Do you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis that makes it difficult to work? You’re not alone. Many people face daily pain, stiffness, and fatigue, making it hard to keep a job or even get through a normal day. If this sounds familiar, you could qualify for disability benefits. A lawyer from Ryan Bisher Ryan Simons can help you handle the application process and seek the financial support you need. We know how to build strong claims, deal with the SSA, and push back if your application for Social Security disability benefits gets denied. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can review your case and explain your next steps.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect your joints in different ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that involves your immune system attacking your joints by mistake. It often causes swelling, pain, and stiffness, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees. Over time, it can damage your joints and make movement difficult.
Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, happens when the cartilage in your joints wears down. It usually comes with age or develops after an injury. You might feel pain when you move or notice that your joints don’t work like they used to if you have osteoarthritis.
Both types can worsen over time and make it difficult to walk, lift things, sit, or stand for long periods.
Are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Considered Disabilities?
Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability? What about osteoarthritis?
Yes, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can consider either condition a disability. However, a condition will only count as a disability for the SSA’s purposes if it affects your ability to work. The SSA will look at things like how often you feel pain, how much you can move your joints, and how the symptoms interfere with your ability to function. A diagnosis alone isn’t enough.
You’ll need to show extensive medical records, test results, and doctor notes to prove your condition keeps you from doing full-time work. The SSA also needs details that show why you can’t return to your past job or switch to a different one. If your arthritis stops you from working, the SSA might decide that you qualify for monthly disability benefits.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Disability Claim Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A lawyer can handle every aspect of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim for you. They can check your medical records, prepare the correct forms, and explain your case in a way the SSA accepts. They know what evidence the SSA wants and how to respond if the Administration pushes back.
If the SSA denies your claim, your lawyer can file an appeal on your behalf. Without help, it’s easy to miss details or deadlines. Many people give up after a denial, but a lawyer can keep your case on track and push for the benefits you are due. The process might seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do everything yourself. An attorney can step in early and guide the case from start to finish.
Who Is Eligible for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Disability Benefits?
You must have earned enough work credits throughout your working years to qualify for SSDI. You must also show that your arthritis keeps you from working full-time for at least 12 months. For SSI, you don’t need work history, but you will only qualify for benefits if you have very limited income and resources.
The SSA will review your medical records, test results, and doctor notes to see if your condition meets their standards. They will also want you to explain how the symptoms stop you from doing your regular work-related tasks. A lawyer can review your records and explain if you meet the rules for SSDI, SSI, or both.
Building Your Arthritis SSDI/SSI Claim
You don’t have to handle the process of building an SSDI or SSI claim on your own. Below are the main steps involved in applying for benefits, and how a lawyer can help you at each stage:
- Reviewing Eligibility – Your lawyer will start by checking whether you meet the basic requirements for SSDI or SSI. This includes looking at your work history for SSDI or your financial situation for SSI. They can also review your medical records to see whether the SSA will consider your arthritis a disabling condition.
- Gathering Medical Evidence – The SSA needs proof that your arthritis limits your ability to work. An attorney can contact your doctors and clinics to collect the necessary medical evidence, including treatment records, lab results, and imaging like X-rays or MRIs. They can also request written opinions from your doctors about how your condition affects your daily activities. If you’ve seen different providers over time, your lawyer can organize everything to show a clear medical history.
- Completing the Application – Your lawyer can fill out the SSDI or SSI application for you and use the right language to match SSA guidelines. They’ll include your job history, medical treatment, symptoms, and how arthritis affects your daily life. Mistakes on the application can lead to delays or denials, but a lawyer knows what to include and what to leave out.
- Submitting Forms and Tracking Deadlines – The SSA often sends out many forms and gives strict deadlines to respond. A lawyer can keep track of everything and file the paperwork on time. They’ll also watch for follow-up requests from the SSA, like questions about your medical records or function reports. If something’s missing, they can fix it quickly.
- Responding to Denials – Many disability claims get denied at first. If that happens, a lawyer can file an appeal and request a review or hearing on your behalf. They can review the denial letter, explain what went wrong, and build a stronger case using more evidence or better legal arguments. Rather than start over from scratch, your attorney can push forward with an appeal.
Contact the SSDI/SSI Lawyers at Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons Now
If joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis makes it hard to work, it may be time to apply for SSDI or SSI. The Social Security disability attorneys at Ryan Bisher Ryan and Simons can gather your medical evidence, complete your forms, and deal with the SSA so you don’t have to manage everything on your own. Contact us now for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
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