Rheumatoid Arthritis

As the Basis of a Claim for Social Security Disability or Long Term Disability Benefits

nj rheumatoid arthritis lawyer

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints. Additionally, this disease will often times inflame other organs in the body as well.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, it is believed that rheumatoid arthritis may be a genetically inherited disease. It is also widely suspected that certain environmental factors might trigger the activation of this disease in susceptible individuals. Some such trigger, scientists have reported, could be smoking tobacco which they say increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

When the disease is active i.e. the tissues in the body are inflamed, symptoms of this disease will generally come in the following forms: Loss of energy, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, joint and muscle aches, and stiffness.

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

There is currently no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. With the lack of a cure, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis has been to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Early medical intervention is highly important as it has been shown to be important in improving outcomes.

There are two classifications of medications when it comes to treating rheumatoid arthritis: first are the "quick-fix" drugs that provide no long term relief from the disease. Examples of these might be Ibuprofen, naproxen, and cortisone, which merely act to reduce pain from inflammation in the short run. Then there are the slow-acting drugs, such as gold, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which promote disease remission and prevent further joint destruction, however these drugs are not antiinflammatory.

Can rheumatoid arthritis form the basis for my Social Security or Long Term Disability Claim?

Yes. Disability claims are based on the restrictions and functional limitations that a person has a result of their medical condition. This requires proof of the disability.

Nevertheless, in order to successfully pursue a claim for your Social Security Disability benefits, it will be necessary to establish a pattern regarding your debilitating disease that will be apparent to the Social Security Administration when they review your case.

Documenting Your Disability

It is important to document how this debilitating medical condition impacts makes you unable to perform a job and function normally in your daily life. This will be helpful in conveying what kind of impact this condition is having on you and how functionally limited you are.

Help from Your Doctors and Health Care Providers

Arguably the most essential way to prove your disability is through the opinions of your health care providers that are backed up by medical records. Based on our experience, we will be able to get the cooperation and support you need from your doctors / health care providers.

Conclusion

At The Rosenblum Law Firm, we understand how hard it is to deal with this confusing and time-consuming system, especially when you are simultaneously dealing with a serious illness as rheumatoid arthritis.

We have helped many other clients in the successful pursuit of their disability claims and we can help you, too. Please call us at 1-866-634-9849 or email us by clicking here.