ARTHRITIS AND DISABILITY LAWYER IN CALIFORNIA

Potentially. Arthritis may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits when it is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.

The Social Security Administration considers factors such as your medical condition, symptoms, functional limitations, treatment history, and how your arthritis affects activities such as standing, walking, lifting, sitting, using your hands, or completing other work-related tasks.

A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify someone for benefits. The severity and impact of the condition are important parts of the evaluation.

Several types of arthritis may potentially contribute to a disability claim, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Arthritis affecting the spine
• Arthritis affecting major joints such as the hips, knees, shoulders, or hands

Whether you qualify depends on the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work, rather than the diagnosis alone.

Social Security considers medical evidence and the functional limitations caused by your condition.

Depending on the type of arthritis involved, the agency may consider factors such as chronic joint pain and stiffness, limitations in movement, difficulty walking or standing, problems using your hands or arms, imaging results, treatment history, and your response to treatment.

If your arthritis does not meet the requirements of a specific impairment listing, Social Security may still evaluate whether your limitations prevent you from performing your previous work or other substantial work.

Medical documentation can be especially important in an arthritis disability claim. Helpful evidence may include:

• Medical records from doctors and specialists
• X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging
• Physical examinations and range-of-motion findings
• Laboratory testing
• Records of medications, injections, surgeries, or physical therapy
• Documentation of pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility
• Records showing difficulty walking, standing, lifting, or using your hands
• Statements describing how arthritis affects your daily activities and ability to work

Consistent medical records showing how your condition affects you over time can help Social Security evaluate the severity of your limitations.

A denial does not necessarily mean you are out of options.

Social Security disability claims can be denied for many reasons, including insufficient medical evidence or a determination that the applicant can still perform substantial work.

You may have the right to appeal the decision. Because Social Security appeals involve specific procedures and deadlines, consider speaking with a disability attorney as soon as possible after receiving a denial.

A disability attorney can review your medical records, help identify additional evidence that may support your claim, explain Social Security’s requirements, assist with paperwork and appeals, and represent you during later stages of the disability process when appropriate.

An attorney can also help present evidence showing not only that you have arthritis, but how the condition limits your ability to perform work-related activities.

Applying for disability benefits while dealing with chronic pain, limited mobility, and other effects of arthritis can be difficult. Morgan & Morgan can help you understand the disability process, gather supporting documentation, and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to.

As America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, with more than 1,100 lawyers nationwide, Morgan & Morgan has the resources to help clients navigate complex claims and appeals.

We believe that everyone deserves access to excellent legal representation, regardless of their financial situation, so there is no cost to speak with us about your situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, and with The Fee is Free® promise, you pay nothing unless we win.

If arthritis is preventing you from working, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.