Inflammatory Arthritis

Inflammatory Arthritis and SSD Benefits

Inflammatory Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints causing moderate to severe pain and swelling. There are several types of inflammatory arthritis, one of the most common being rheumatoid arthritis. This specific type affects the lining of the joints which causes painful swelling and deformity; the small joints of the hands and feet are usually the most affected. There are no cures for inflammatory arthritis but there are several treatments that can help maintain the disease.

The pain involved with inflammatory arthritis can prove cumbersome in the workplace. Simple movements can send a rush pain through the individual, therefore this can limit what activities they can or cannot do. The psychological issues in dealing with inflammatory disease can also wear down the sufferer, due to having to deal with a chronic illness.

Inflammatory Arthritis and Applying for California SSD Benefits

If an applicant’s impairments are close to any of the categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing on inflammatory arthritis, a strong claim exists.  The Listing is as follows:

Persistent inflammation or persistent deformity of:

• One or more major peripheral weightbearing joints resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively (as defined in 14.00C6); or
• One or more major peripheral joints in each upper extremity resulting in the inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively (as defined in 14.00C7). or
• Inflammation or deformity in one or more major peripheral joints with:
  • Involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity; and
  • At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss); Or
  • Repeated manifestations of inflammatory arthritis, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
    • Limitation of activities of daily living.
    • Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
    • Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.

If an applicant has constant and severe inflammation or deformity in one or more weight bearing joints, the claim is substantial. Also, if you can prove that not only your joints, but also various internal organs are being affected by inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid in this particular case), you can also prevail. The fact that you may not be able to use your upper extremities is cause for a claim, because that may prevent you from fulfilling certain jobs. If you have any questions please contact us at 1-800-882-5500, or submit your application for a free claim evaluation.