recent years we have discovered a vast amount about arthritis. Cracking your knuckles won’t cause arthritis later down the road, and there is more than just one type of arthritis. In fact, there are more than one hundred types of arthritis which afflicts more than 47 million U.S. adults; unfortunately, these numbers are projected to increase. Despite what people may think, the SSA (Social Security Administration) and the DDS (Disability Determination Service) use an objective method for determining what merits disability benefits. The “Blue Book,” which is used by both of these departments, lists criteria which must be met in order to define possible impairment. Therefore a condition, such as arthritis, which isn’t in the approved “listings” of possible disabilities which warrant SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits isn’t dismissed immediately.
It’s the DDS’s responsibility to determine whether an impairment which is preventing you from doing your past job as well as future work is equivalent to an already listed Social Security disability. The various types of arthritis, depending on severity, definitely fall into the DDS’s jurisdiction. Through the SSA, the federal government provides benefits to those who aren’t capable of working due to injury or illness which has lasted, and is expected to last, a year or more. You’ll need to prove to the SSA that you can’t perform any type of work consistently. Arthritis can definitely be a qualifying disability which meets these requirements, especially if the condition is severe enough to cause substantial limitations.
The two major types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis (degenerative wear and tear from excessive use or overloaded weight bearing joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (the immune system attacks membrane located around the joints causing inflammation). Over time, both of these conditions can cause vital joints to become permanently deformed. Osteoarthritis often gradually presents itself over many months or even years, and the pain you feel within the joint is the only symptom (unlike other forms of arthritis which can cause unusual fatigue, fevers and even unwanted weight loss). There is no cure for arthritis and it’s considered to be a chronic condition which is treated through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medication, and surgery in especially bad cases. There are a number of different types of arthritis which can plague just about any joint in our bodies. Our fingers, wrists, ankles, knees, spine and hips are all vital joints which we are required to use daily throughout the many facets of our lives.
Arthritis really can be a qualifying disability and as such, you’re entitled to the SSDI benefits you have been paying into over the years. If you’re being denied disability benefits but think you rightfully deserve them, don’t give up! Let a professional disability attorney, like the ones found at , fight on your behalf. They’ll have the robust experience required to argue your case to an administrative law judge (ALJ). You can also visit Twitter for more information.
