4.2 Google RatedPekas Smith Arizona Disability Attorneys has over 30 years of combined experience handling Social Security benefits cases in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The legal professionals at our disability law firm can help you with everything from filling out an application and submitting forms for reconsideration to making an appeal for disability benefits. Throughout your case, we’ll provide knowledgeable guidance about SSDI for arthritis and compassionate legal representation. Learn more about how an arthritis SSDI lawyer in AZ can help you.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits for Arthritis
Living with arthritis can be challenging, particularly when it affects your ability to work and earn a living. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide crucial financial support for individuals suffering from arthritis who are unable to work due to their condition.
SSDI is a government program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. These benefits are based on the individual’s earnings history and contributions to the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
The amount of disability benefits received is determined by a complex formula that considers the individual’s average indexed monthly earnings. Applicants must provide thorough documentation of their disability, medical history, and work history when applying for SSDI benefits. Understanding the eligibility requirements and application process for SSDI is essential for those who need assistance due to a disability.
If you’re one of the many people suffering from arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be and how it can make activities of daily living difficult. When it becomes so limiting that you are unable to maintain employment due to limited range of motion and chronic pain, SSDI for arthritis could provide you with benefits.
Our SSDI lawyers in Phoenix have extensive experience representing individuals with arthritis, providing help to persons with chronic conditions ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. We are a professional team of disability lawyers in Arizona who can prepare, submit, and guide your application to file for disability. Our disability lawyers 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 an arthritis SSDI lawyer in AZ 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, or your residual functional capacity (RFC).
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Section 14.09 – Inflammatory Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that 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 chronic pain, swelling, and tenderness.
There are many disorders associated with arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis conditions involving the axial spine, including:
- Reiter’s syndrome
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Whipple’s disease
- Behçet’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Here are inflammatory arthritis conditions 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 record 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 medical 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 signs and symptoms such as chronic joint pain and stiffness. The applicant must show the anatomical and mobility abnormalities of the joint and impairment-related physical limitations to qualify for osteoarthritis SSDI.
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 disability benefits based on their residual functional capacity (RFC). 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 for SSDI for arthritis may look at the following:
- Medical history
- Consultative physical examination, if appropriate
- Opinions of medical professionals
- Your own statement
- Statements from family, neighbors, friends, and other people
Residual 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 About SSDI for Arthritis
Our Phoenix law firm has some of the most trusted arthritis specialists and Social Security Disability lawyers in Arizona. We invite you to see how our SSDI lawyer in AZ can assist you in seeking disability based on arthritis or another medical condition. Contact Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys today for more information in a free consultation. Our team is ready to advocate for you!
Social Security Disability and Arthritis – FAQs
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people determined by age or disability and limited income. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is determined by disability and work credits.
What kinds of arthritis qualify for disability?
Many types of arthritis may qualify for disability benefits, including psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory arthritis. Even if a person’s exact chronic condition isn’t included in the Listing of Impairments, it is still possible to qualify for arthritis SSDI if the person is unable to maintain employment because of their medical condition. Contact an arthritis SSDI lawyer in AZ to learn more about qualifications.
What parts of the body may qualify for SSDI for arthritis?
You may qualify for disability based on arthritis in your hands, knees, feet, spine or spinal nerve, neck, elbows, and wrists, as well as other body parts. It depends on how severe your chronic condition is and whether you can perform a substantial, gainful work activity.
How hard is it to get disability for arthritis?
In Phoenix, AZ, many applicants have difficulty getting arthritis disability benefits because their application lacks sufficient medical detail. It is important to understand the level of medical impairment necessary. Proper health documentation and medical records must be submitted to support an application for disability benefits. This type of evaluation can be stressful and daunting, but it’s easier to navigate with the help of an experienced SSDI attorney.
How much does SSDI pay for arthritis?
How much SSDI pays for arthritis depends on your earnings and wage history before you become disabled. It also depends on whether dependent minor children or a spouse qualify for family benefits. An arthritis SSDI lawyer in AZ can walk you through these benefits.
