Is arthritis a qualifying disability? And how bad does my arthritis have to be to qualify for disability benefits? You should be aware of the following.
The term “arthritis” refers to a group of uncomfortable conditions that affect the body’s joints. Arthritis can be severely crippling for many sufferers. The severity of the symptoms varies according to the type of arthritis and the interval between the onset of the condition and the start of medical care.
Understanding how your condition can worsen and impact your daily life is crucial if you have arthritis. This could spur you on to act before things get worse. This article examines arthritis and the various degrees of disability that can affect those who have the disease.
Arthritis and Disability
Different people may experience different degrees of disability from arthritis. The use of over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can, for instance, help some people who experience mild pain to feel better.
Medical intervention may be necessary if the arthritis is severe and causes progressive joint damage. Prescription medications might not be able to reverse existing damage or eliminate all symptoms. In some cases, arthritis may cause the loss of joint functionality and a significantly constrained range of motion.
If they are unable to find or keep a job due to arthritis pain and other symptoms, some people may be eligible for disability support. Before applying for government benefits, a person must have a doctor’s note proving they have an arthritis-related disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that businesses with 15 or more employees make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, according to the Arthritis Foundation. For a person working in the company, such work-related changes may include:
- modifying work hours
- allowing time off
- ensuring the work environment is accessible and allows a person to perform their tasks comfortably
Can You Get Disability for Arthritis?
You must satisfy the fundamental disability standards established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have arthritis.
You must have a medical condition that makes it impossible for you to perform any of the available jobs in order to be eligible for disability benefits. Additionally, it must be anticipated that the condition will persist for at least a year after it first appears.
The Blue Book listing 14.09 must be met by applicants for SSDI who have arthritis. You will have to present medical evidence proving that you fit the SSA’s criteria for inflammatory arthritis. You also have to stay within certain financial constraints.
Is Arthritis a Disability?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes arthritis as a disability. So, is it possible to receive disability benefits for arthritis? Your ability to work after being diagnosed with arthritis is the key to the second query.
More specifically, if your arthritis prevents you from working for at least a year, you might be eligible for disability benefits. But in addition to a Blue Book listing, you will also need to present proof that your arthritis satisfies the SSA’s criteria for a disability.
What Symptoms Can Cause Disability?
Arthritis can cause disability in many ways:
Pain and Immobility
When cartilage in your joints deteriorates and your bones rub against one another, pain, a noticeable symptom of arthritis, results. Inflammation and swelling may also be to blame. You can experience arthritis-related pain in any joint in your body, including your:
- shoulders
- elbows
- wrists
- finger knuckles
- hips
- knees
- ankles
- toe joints
- spine
Your mobility may be decreased as a result of this pain. Physical disabilities frequently involve limited mobility. Being overweight increases your risk of suffering from pain and mobility issues brought on by arthritis.
Fatigue
An arthritis sufferer may also experience persistent fatigue in addition to pain. When fatigue is extreme enough, it can be incapacitating.
To rule out conditions that can present similarly in someone with arthritis and severe fatigue, they should see a doctor. This includes:
- anemia
- low thyroid function
- virus-related conditions like long-COVID
A person may experience rheumatic symptoms from COVID-19 that they previously lacked. It’s also possible that after developing COVID-19, someone who already has arthritis will experience worsening symptoms.
Skin and Organs
The symptoms of arthritic conditions don’t just include joint pain. RA can lead to organ issues and skin rashes. The skin around your joints may become painfully inflamed as a result of gout. Lupus can cause various debilitating symptoms, including:
- excessive fatigue
- breathing difficulties
- fever
- kidney damage
Additionally, these symptoms may make it more difficult for you to perform daily tasks and, in rare instances, may cause serious illness.
Can You Get Disability for Arthritis in Your Hands?
So, is it possible to receive a disability for hand arthritis? As long as you can convince the SSA that you meet the medical and employment requirements for Social Security disability benefits, the answer is yes, you can receive disability for arthritis in your hands.
The SSA’s blue book, which contains a list of ailments that can qualify a person for disability, must match one of the listings for you to meet the medical requirements.
If you meet the criteria for section 14.09 of the blue book, which is for inflammatory arthritis, you might be eligible for disability benefits for arthritis in your hands.
Since Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who can no longer work full-time due to a disability, you must also have enough work credits when you meet the SSA’s medical requirements.
FAQs
If you can’t work and your employer provides a private insurance plan, you might be eligible for disability payments. However, not everyone can use this choice. The percentage of workers in the private sector who have access to disability income protection is only around one-third.
How to Qualify for Disability If You Have Arthritis?
The Disability Benefits Center states that in order to be eligible for disability benefits, you must demonstrate your inability to work and the likelihood that your symptoms will persist for at least a year. Before approval, you must present financial and medical documentation. Other conditions might apply to private insurance providers.
Summary
People with disabilities face significant obstacles in their daily lives. Early diagnosis and treatment can aid in its prevention. Your long-term outlook will worsen if you ignore your symptoms.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have arthritis. People with arthritis may not be able to maintain or find employment due to the debilitating nature of their symptoms.
