Chicago Social Security Benefits Lawyer for Arthritis Disability

Helping Clients Obtain Social Security Benefits in Cook, DuPage and Lake County Illinois

What Is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis encompasses a number of conditions of the joints that involve inflammation and the immune system. The common feature among these conditions is inflammatory white blood cells in the fluid of the joints. Examples of forms of inflammatory arthritis are: lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. All of these conditions tend to involve pain and swelling in the joints. They can also lead to issues such as back pain. It should be noted that osteoarthritis should not be confused with rheumatoid arthritis, as it is a non-inflammatory arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from inflammatory arthritis and want to see if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), feel free to fill out our no obligation online free consultation form.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From Inflammatory Arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis is absolutely recognized by the Social Security Administration! If inflammatory arthritis is preventing you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), even if your application has been denied. When you apply for disability benefits with inflammatory arthritis, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)).

Is There A Specific Listing For Inflammatory Arthritis?

The Social Security Administration recognizes inflammatory arthritis under Listing of Impairments 14.09: Inflammatory arthritis. Listing 14.09 can be found on the Social Security Administration website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to know whether you will meet the inflammatory arthritis listing. If you or a family member suffers from inflammatory arthritis and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact our law firm or fill out our free online consultation form.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes! If you do not meet Listing 14.09 and inflammatory arthritis is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. They do this by dividing "work" into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her disability claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for Social Security disability benefits. Call Pearson Disability Law, LLC at 312-999-0999 for a free consultation.