Disability Benefits for Arthritis

Having arthritis is not enough to win SSD benefits on its own.

Many people are able to continue in their jobs while managing their arthritis. To get benefits, you must prove that your case is so severe that you cannot work.

That means being unable to perform past work, being unable to adapt to another kind of work, and expecting to be off work for at least a year.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two medical conditions that can give you a strong claim for disability benefits. Both are included in Social Security’s official listing of impairments.

For your disability claim, the key factor in confirming you can’t work is documenting your symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis, affecting millions of people, says the Mayo Clinic. It happens when the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones wears out. Osteoarthritis symptoms that you might document include:

• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Pain in hands
• Pain in toes
• Need for hip replacement surgery
• Need for knee replacement surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system attacks your own body. It can affect many body parts, including organs and tissues that are not in your joints. For rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms often include:

• Tender joints
• Swollen joints
• Stiff joints
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss

During your FREE CONSULTATION with Mathis & Mathis, we’ll help you determine what you need to show Social Security for a successful disability claim.

Applying for SSD is complicated and confusing.

You have so many different forms to fill out, and so much evidence to find for your osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis case.

When you’re already dealing with arthritis slowing you down, it can fell overwhelming.

If you work with Mathis & Mathis, you can leave the legwork to us.

We’ll help you prepare:

• Records of physical exams
• Medical test results
• Details of surgeries you’ve had
• Lists of medications you take
• Your complete educational, work and salary history
• Statements from people who know you
• If needed, your testimony for a disability judge

Our goal is to make the disability claims process as smooth as possible for you, so you can focus on your health and get the support you need to improve your well-being—financially, physically and emotionally.

Because applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated, you likely have many questions about the process. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.