Inflammatory Arthritis: Social Security Disability
Inflammatory arthritis is the general term for conditions of the joints that involve the immune system and inflammation. This can include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis typically causes pain and swelling in the joints. Most patients will experience symptoms in multiple joints. In evaluating Inflammatory Arthritis and your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Social Security Administration (SSA) seeks to establish one or more of the following:
A. Persistent inflammation or persistent deformity of:
- One or more major peripheral weight-bearing joints resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively; In other words, impacting your legs making it challenging to walk. Or…
- One or more major peripheral joints in each upper extremity resulting in the inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively. In other words, limited ability to grasp, or write with your hands or move your arms freely.
OR
B. Inflammation or deformity in one or more major peripheral joints with:
- Involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one of the organs/body systems involved at least to a moderate level of severity; In other words substantial limitation in either your arms or your legs as well as limitations in another part of your body. And..
- At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss).
OR
C. Ankylosing spondylitis or other spondyloarthropathies, with:
- Ankylosis (fixation) of the dorsolumbar or cervical spine as shown by appropriate medically acceptable imaging and measured on physical examination at 45° or more of flexion from the vertical position (zero degrees); or…
- Ankylosis (fixation) of the dorsolumbar or cervical spine as shown by appropriate medically acceptable imaging and measured on physical examination at 30° or more of flexion (but less than 45°) measured from the vertical position (zero degrees), and involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity.
Note: These are technical measurements you would receive from your physician. Freedom can help you understand if you are likely to meet the above.
OR
D. Repeated manifestations of inflammatory arthritis, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
- Limitation of activities of daily living.
- Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
- Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
In other words, the limitations need to adversely impact your daily life.
If you feel your Arthritis has or will prevent you from working for at least twelve consecutive months, and believe you deserve Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, call Freedom Disability today at (866) 761-5942 for a free evaluation with one of our professional Disability Advocates. Our Advocates can help determine if your condition is likely to result in a successful SSDI application. If you do qualify, we can provide you with the assistance that you need to get the benefits that you deserve. At Freedom we are experienced in submitting Back Pain Disability applications and will assist you in gathering all necessary medical documents to support your claim.
The foregoing information is based on published materials from the Social Security Administration (“Disability Evaluation Under Social Security”). It is meant to serve as an introduction to some of the factors used by the SSA in evaluating cases. It is no way comprehensive. While Freedom Disability can help you prepare an effective application for benefits, only the SSA can determine whether or not you qualify. For more information call Freedom today at (866) 761-5942.
Learn More About Your Disability Benefits:
Back Pain: Social Security Disability
Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Social Security Disability
Alzheimers Disease: Social Security Disability
Diabetes: Social Security Disability
Stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Autism: Social Security Disability
Heart Disease & Other Cardiovascular Disabilities: Social Security Disability
i have chronic gout in my feet mostly in the left one and been shown an xray of my spine that is not bent to my rigth when i had a full boby scan when i had brain surgery,the gout sometimes stays inflammed up to 3weeks
My husband is 61 years old, he has been suffering with gout since he was 16 years old. He has it in his right knee so bad that his knee is frozen. Has it in his hands and knuckles and elbows and all of his toes. He is 6 foot 6 inches tall. He has worked all of his life, and lost his job due to lay offs with the company that he worked for. We think that the reason that he isn't getting hired is the fact that they see him having a hard time getting out of a chair when he went to an interview. They asked him if he had any physical problems, because he has dealt with this problem for so many years, he said no. He has everything documented with the doctors at the VA and goes for blood testing for his gout every other month. We want to know what are the chances that he could get on social security disability. Any help and information would be appreciated. Deborah
Deborah, If there is medical evidence and the support from your husband's doctors that your husband is unable to work, he may be able to get Social Security disability. It is a very hard process, however. An Eligibility Consultant can better advise on whether he should pursue this. You can call 866-347-2910 for a free consultation. Also, you mention he is a veteran. If he has a service-related condition at a certain rating with the VA, he may be able to get a higher rating and more VA benefits. Our sister company, Alpha could help him get more VA benefits. Please check out www.alphadisability.com to learn how Alpha helps veterans.
I would like to know if I am eligibility for social security disability I have osteoarthritis and I have had knee replacement in my right knee need to get my left one replacement but having a heart time walking having pain if I walk to long get tried but God is with me. Also have high blood pressure but keep on putting so just would like to know if I am eligibility.
Walter, The eligiblity criteria for disability benefits includes your age and whether or not your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working at any job and if you have a work history and have paid into Social Security. The requirements are strict so the best thing would be to call in to talk to an Eligiblity Consultant to find out if you have a case. If you are interested please call 866-347-2910. We may be able to help you.
I am wanting to know if my husband,Richard,37 yrs of age, should qualify for SSI. He was diagnoised almost 6 yrs ago with RA. His profession is electrician ..lost job due to ability to keep up (hands mostly affected),he applied ,was denied, his dr. refuses to see him, lack of $ to continue to pay him, etc...is there help for him ? Saw commercial on TV...can you help ?
I turned 60 in July. I have had bilateral, total [Biomel Knee Replacements] done in both legs.This was done inSeptember of 2008.I have done much therphy.I was told the first few month was very important.I did make some progress in beginning.However I am having much pain in the knees.I get swelling in knees and legs.I am not much good on stairs climbing.I have pain in walking.Sometimes it feels as if my legs want to give out.When I go out in the cold it causes much hurting in my knees.The reason for replacements was i had arthritis develope in knees and deteriorate cartilage in both knees.I walked 2 yrs. bone against bone and severe pain in both legs.I have life time restrictions due to knee replacements. I am only allowed only to lift 10 lb. standing and 20 lb. if I set.I am not able to get down on floor for anything.It is to hard to get back up.I can't runI can't stand long peorids of time.Sometimes I must lay down and put pillow under legs to prop them up, to releive pressure. When I sleep at night I am not able to lay on side. To have both knee's against each other presents and causes knee pain.I must use pillow between legs.I have double curvature spine.I was told the vertebras would eventually close and slow circulation down and pinch the nerve.Now is causing numbness in arms and hands. possibly could be arthritis there also.I get frequent hand cramps in both hands.I also have problems with spouts of uncontrobale bloodpressure.
I would like to know if i'm eligible for disabilty. I lost my job January 2009 because of a medical leave that lasted too long because of my panic attacks, depression. continue to be on 3 different medicines for it. Now i'm being treated for RA & panic attacks, depression, trouble sleeping. 2 medicines for my RA plus i have pins and plate in my right ankle. Can you help me?
I am a 58 yr.old and have arthritis in my knee. The Doctor that has been treating it has said it is osteoarthritis and is pretty bad. We have tried steroid shots, and no help. He tried a series fo Rooster Comb shots which were very expensive and they did nothing either. I have no insurance nor does my husband who is retired. The doctor said the knee really needs to be replaced. Are there any programs of help of any kind to get this done. I do work partime and enjoy my job but it is difficult to walk, which i have to do a lot of on my job, and i am in pain all the time.
Donna, Please read our article "The Government Can Help You Find a Doctor." You may be able to find a health clinic in your area that can treat you.
donna you have the age and if you have worked and put in over 35 yrs of service, you can get ssdi for your knees. probably thru the judge, not the ssa. i 58 and finally got it, after 3 denial. don't give up....
Im a 56 year old widow ! Ive had arthritis in both knees for years ! I was sechuled for surgery on March10th of 2010 . My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer in Febuary 2nd of that same year , So surgery was posponed in order for me to take care of him when he passed away in May I no longer had insurance ... I work part time have been for last 3 years its all I can do because my knees are so bad ... I cannot stand for long periods of time .. My lower back hurts im sure thats arthritis too ... and have it in at least 2 fingers on each hand witch causes some numbness.. What are my chances?
Joan, If your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working at any job you may qualify for disability benefits. Please call 866-347-2910 to speak with an eligibility consultant who can explain your options at this time.
you have the age and if you have osteoarthritis in both knees you can win disablility. i got it...
my both hands has rheumatoid arthritis disease, my left hand and middle finger was badly affected . I went to my doctor and he say's permanent and degenerated. My social security dis. was still pending until now, do you think I can get my disability benefit? I'm not working since 2007, I filed my dis. 2008 for my hearing lose (2 ears ) and some medical problem, I need your answer. Thank you.
Evelyn, It's hard to say about whether you'll be approved for Social Security disability. There are many factors Social Security considers, such as the severity of your condition, your age and your ability to work at a job as well as if you have paid recently enough into Social Security through work. If you have filed on your own and think you need help with your application, you have the option of calling to speak to one of Elibiltiy Consultants at 866-347-2910 for more guidance..
hi, i am 26 and i have gout in both feet in the ankles and toes and in my right elbow, an its moving to other area's i had my first flare up at 18 i worked for a year then was unable to keep the job due to gout *not being able to walk* for days on to weeks an have constant flare ups and im on med's but its only getting worse, an not able to keep a job due to gout! could i be eligible
Will, There are other factors involved when SSA decides if a person is eligible for Social Security disability. You are young, so SSA would probably look at your education and past work to determine if you are able to retrain for different work. Your disability must be so severe it is preventing you from working at any job for at least 12 months or could result in death. Please read our article about how SSA uses vocational guidelines to determine disability.
Hi, I was wondering if anyone can please help an maybe give me some advice?? I am 23 years old!! yes! 23!! lol 2 years ago i got into a car wreck and about a year after my wreck i started having problems with my both of my feet an walking, pain etc. First they said i had neuropathy! but I recently got a new doctor and he the nerve test on me again and he said i DO NOT have that!! so he said its prob arthritis. I have not yet did my blood test and figured out thats what it is yet. But im pretty sure thats what this is! I have been suffering from this for about 2 years now. i had to take a 5 month leave from job when i started having major problems. I went back to work about a year and 5 months ago only working partttime about18-25 hours a week. I work in retail and its so painful everyday for me! sometimes i even come home crying! I hurt even if i work 4 1/2 shifts.. My husband has to do all the house work and cooking because I am not able to. I cant do anything I want to do like going to the mall with my friends because all i do is work an hurt myself becuase i need the money! I have tried an tried to find a sit down job but its so hard these days! I was wondering if i could be able to get disability?? thank you!!
Krystal, This is tough, and I'm sorry for your problems. I have to tell you that it could be a challenge to get approved for Social Security disablity insurance (SSDI) basically because of your young age. And though your condition is hard for you, SSA may find that you are young enough to retrain for different work, even though it's hard to find jobs these days. Keep in mind that your disability benefits are calculated from how much you have earned and paid into Social Security during your working life. So, if you are approved, whatever that benefit is will not increase if you get worse as you get older. If you really think you can't work, you can apply with SSA. You may get initially denied and then it may take as long as two years, depending on where you live, to get through the appeals process. If you're having financial difficulties, you might find programs or services at www.helpwell.org you can apply for. I hope things get better for you. Good luck.
My family Dr.ran blood work on me and it came back possitive for RA i had an appointment with a rhumitoligist but had to come up with 250.00 for first visit so had to cancel cause couldn't come up with money.Do you think i could try to get SSI and can you help me???
Hi Debra, When you apply to Social Security for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) you have to provide medical proof of your disabling condition and you must meet a certain level of income and resources to qualify for this needs based program.If you are not able to pay for the rhumitoligist visit, please check out www.freeclinics.us to find a free clinic in your area that can document your medical condition. If you apply for SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance you must also be insured for this benefit through your work history. Even if you have a qualifying medical condition you must meet the required eligibility criteria for either benefit. If you need help or would like to discuss your options for disability benefits, you can talk to an eligibility consultant at 866-761-5942.
I am being re-evaluated for my SSD. I filled out all the paperwork and sent it in in July. Now 12/20/11, I recieved a huge pkt of papers to fill out. They say they need more info. I have Sjogrens Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.I also suffer depression and anxiety. Each day can hurt in a different place or be different mentally. The questions are all about what I do during any given day and what my problems are with specific things. It really does not allow for my types of issues and I am very afraid of being denied. Is there help available with filling out forms to KEEP disability? Thank you
I'm 26yrs old I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I am unable to work they already send me ssi checks but, they're small they think because I live with them I pay nothing I get about 600 that's not helping my fiance and I at all anyone know what I can do to get more.
Hi there, I 'm a 54 year old male and have been out on state disability from my Job since February 06,2012. Do you think I qualify for Social Security benefits?I suffer from the following ailments Chronic Gouty Arthritis – Joint disease/multiple deformities also in Tendons, soft tissue, and cartilages (Tophus), unable to bend fingers due to stiffness and pain. bone erosions (Xray Performed). Spinal injury pain in neck due to fusion (MRI was Performed). I have Constant Tingling sensation in right hand. Cataracts in both eyes – caused by Prednisone Flat feet – fused bones on top of feet (Xray was performed). Diabetes type 2 Singletary Kidney function working only at 40% (wife did this tying for me).
Hi Danny, Thanks for your comment. I believe Freedom Disability will be able to assit you with your claim for Social Security Disability. In order for the SSA to decide your condition is ‘severe,’ it must disable you and significantly impair your ability to work for at least one year. You also must have paid into the Social Security Disability system for at least 5 out of the last 10 years . If you feel you meet these requirements, I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. This free consultation that will give you some more information on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942.