South Carolina Social Security Attorneys: Arthritis and Social Security Disability Benefits

What You Need to Know

Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions in the United States.  Arthritis is also the nation’s leading cause of social security disability claims among Americans over age 15.

Some people may be surprised to learn that there are more than 100 different types of arthritis. This disease affects the joints of people of any age, even children, causing pain, stiffness, discomfort, and swelling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that between the years 2003-2005, an estimated 46 million adults in the United States had arthritis. That number is expected to jump to 67 million by 2030.

Depending upon the type of arthritis that you suffer from, your arthritis may entitle you to social security disability benefits.  If your arthritis prevents you from working, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your social security disability case.  We can help ensure that your medical documentation clearly identifies how the symptoms of your arthritis limit your daily activities.

If I Can’t Work, Will I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Sometimes your arthritis can be so debilitating that you are simply unable to work. In this case, you might qualify for Social Security disability. There are specific criteria that the Social Security Administration uses to assess if someone qualifies for disability benefits.

Types of Arthritis

OSTEOARTHRITIS:

• A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint depreciates and causes pain and loss of movement as the person’s bone begins to rub against another bone.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS:

• Long-term chronic,  systemic inflammatory disorder that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS:

• Affects the spine where there is inflammation and the bones of the spine grow together.

SYSTEMIC LUPUS:

• Severe disorder that can agitate and damage joints and surrounding connective tissues throughout the body.

SCLERODERMA:

• Connective tissue disease that triggers a thickening and hardening of the skin.

FIBROMYALGIA:

• Disease in which there is extensive pain that affects the muscles and attachments to the bone.

Contact the Strom Law Firm about Social Security Disability Benefits

How Can A Social Security Disability Attorney Help Me While Applying?

Sometimes it might be difficult to determine if your condition meets the criteria of a listing in the Blue Book. Your attorney can go over your medical records, talk with you about your limitations, and then help you determine if your condition meets the criteria of the Blue Book to qualify for disability benefits. If you suffer from severe stiffness, pain, and loss joint motion, you might be eligible to receive disability benefits.

Your advocate or attorney will review your claim thoroughly and help you gather up your records and documentation to determine if you meet the criteria to be approved for benefits. If the SSA cannot find the documentation they need to approve your claim, it will be denied. Your attorney can serve as the liaison between the SSA, your physician, and other parties to ensure the SSA accesses the necessary records to evaluate your case.

How Can the Strom Law Firm Help Me If My Claim Is Denied?

If you file a claim for disability benefits based on arthritis and it is denied, your Social Security attorney or advocate will help show that you cannot earn a gainful income by using the medical-vocational allowance. This approach involves the consideration of your medical conditions, your age, past work history, and your educational background all at once to determine if you can work.

If your claim is denied and it must be appealed, you will appear before an administrative law judge for a hearing and you will be questioned by a vocational expert about your work history and how your condition affects you. Your attorney or advocate can help you prepare for the questioning. Your questions might involve, “How difficult is it for you to open a bottle or a jar?” “Can you stand or sit for two hours without repositioning?” “Is it difficult to walk?” “How much can you lift now when you are having an arthritis flare?”

Connect With A Social Security Disability Attorney Today

If you suffer from arthritis and want to apply for disability benefits, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today to be connected with a local Social Security advocate or attorney who can help you get your disability claim on track.

The best way to learn about Social Security Disability benefits is to talk with the experienced lawyers at Strom Law, LLC.  Call us right now for a free consultation. 803-252-4800