What Every Social Security Disability Applicant With Rheumatoid Arthritis Needs To Know About Meeting A Listing

Rheumatoid arthritis, more commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks membranes surrounding the joints.

The symptoms of RA include:

– joint pain followed by warming, stiffness, and swelling of the joints, in the hands and feet,

– fatigue,

– fever,

– weight loss and

– rheumatoid nodules.

Rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult if not impossible to work and your physician may have told you that it’s time to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

What Do I Need to Know About Meeting A Listing For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a 5 Step Sequential evaluation in determining whether an applicant is entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.

At Step 3, the SSA has a medical Listing for “inflammatory arthritis” in the Listing of Impairments. If you establish that you meet all of the elements of a listing or have the equivalence of a listing, your benefits are automatically awarded at Step 3.

The SSA will review your medical records and look for the following significant limitations:

– difficulty walking that requires the use of a cane, walker or wheelchair,

– the inability to perform any tasks with the arms that require large muscle movements and small manipulation,

– inflammation or permanent deformity in one or major joints, along with moderate involvement in at least two or more organs or body systems causing two out of the four following symptoms, fatigue, fever, malaise, involuntary weight loss,

– anklosing spondoylitis or other spondolo arthropathy with fixation of the spine in at least 45 degrees,

– anklosing spondoylitis or other spondolo arthropathy with fixation of the spine in at least 30 degrees, along with moderate involvement of at least two or more body systems, or

– repeated flare ups of RA with at least two of the symptoms that cause limitations with activities of daily living, social functioning, or the ability to finish and complete tasks.

The SSA doesn’t always make it easy for those who are disabled as a result of rheumatoid arthritis to get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve. If you don’t meet a Listing, the SSA will next determine if you can do the lightest physical demand job you’ve held in the 15 years before you became disabled. If not, the SSA will determine if there is any other work in the national economy you can do in view of your age, education and transferable skills. See a full index of all Social Security Disability conditions that may qualify you for disability benefits by clicking on the link.

If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits has been denied, it’s time for you to contact rheumatoid arthritis Social Security Disability attorney Nancy Cavey who can help you get the Social Security Disability benefits you deserve. Call 727-894-3188 today for your complimentary consultation.