. In more extreme cases, your joints can become deformed and difficult to use.
It is not just your joints that can suffer because of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can also affect your other organs, skin, vascular system, and eyes.
It is presently unknown what causes rheumatoid arthritis to develop. Once diagnosed, you may experience times when the pain and stiffness seem to be more pronounced, known as “flare-ups.” Periods of remission can follow, during which symptoms seem to subside or go away altogether.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Disability Develops
In rheumatoid arthritis’s early stages, you may notice the joints of your fingers, toes, hands, and wrists are tender and swollen and that your joints feel stiff. Your joints may feel painful, but you can usually continue caring for yourself independently and working.
Initially, you may find it difficult to grasp small objects like pens and cabinet knobs. As the condition progresses and spreads to other joints and parts of your body, it can become prohibitively painful to use your hands, sit for long periods, or carry loads of any weight. During these latter stages, it may be too painful to continue working.
What a Successful Rheumatoid Arthritis Disability Claim Looks Like
The Social Security Administration considers rheumatoid arthritis to be a disabling condition. In order to receive benefits, though, the condition must have prevented you from maintaining gainful employment for at least 12 months.
You and your rheumatoid arthritis disability attorney will want to document your diagnosis and course of treatment thoroughly. Keep all of your medical appointments, take any prescription drugs as directed, and speak candidly with your medical provider about your symptoms and any improvement or worsening of them.
Your job history will also be essential to your claim’s success. The Social Security Administration will consider the physical and mental demands of your past and present work. Your medical records must demonstrate that your rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from fulfilling these job demands.
Get Help with Your Social Security Disability Claim
If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but the Social Security Administration has denied your disability claim, the Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC can help.
Contact our office immediately and schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We can discuss your condition and how to appeal your claim’s denial.
Hello my name is Janice frost. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about three years ago. And it’s causing me problems of maintaining employment.
Getting Social Security Disability Benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a lifeline for individuals facing the challenges of this debilitating condition. These benefits provide much-needed financial support and access to necessary medical care, allowing individuals to manage their symptoms and maintain a decent quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis can severely impact a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities. The physical limitations, chronic pain, and fatigue associated with this condition can make it difficult to sustain employment and earn a living.
Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis requires meeting specific criteria set by the Social Security Administration. This includes providing medical evidence of the condition, demonstrating the functional limitations it imposes, and showing an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
While the process of applying for these benefits can be challenging and time-consuming, it is essential for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis to pursue the support they deserve. Seeking assistance from healthcare professionals and legal experts specializing in Social Security Disability can greatly improve the chances of a successful claim.
In conclusion, Social Security Disability Benefits for Rheumatoid Arthritis can be a vital resource for individuals struggling with this condition. These benefits offer financial relief and necessary medical care, helping individuals maintain a decent quality of life despite the challenges posed by rheumatoid arthritis.
I never knew that it was possible to receive a form of settlement for your disorder through a Social Security disability claim. I saw online ads that offer representation for individuals with these problems. I should consider recommending this to my uncle if something similar happens during his retirement.