Social Security Disability Benefits and Arthritis
The most common cause of disability in the United States is arthritis. In this article, New York disability lawyer Herbert Forsmith will explain how the joint pain and related symptoms of arthritis could qualify you for Social Security disability benefits.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis may be associated with, more than 100 distinct rheumatic conditions and diseases. While the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, other types may be in consequence of fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, Lyme arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, gout, psoriasis, and lupus. Though it is most often associated with older adults, two-thirds of all arthritis sufferers are under the age of sixty-five.
How can arthritis cause disability?
Swelling in or around the joints, aching, stiffness, and pain are all symptoms of the condition that can lead to debilitating suffering. Such symptoms can restrict the mobility and hinder the everyday physical movements of a person with arthritis. In addition, over time, arthritis can lead to joint damage, chronic fatigue, and psychological and emotional issues.
Am I at risk of becoming disabled from arthritis?
You are at increased risk for debilitating arthritis if you:
- Are age 45 or above
- Have a family history of the disease
- Are overweight or obese
- Have suffered injuries to the joints or certain infections in the past
- Worked at a job that required a great deal of repetitive joint activity
What about my arthritis could qualify me as disabled?
The overall fatigue and pain that characterizes arthritis can prevent you from being a reliable employee who is able to work. Joint pain in the wrists and arms can hinder the ability to lift objects to shoulder level and higher, grasp objects, and reach forward and overhead. If joint pain involves the lumbar back area, it can significantly affect a person’s ability to stoop (bend at the waist) and to crouch. An experienced New York disability lawyer will know exactly what about your case will help you to win your appeal and start receiving benefits.
With his years of experience in successfully handling disability matters, New York disability lawyer Herbert Forsmith will carefully assess the facts of your case to see if you have a good, or even a fair chance of succeeding in appealing a disability denial. For a free initial consultation, call (212) 809-1772 or (845) 278-2896. You can also fill out the free claim evaluation form on the right of this page.
