As the most common type of autoimmune arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis materializes because the immune system does not function in the right way. Early treatments attack the area where pain and swelling occur, as well as prevent joint damage that can negatively impact work performance. A commitment to a regular low-impact exercise regimen can reduce pain and swelling by increasing the strength of the muscles surrounding the inflamed area. Submitting verifiable medical evidence is the most effective way to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Your Ability to Work?
Pain in one or more joints is the most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. You can also experience significant stiffness in one or more joints. The pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult to complete basic physical tasks, such as lifting a small box or grabbing a computer mouse. This means workers in virtually every occupation are susceptible to the often debilitating symptoms triggered by rheumatoid arthritis. However, professionals that work in jobs that require considerable labor, such as construction workers, are particularly vulnerable to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
Can You Qualify For Disability Benefits With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, and if the medical condition prevents you from working, you should submit an SSDI application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You must work in a job that is covered by Social Security to move forward in the SSDI application system. After meeting the initial criterion, the SSA then conducts a thorough review of your case to see if your symptoms match the symptoms listed for rheumatoid arthritis in the guide called the Blue Book. The Blue Book lists the symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis under section 14.09, which is the section of the medical guide called “Inflammatory Arthritis.” Your symptoms also must be severe enough to prevent you from holding down a steady job.
What Happens When the SSA Denies Your SSDI Application?
The SSA applies a strict set of criteria for reviewing SSDI applications. More than half of all SSDI applications come back denied, which means you should be prepared to appeal your case. A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment gives you a second chance to make a positive first impression with the SSA. Conducted by Disability Determination Services (DDS), an RFC determines whether the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have limited your mental and/or physical performance in the workplace. The DDS refers to the judgment of a state-licensed physician that works for the agency. However, you have the right to ask your physician to conduct an RFC.
The key is to determine whether you can overcome the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to generate an income.
Getting help with the disability benefits process can be important for your case. This is especially true if your application comes back denied and you need to undergo an RFC. Most disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they get paid when clients get paid. Consider filling out the free evaluation
Back to topAdditional Resources
- Applying for SSD With Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Is Arthritis a Disability?
- Working With Rheumatoid Arthritis
- 5 Signs Your Claim for Disability Benefits May Be Approved with Rheumatoid Arthritis
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