According to the CDC, the cases of confirmed arthritis diagnoses have risen by approximately 4 million in the last few years. As people continue to have longer life expectancies and live well into their senior years, predictions for the number of arthritis cases is expected to continue its rising trend.
Despite having medical records reflecting the diagnosis, establishing a claim with the Social Security Administration can be difficult. It is possible, however, with consistent documentation and experienced SSDI legal representation.
Social Security Disability Benefits & Arthritis
New drug therapies have certainly helped many arthritis sufferers maintain an active lifestyle, but the condition can still be disabling as it eats away at bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. Some types of arthritis can cause such extreme skin inflammation the resulting infection can be ongoing and difficult to control.
The Social Security Administration primarily views arthritis as orthopedic inflammation or an autoimmune disorder. Inflammatory arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is measured by its effect on bone, joints, and soft tissue.
Autoimmune based types of arthritis include rheumatoid, psoriatic, and lupus, among others. These forms of arthritis are evaluated according to autoimmune regulations.
Supporting Your Claim
To qualify for disability benefits, symptoms need to be proven through medical records lab tests or biopsy findings. The Social Security Administration rarely refers applicants to board-certified experts for exams, but will often schedule an X-ray.
It is recommended that each claimant consult their own physician for a referral to a specialist, and an MRI or CAT scan, as well. These tests can effectively indicate tissue damage and provide detail that an X-ray cannot.
In addition to detailed medical records, test results, and scans, showing consistent daily limitations is necessary. Doctors may issue statements detailing limitations including sitting, standing, walking, and the arthritic effects on any fine motor skills like holding a pen or cup.
Any assistance required for basic functions like dressing or showering should be well documented, as well as need for intermittent rest between tasks. Other conditions, such as obesity, that intensify symptoms should also be documented as necessary.
Essentially, documentation must clearly show the claimant is unable to consistently perform full-time work and earn a stable income due to the claimed medical condition.
Contact Us
If you are seeking SSDI for rheumatoid arthritis or any other type of arthritis, our social security disability lawyers in Knoxville, TN will provide you with the experience and dedication necessary for a successful claim. Call today for your free consultation.
