Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Can You Collect Disability For Rheumatoid Arthritis

What To Do If You Want To File For Disability

What it Takes to Win a Rheumatoid Arthritis Social Security Disability Claim

Its not uncommon for people with rheumatoid arthritis to seek disability. In one study, 35% of patients ended up filing for disability within 10 years of their initial diagnosis. If you are suffering from this condition or any others and are no longer able to work, there is help available. How much money youll receive is dependent on the income you received in the past.

Keep in mind, SSA disability is different than Long Term Disability , which is typically offered through an employer and often has limitations on how long you can receive benefits, where SSA does not. It is possible to receive both, however, LTD benefits can interfere with how much SSA you qualify for.

If youre ready to file for disability, the first step is to work with an attorney or disability advocate. Because the SSA application and approval process is complex and can take a long time, working with an experienced attorney can help you make sure you fully complete all the necessary steps, and they can help you file for an appeal should you need to.

At The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC, our attorneys offer skilled guidance through the SSA disability application process. We have successfully represented thousands of clients in Buffalo New York. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Can You Get Disability For Arthritis

The Canadian government acknowledges the severity of arthritis by qualifying severe arthritis for certain Canadian disability benefits.

The Canadian Disability Tax Credit, for example, was designed for this exact purpose: to upkeep a differently abled persons standard of living and quality of life, post-diagnosis. These disability tax refunds should relieve some of the stress of living with a physical or mental disability, allowing the person to focus on their well-being.

The National Benefit Authority works along those parameters, too: were here to alleviate the stress of your, or a loved ones, disability. We do this through our Disability Tax Credit service, created for differently-abled Canadians to easily submit and claim their deserved Canadian disability benefits.

Our specialists assist with all the leg work in the DTC application process, including helping to determine your Disability Tax Credit eligibility, completing your application , and submitting it directly to the CRA on your behalf. We find that many Canadians who qualify for disability benefits dont file a claim, either because theyre unaware of the programs, or they simply cant be bothered with the cumbersome process.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms And Treatments

RA symptoms will vary based on the stage of progression and the part of the body under attack. You might experience joint swelling and redness in the early days. This could lead to joint pain and tenderness along with additional symptoms, such as stiffness in the morning, several joints affected, dry eyes, shortness of breath, anemia and gum infection.

The treatment should be aggressive, particularly if caught in the early stages, to combat and prevent inflammation and further damage in a rapid manner. You might be prescribed various medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibitors, biologics or corticosteroids. In extreme cases, you may require surgery for joint replacements, such as knee and hip replacement surgeries.

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Helping You Apply For A Disability Tax Credit For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Disability Credit Canada exists to help those overwhelmed by the cost of biologics and other drug treatments obtain the benefits they so desperately need under the Disability Tax Credit program. Weve seen the difference this program can make in the lives of our clients and make it our mission to ensure they receive the maximum benefits theyre entitled to by law.

If you or someone you know is disabled by RA or any other disease or condition and find out more about what we can do for you. You can have no more effective advocate in your corner as your application winds its way through the Disability Tax Credit approval process. Even if you have previously been denied benefits under the Disability Tax Credit there is a good chance we can get your rejection overturned on appeal. So dont wait another day. Call us. The financial assistance you need is out there. We can help you get it.

Use Our Simple Calculator to Estimate Your Disability Tax Credits & Benefits

Percentage Of People Initially Denied

Can I Claim Disability Living Allowance For Rheumatoid ...

The Social Security Administration receives tens of thousands of disability benefits applications each year. Surprisingly, 70% of applications are denied the first time around.

This is a huge number, but when you consider the number of people who apply and dont qualify, how many people submit incomplete applications and how many people do not provide enough medical documentation, then suddenly that number starts to make sense.

When you set out to apply for Social Security disability benefits, it can be an overwhelming task to gather all of the necessary medical documentation and information about your work history. You also have to be sure that the application has been completed properly.

If you dont have anyone who can help you with the application process, or if you need more help beyond what your friends and family are able to provide, you might consider working with a Social Security disability attorney.

Disability attorneys understand the process and will make sure your application has everything it needs, and they can help you obtain any additional information that will help to make your claim as strong as possible.

While working with a disability attorney does not guarantee that you will win your case, having an advocate working on your behalf will greatly improve your chances of being approved.

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Diagnosis And Testing Of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a difficult disorder to diagnose because there is no singular test that can confirm it. In addition, symptoms of RA manifest differently from person to person, and can resemble other diseases in its early stages.

To diagnose RA, doctors will first evaluate your personal and your family medical history this is because if someone in your family has RA, it may be more likely that you have RA. . Next, a physical examination will be conducted to check for joint swelling and tenderness, as well as to test these joints range of motion. Following a physical examination, doctors perform blood tests and imaging tests to look for a variety of factors.

Many People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Are Able To Work For Years Following Diagnosis

You must show that the disease has progressed to the point that you are no longer able to work. In order to be approved for Social Security disability benefits you should be prepared to provide detailed medical records and show how your RA has worsened over time. The Social Security Administration relies on the latest edition of the Primer on Rheumatoid Arthritis, published by the Arthritis Foundation, to evaluate rheumatoid arthritis claims.

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How Does My Rheumatologist Help Prove That My Ra Is Severe Enough To Qualify For Benefits

As part of the application process, your doctor will have to supply a substantial amount of evidence in the form of X-rays, MRIs, blood work, and results of clinical exams a history of medications and therapies youve tried and the results a medical history that shows how long youve had RA and how its progressed over time, and any other objective information that will help support your case for getting Social Security disability for your rheumatoid arthritis.

In my experience, Ive found that including pictures of affected body parts can often clarify the descriptions of disability that your doctor gives and improve your chances of having your claim approved, Dr. Smith says.

To make your case even stronger, he suggests getting a physical capacities evaluation from a vocational specialist or physical therapist.

While your rheumatologist can provide information about your general capacity to perform the physical tasks associated with your work, its sometimes looked upon as more subjective than objective, he says.

Arthritis And Disability Benefits

Do I Qualify For Disability Insurance Benefits If I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This page has been put together as a resource for people looking to find out more about the UKs Disability benefits process. You can find more information about Work and Arthritis here.

If I have arthritis, can I apply for disability benefits?

What benefits can I apply for?

  • Personal Independence Payment
  • 2. Attendance Allowance

    • Attendance Allowance is a similar benefit to PIP but applies to people over pension age who have a physical or mental disability. It has 2 levels of support depending on how much difficulty you have.
    • To qualify for attendance allowance, you need to have had a disability for at least 6 months or be terminally ill.
    • You can still qualify for attendance allowance if you live in a care home and pay all your costs, but not if the costs are paid for by your local authority.
    • You will need to have an assessment by a healthcare professional to see if you qualify for attendance allowance, but you may not have to go to an assessment centre depending on your circumstances. An assessment may be possible by phone or by a visit by the assessor to your home.

    Employment and Support Allowance

    Disability Premiums

    • Disability premiums are amounts of money that can be added to other benefits if you are disabled.
    • There are some fairly complicated rules for deciding if you qualify for these benefits depending on who is living with you, the other benefits you receive or whether someone who looks after you is already getting an Attendance Allowance, so seek advice.

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    Loop Your Doctor Into The Application Process Early

    Crucial for applying for any disability program is filling out all the paperwork completely. Talk to your diagnosing physician early before you begin the application process as well as any other physicians who can support the application, said Mirean Coleman, a licensed independent clinical social worker and clinical manager for the National Association of Social Workers based in Washington, DC.

    The patient needs to initiate an application first with the Social Security office, and on the application, they would include a list of physicians who are involved in the patients care, Coleman says. The Social Security office would forward papers directly to the physician. Its important for the patient not only to keep things timely but to inform the physician that they intend to apply for disability. That way, the physician can look out for the incoming information and complete the application by the return-by date.

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    Restoring Dignity And Respect To Your Life

    Youre physically unable to perform the tasks you used to do in your job because your rheumatoid arthritis has gotten worse. Youre out of work, out of a regular incomeand scared.

    Dont lose hope.

    Social Security Disability benefits can provide monthly income and Medicare health coverage to get you through this difficult time. With its terrible pain, rheumatoid arthritis is the kind of debilitating condition that can qualify you for benefits.

    Winning benefits, however, isnt easy. Its a complicated process of dealing with the government, gathering evidence and keeping up with deadlines.

    With rheumatoid arthritis, you have to show specific symptoms to prove your claim.

    If you dont know how to do that, dont worry. If you live in Gretna, New Orleans, Metairie, Marrero, Houma, or anywhere in the New Orleans area, disability advocate Gary Sells can do it for you.

    Gary and his team are committed to bringing you the dignity, respect and financial relief you deserve. Social Security Disability is all we do.

    Contact Us Today.

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The main symptom of RA is inflammation of the joints, often beginning with those in the hands and wrists. If you have RA, you might exhibit several or all of the following symptoms:

    • Stiffness in the joints and/or muscles, which generally is present in the morning when you arise. The stiffness may continue for hours before eventually subsiding.
    • Swelling, redness, and warmth in the joints.
    • Pain in the affected joints, which can spread to the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows.
    • Fatigue, elevated temperature, and loss of weight.
    • Rheumatoid nodules, or firm bumps of tissue that can appear under the skin on your arms.

    Many people with RA find that these symptoms may come and go. When the disease progresses to more serious stages, though, the joints can sustain damage that causes them to shift and become deformed.

    If RA has forced you to reduce your hours at work or even quit your job, you may want to consider getting help from the Social Security disability system. Unfortunately, sometimes applying for Massachusetts SSA disability benefits can be complicated and confusing.

    As New England SSA disability experts, Keefe Disability Law can provide the advice and legal expertise you need to get your questions answered and file a successful claim. Call us toll free today or fill out the confidential form on this page to see the many ways we can help you.

    Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Social Security Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can impact many joints and cause severe pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of function. Advanced rheumatoid arthritis can impact one or more body systems because it is an autoimmune condition.

    Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the hand, wrist and finger joints, but it can also affect the joints in the knees and feet. Individuals with this condition may not be able to perform basic work tasks, such as pulling, carrying, lifting, handing or reaching for items. It can also impact your ability to sit, stand, bend or squat.

    Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis generally includes taking medications and undergoing occupational or physical therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation. If left untreated, this condition can cause joint deformities and make it even more difficult to use your hands.

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    Is Rheumatoid Arthritis A Disability

    Rheumatoid arthritis can be considered a disability by the SSA. The SSA has a list of disabilities that qualify for Social Security disability benefits called the Blue Book.

    While there isnt a specific listing for rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can still qualify for disability benefits through a couple of ways.

    In order medically qualify for disability with rheumatoid arthritis, your medical evidence needs to match one of the listings outlined in the Blue Book.

    In order to qualify for disability with rheumatoid arthritis, here are some ways in which a person can do so.

    You may be able to get disability for rheumatoid arthritis, if your medical evidence matches the listing 14.02, which is for Systemic lupus erythematosus .

    SLE and rheumatoid arthritis have similar conditions and symptoms so if your medical evidence and symptoms match the listing for SLE, then you may be able to qualify for disability with rheumatoid arthritis.

    In order to qualify under listing 14.02, Involvement of two or more organs or body systems with:

    • One of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity and
    • At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs .

    Repeated manifestations of SLE, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs and one of the following at the marked level:

    You may also be able to qualify for disability with rheumatoid arthritis under the listing for inflammatory arthritis which is 14.09 of the Blue Book.

    Applying For Social Security Disability Due To Rheumatoid Arthritis

    You can apply for Social Security disability in person at your localSSA office, by calling the SSA at 800-772-1213, or, for SSDI, online at www.ssa.gov. To complete the disability application,you will need detailed information, including the contact informationand dates of treatment for all of your medical providers, the dates ofany medical tests, and the names, addresses, and dates of employment forall of of your previous employers.

    Once your application is complete, your file will be sent to yourstate’s Disability Determination Services office. Here, a claimsexaminer will request and review your medical records and may call youfor an interview or send you additional paperwork to complete. When theclaims examiner feels that there is sufficient evidence to make adecision, you will be notified via mail. This normally takes 3-4 months, but could take longer. If your claim for disability is denied, you willbe able to file an appeal.

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    Types Of Disability Benefits In The United States

    There are two federal disability programs in the United States, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income . Both share one requirement: the person who receives the funds has to have a disability that affects their ability to work. However, the programs are different in other ways.

    Social Security Disability Insurance gives disability benefits to those who have previously worked for a required time period in the recent past. SSDI benefits are funded through payroll taxes. If you are approved, you can receive benefits starting six months after you became disabled. If you have been disabled for at least a year, you can get back payments of disability benefits from that year. You are eligible for Medicare 24 months after your SSDI benefits began.

    Supplemental Security Income gives disability benefits to those who have not worked the required time period and have limited funds. If you are approved, you can receive benefits in the next month. You may also be eligible for back payments of SSI if you became disabled before your SSI approval.

    Almost all states provide additional benefit supplements for SSI recipients but Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia do not. Many of the states that offer an SSI supplement have their own eligibility rules.

    Its possible to get both SSDI and SSI if you have very limited funds and also have a work history.

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