4.2 Google Rated
Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys are SSDI lawyers for arthritis. You can have a professional team help you with an application, reconsideration or appeal for disability benefits. Throughout your case, we provide knowledgeable guidance and compassionate representation.
Lawyers for Disability for Arthritis
If you are one of the many people suffering from arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. When it becomes so limiting that you are unable to continue to work, Social Security Disability may provide benefits.
Our SSDI lawyers for arthritis help people claim their benefits. We are a professional team of disability lawyers in Arizona that can prepare, submit and guide your application to file for disability. Our disability lawyers in Arizona can represent you no matter the status of your application, whether you are just beginning or need assistance with an appeal.
We invite you to contact us for a free consultation with Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys. See how we can assist you and begin as early as today.
Qualifying for SSDI Based on Arthritis
There are three primary ways that arthritis is evaluated for Social Security Disability: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and residual functional capacity.
Rheumatoid arthritis – Section 14.09 – inflammatory arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is evaluated within the broader category of inflammatory arthritis, section 14.09 of the Listing of Impairments. Guidance in 14.00D6 explains that inflammatory arthritis includes many disorders. They vary in cause and impact on a person. The primary manifestation is inflammation of joints in an upper or lower extremity. The person may have difficulties with joint or gross movement, plus pain, swelling and tenderness.
There are many disorders associated with arthritis:
Inflammatory arthritis involving the axial spine, including:
- Reiter’s syndrome
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Whipple’s disease
- Behçet’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory arthritis involving peripheral joints, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Crystal deposition disorders, gout and pseudogout
- Lyme disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
There are four different ways that a person may demonstrate inflammatory arthritis:
- Persistent inflammation or deformity of one or more joints, with a documented medical need for a mobility assistive device or the inability to independently complete work-related activities
- Inflammation or deformity in a major joint with at least moderate involvement of two or more organs or body systems and two or more signs or symptoms
- Ankylosing spondylitis or spondyloarthropathies with imaging evidence
- Repeated manifestations of inflammatory arthritis, with symptoms or signs and a marked limitation in daily living, social functioning or completing tasks.
Osteoarthritis – Section 1.18 and others
Applications based on osteoarthritis may be evaluated under several different sections of the Listing of Impairments:
- Section 1.15 – Disorders of the skeletal spine resulting in compromise of a nerve root(s)
- Section 1.16 – Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in compromise of the cauda equina
- Section 1.17 – Reconstruction surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint
- Section 1.18 – Abnormality of any major joint in any extremity
Section 1.18 encompasses chronic joint pain and stiffness. The applicant must show the anatomical and mobility abnormalities of the joint and impairment-related physical limitations.
Residual functional capacity- 20 CFR § 416.915
Even if a person’s medical conditions do not exactly fall within a Blue Book listing, they may still receive benefits based on their residual functional capacity. Examiners consider the limiting effects of a person’s total impairments. They look at how the person’s medical conditions impact their ability to work. Examiners may look at:
- Medical history
- Consultative examination, if appropriate
- Opinions of medical professionals
- Your own statement
- Statements from family, neighbors, friends and other people
Residential functional capacity considers whether the person can meet the physical, mental and other demands of work. It is explained and regulated in 20 CFR § 416.915.
Free Consultations – Talk to a Lawyer
We are arthritis and Social Security Disability lawyers in Arizona. We invite you to see how our law firm can assist you in seeking disability based on arthritis or another medical condition. Contact Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys today for your free consultation.
Social Security Disability and Arthritis – FAQs
What kinds of arthritis qualify for disability?
Many types of arthritis may qualify for disability including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory arthritis. Even if a person’s exact medical condition isn’t included in the Listing of Impairments, it is still possible to qualify for disability for arthritis if the person is unable to work because of their medical condition.
What parts of the body may qualify for SSDI for arthritis?
You may get disability based on arthritis in your hands, knees, feet, spine, neck or other body parts. It depends on how severe your medical condition is and whether you can perform substantial, gainful work activity.
How hard is it to get disability for arthritis?
Many applicants have difficulty getting disability for arthritis because their application lacks sufficient medical detail. It is important to understand the level of medical impairment necessary and the documentation that must be submitted to support an application for benefits.
How much does SSDI pay for arthritis?
How much SSDI pays for arthritis depends on your earnings history before you become disabled. It also depends on whether dependent minor children or a spouse qualify for family benefits.
