Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Gout
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the bedsheet on it may seem intolerable. Gout symptoms may come and go, but there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent flares. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Gout Qualify for Disability?
While there is no specific listing for gout, there is a listing for inflammatory arthritis (Listing 14.09), to which gout is closely related. If you meet any of the following conditions pertaining to inflammatory arthritis, you will meet the requirements of eligibility for Social Security disability benefits:
- Two or more of your bodily systems are significantly impacted by your gout.
- You have at least two of these following symptoms – chronic fever, weight loss, malaise, or fatigue.
- Any of your major peripheral joints in your upper extremity, including hands, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, make it impossible for you to perform either fine motor or gross motor movements.
- Any of your weight bearing joints, such as your ankles, hips, and knees are affected to the degree that you cannot effectively walk.
Another way you may qualify for disability benefits for gout are if you have chronic bouts of inflammatory arthritis that cause malaise, fever, weight loss, or severe fatigue if you can show that your condition results in severe limitations for any of the following:
- Social functioning
- Daily living activities
- Difficulty with concentration
- Difficulty with completing tasks in a timely fashion
To qualify for disability benefits using the Blue Book, you must be able to provide medical records that indicate your condition meets the criteria despite your attempts at therapy and treatment. During the consideration process for benefits, you must continue to see your healthcare provider and carefully follow your physician’s instructions.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with gout and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
