Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that is marked by chronic inflammation in the joints. The joints may become inflamed, and the person may suffer from immobility in the affected areas. The joints that are most likely to be affected, including the fingers, feet, wrists and ankles. This is a progressive condition, which means that symptoms only get worse with time.
As symptoms worsen, the person may find it very difficult to grasp things, get dressed, perform any kind of manual work, stand for a long time, or perform any other kind of normal activities. Persons who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may find that their symptoms become very crippling and disabling, and many people find that they are not able to perform any kind of work within ten years of a diagnosis.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, speak with a Los Angeles Social Security disability benefits attorney to learn how you can file a claim for benefits.
The Social Security Administration will require that you have a history of suffering from constant and severe pain. You must also suffer from other symptoms that include swelling of joints at the hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist. The symptoms must be present for at least three months. You must also be able to provide clinical testing results that will establish the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, including test results that prove the existence of antinuclear antibodies, and Rheumatoid factor.
Don’t be discouraged if you do not meet these criteria. You can still qualify for disability benefits under a medical-vocational allowance. That means that you can qualify for benefits if the symptoms are so severe that they prevent you from performing any kind of work and earning a living.
For help understanding whether you qualify for disability benefits for rheumatoid arthritis, speak to a Los Angeles Social Security disability benefits attorney.