If you watched a parent or grandparent suffer with rheumatoid arthritis until reaching the state of debilitation, you may have promised yourself you would not allow that to happen to you. Unfortunately, RA is an autoimmune disease that turns your body’s own defense systems against you. You may struggle to remain active with medication, diet and home remedies, but eventually, your joints may become misshapen or fused. As a result, you could lose your mobility.
There is no cure for RA, and if you are noticing your daily routine becoming more difficult, you may have no choice but to quit work. If your joints are swollen and painful, you may be unable to do the duties related to your job. How will you survive financially if you cannot work? You would be wise to learn as much as you can about Social Security Disability benefits for those who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis.
Making the right impression on the SSA
The process of applying for disability benefits for any condition is challenging, and the Social Security Administration denies the requests of many first-time applicants. This is because the system is plagued with fraud, so agents have high standards in place. In order to successfully seek the benefits you need, you will want to make sure your application is thorough and complete. Some of the following facts may help you achieve this:
- The SSA will likely deny your claim if you are still working or able to work at any job, not just the one you have worked in the past.
- Your doctors’ reports of your condition will play an important role in your acceptance, so be certain to discuss with your rheumatologist and other medical professionals your plans to apply for SSD.
- You will also submit information about how your condition affects your daily life, so it is important to provide as much detail and as many examples as possible.
- The SSA will want to know your work history, and it may help your cause to ask former employers and co-workers to submit testimonies about how your condition impaired your ability to work.
- Some RA advocates recommend submitting pictures of the areas of your body that RA has affected, especially if there is visible deformity or swelling.
- You may anticipate the SSA and see a physical therapist to have a physical capacities evaluation.
Anything you can do to strengthen your case may improve your chances of a successful application the first time. You may find that reaching out to the many resources in New York can provide you with additional tips for your application for disability benefits. This may include an experienced disability attorney.