Can Arthritis Qualify for Social Security Disability?

Yes, arthritis can qualify for SSDI benefits, but only if it meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria for disability. The SSA recognizes certain forms of arthritis as disabling conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that typically affects the hips, knees, and spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that affects the spine, causing pain and stiffness.

However, not all forms of arthritis automatically qualify for SSDI benefits. The SSA requires that the condition be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

How to File for Social Security Disability for Arthritis

Review the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

• The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that outlines the medical conditions that may qualify for SSDI benefits. To be approved for benefits based on arthritis, you must meet the SSA’s criteria for musculoskeletal disorders.
• For arthritis, the SSA looks at how the condition limits your ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as standing, walking, lifting, or performing fine motor tasks.

Some key criteria the SSA looks for include:

• Severe joint pain that prevents the use of your hands, arms, or legs.
• Limited range of motion in joints affected by arthritis.
• Inability to perform basic physical activities
• due to pain, swelling, or stiffness.

Gather Medical Evidence

One of the most important parts of filing for SSDI for arthritis is medical documentation. You need to provide comprehensive medical records that prove your arthritis prevents you from working. This includes:

• Doctor’s notes and records: Make sure your healthcare providers document the severity of your condition, your treatment plan, and how arthritis impacts your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Test results: Include any diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests, that show the extent of the damage to your joints.
• Functional capacity assessments: A report from your doctor about how your arthritis limits your physical abilities, such as walking, standing, or lifting.

Complete the SSDI Application

You can apply for SSDI benefits online at the SSA’s website (www.ssa.gov) or at your local SSA office. When completing the application, be sure to:

• Provide detailed information about your work history and income.
• Accurately describe how arthritis affects your ability to work and perform tasks.
• List any medications or treatments you are using to manage your condition.

Be honest and thorough in answering all questions, as inaccuracies can delay or derail your claim.

Submit Supporting Documentation

In addition to your medical records, the SSA may ask for additional evidence, such as:

• Work history: Information about past jobs, job duties, and why you can no longer perform those tasks due to arthritis.
• Educational background: Any education or training that may affect your ability to work in other positions.
• Other forms of disability benefits: If you are receiving any other disability benefits (such as workers' compensation or long-term disability), provide documentation of that as well.

Follow Up on Your Claim

• After submitting your SSDI application, you can check the status of your claim by creating an online account at the SSA’s website. Keep track of any additional requests for information or documents.
• The process can take several months, so it’s important to stay patient but proactive.

Be Prepared for a Denial

Arthritis claims are often denied initially due to the difficulty in proving the severity of the condition. If your claim is denied, don’t be discouraged. You have the right to appeal the decision.

• Request reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process, where the SSA will review your case again.
• Request a hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where you can present additional evidence and argue your case.