Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 14.09 of the Blue Book.
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with rheumatoid arthritis do qualify, however your condition must be advanced and you must prove that you are unable to perform any type of work on a consistent basis. The SSA provides specific requirements you must satisfy to be approved under this listing and you must meet one of the following sets of criteria:
- RA affects at least one joint in your legs (foot, ankle, knee, or hip) and you have a documented medical need for a walker, two canes or crutches, or a wheelchair requiring both hands.
- RA affects at least one joint in your legs and you are unable to use one of your arms to complete work-related activities. You must have evidence that you need to use your other hand for a hand-held device, such as a cane or a wheelchair involving the use of one hand.
- RA affects both of your arms or hands, preventing you from performing many different tasks with your arms or hands (involving both large muscle movements and small manipulations).
- You have inflammation or permanent damage in one or more major joints, such as an arm or a leg, and you have moderately severe issues with two more organs or body systems, causing at least two of the following symptoms: severe fatigue, fever, malaise (discomfort), or involuntary weight loss.
- You have ankylosing spondylitis (fusion of vertebrae) or a similar joint issue that causes fixation of your spine of at least 45 degrees.
- You have ankylosing spondylitis or a similar joint issue that causes fixation of your spine of at least 30 degrees, and you have moderately severe issues with two more organs or body systems.
- You have repeated flare-ups of RA with at least two of the following symptoms that cause significant limitations in your activities of daily living, social functioning, or ability to complete tasks: fever, severe fatigue, malaise, or involuntary weight loss.
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 rheumatoid arthritis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
