How to Find the Best Arthritis and Disability Lawyers in New York

The first step you need to take in order to get disability benefits is to fill out and submit an application. While you aren’t required to have a lawyer for this, hiring one from the outset can be incredibly helpful. The majority of disability claims are denied the first time they’re submitted, and then a significant percentage of them are approved once they’re appealed if the appeal is handled correctly.  If you hire a lawyer in the first place, you might be able to avoid the initial rejection and any technical or small mistakes you could have made that could have caused a denial. This will speed up the process tremendously and avoid a lengthy appeals process. 

A diagnosis of arthritis alone isn’t enough to get disability. Many people live with arthritis, and while it can be painful, they’re still able to work and function relatively normally. If this isn’t the case for you, you need to explain why you should be granted disability benefits. Some of the information you will need to provide includes the following: 

1. Medical records. One of the most important things you can provide when applying for social security disability benefits is your medical records relating to arthritis or any related issues. This may include x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or any other types of imaging, bloodwork, treatment notes, and more. Anything that can show how often you’ve been to the doctor or hospital, how severe your arthritis is, and what kind of pain you’re in will be helpful with your claim. 
2. Ask your doctor for a written statement. If you’ve been seeing the same doctor for an extended period of time, it can be helpful to ask them to provide you with a written statement detailing your condition and offering their advice on whether you are able to work or not. That particular doctor would be very familiar with your symptoms and can document them, which will definitely benefit your claim. 
3. Ask your employer for your personnel records. In some instances, personnel records can show that you’ve been underperforming at work due to your arthritis. Are you unable to lift heavy items now because of your arthritis? This could be detailed in your personnel record. If you don’t find useful information in your record, you don’t have to provide it with your application. 
4. Include evidence of your pain. Another important aspect of your disability claim will be proving the pain you are feeling. If you’re unable to work due to your arthritis, chances are, you’re experiencing chronic, intense, and debilitating pain. Unfortunately, no one is just going to take your word for it. Keep a diary and take notes of how you feel day-to-day so there’s no question about the kind of pain you’re in. The more detailed you are, the better. If you visited the hospital or emergency room, keep track of all the times that you were there. While this information will also be in your medical records, it can be helpful to keep a mental note of everything you’ve gone through and why you need disability benefits. Take note of the adverse side effects from any medications you’re taking that might prevent you from working up to professional standards.  
5. Get written statements from third parties. You can ask friends, family members, and coworkers to write written statements for you detailing what they’ve seen regarding your struggles with arthritis. Your family will likely be able to share information about tasks you’re no longer able to do around the house or what activities you can’t participate in. Your friends can share how your social life has changed as a result of arthritis. Your coworkers can share their observations about what you’re no longer able to do at work because of the pain you’re in.

If you’re still wondering how to find arthritis and disability lawyers in New York, look no further. Our attorneys are experienced and dedicated to handling arthritis disability claims. We have been dealing with these types of cases for decades, so we know exactly what we have to do to deliver the best successful outcome to you. Morgan & Morgan is always here for you. We treat all of our clients the same way we’d want our own family members to be treated. If you have questions about your claim, you can always reach out and speak with someone from our office. If you need help, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case consultation.