Arthritis is a disability eligible for Social Security benefits when it prevents you from doing work required by your job.
The rules relating to Social Security and arthritis are complex, and it’s not uncommon to take a misstep in applying for benefits. If you are seeking arthritis benefits, consulting a Long Term Disability Attorney can help to maximize your likelihood of success.
What Counts as Arthritis?
Arthritis is tenderness and swelling of a single or multiple joints. The Social Security guidelines recognize two commonly occurring types of Arthritis as a disability when they impact your ability to work: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Diseases within both types of Arthritis are eligible for benefits under Social Security rules.
Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the hard, smooth cartilage at the joints between bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereby your immune system attacks your joints and the lining between joints.
Both types are chronic, painful, and debilitating. Arthritis can occur in many areas of the body.
The SSA identifies many illnesses as Inflammatory Arthritis involving the axial spine and eligible for benefits:
- Behcet’s Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Whipple’s Disease
- Reiter’s Syndrome
- Ankylosing Syndrome
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In addition, SSA benefits extend to many kinds of Inflammatory Arthritis involving the peripheral joints. The illnesses include:
- Lyme Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gout and Pseudogout
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Is My Arthritis Bad Enough to Qualify for Social Security Disability?
You may qualify for Social Security Disability when your arthritis interferes with your ability to perform the required activities of your job. This may involve the inability to perform:
- Minimal physical exertion such as sitting, walking, and typing.
- Greater exertion such as kneeling, bending or lifting.
The Social Security Administration has functionality guidelines that the agency applies to Inflammatory Arthritis claims.
For example, regarding Inflammatory Arthritis in one or more joints of your leg or foot, you must show a documented need for canes, crutches, a walker, or a seated mobility device that takes two hands to operate.
If your inflammatory Arthritis affects your arms, you must show that the disease impacts you so severely that you cannot use your functional arm to perform work tasks while also operating a device that is medically required for you move around, such as a motorized scooter.
What If My Arthritis Isn’t Completely Debilitating?
If you are able to do at least some work even though you have arthritis, you can apply for a medical-vocational allowance. The Social Security Administration will consider your:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Physical functionality
The experienced Social Security disability attorneys of Marc Whitehead & Associates are fully versed in the Social Security Administration’s arthritis rules. Our team works with you to assemble the necessary medical records to prove your benefits claim.
With decades of experience to draw upon, we present the strongest possible case to maximize your likelihood of receiving Social Security disability for arthritis. Contact one of our social security disability lawyers now. We have a national practice and handle cases over the Internet. No need to travel to our office.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
