Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the membranes around a persons joints become inflamed by their own immune system. Those that suffer from RA know how painful and frustrating this condition can be, leaving them with swollen, stiff joints and unrelenting soreness in many areas of their body.

RA is more common in adults between 40-60 and those who smoke. Women are at particular risk of RA, and, while rare, children can also be diagnosed with this condition. Because having RA makes living and working more difficult, people with this condition may be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help compensate them for their lost abilities. RA is a condition that appears in the Social Security Administrations listings of compensable disabilities. Those with moderate to severe RA can get SSDI benefits in the form of monthly cash payments. The qualifications for inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis are many; applicants must show the following in order to receive SSDI for their condition:

  • The arthritis is present in a leg joint, which causes limited mobility and difficulty walking or getting around;
  • The arthritis is present in joints in both arms, causing difficulty lifting or using the upper-body’s large and smaller muscle groups;
  • There is a permanent deformity or inflammation in one or more major joints, with the involvement of at least two other organs or body systems, causing at least two of the following  four symptoms: severe fever, extreme fatigue, malaise, and/ or involuntary weight loss;
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (an autoimmune disease) is present with spinal fixation of at least 45 degrees;
  • Ankylosing spondylitis is present with moderate involvement of at least two body systems and a 30 degree spinal fixation;
  • Flare-ups of RA symptoms occur often, with at least two of the following symptoms that severely limit the ability to function in normal daily activities: fever, extreme fatigue, malaise, or weight loss.

The symptoms of RA can include inflamed or warm-feeling joints, debilitating stiffness, large swollen joints that sometimes develop nodules, fever, generalized fatigue and even weight loss. Many of us have known someone affected by RA at some point in our lives, the effects of which are usually easily detectable. Those with RA can even develop permanently deformed joints because of their condition, and the difficulties RA patients face can translate to an inability to hold steady or gainful employment.

If you have questions about receiving SSDI for your rheumatoid or inflammatory or arthritis, the Social Security disability lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan are here to help you today.

To file a claim or to appeal a denial, contact Goldberg Finnegan Law at (888) 213-8140 or fill out our FREE case