There is a listing under Social Security Disability entitled inflammatory arthritis, this is the listing for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The listing requires the following medical conditions, but remember there are other ways to meet Social Security Disability requirements other than this listing for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
A. History of joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, and signs on current physical examniation of joint inflammation or def0rmity in two or more major joints resulting in inability to ambulate effectively or inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively, as defined in 14.00B6b and B2c; or
B. Ankylosing spondylitis or other spondyloarthropathy, with diagnosis established by findings of unilateral or bilateral sacroliitis (e.g. erosions or fusions) shown by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, with both:
1. History of back pain, tenderness, and stiffness, and
2. Findings on physical examination of ankylosis fixation of the dorsolumber or cervical spine at 45 degree or more flexion measured from vertical position zero degrees; or
C. An impairment as described under the criteria in 14.02A systemic lupus erythematosus; or
D. Inflammatory arthritis with signs of peripheral join inflammation on current examination, but with lesser joint involvement than in A and lesser extra articular features than in C, and:
1. Significant, documented constitutional symptoms and signs (e.g. fatigue, fever, malaise, weight loss), and
2. Involvement of two or more organs/body systems. At least one of the organs/body systems must be involved to at least a moderate level of severity.
E. Inflammatory spondylitis or other inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, with lesser deformity than in B and lesser extra-articualr features than in C, with signs of unilateral or bilateral sacroiliitis on appropriate medically acceptable imaging; and with the extra-articular features described in 14.09D.
Rheumatoind Arthritis is a dibilitating disease, it can strike young and old alike. It can deform the body and make everyday choirs seem impossible. Daily living activities such as simply shopping or driving can become to painful. If you or a loved one suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis please give me a call, I would be pleased to review your Social Security Disability claim at no charge, and there is never a fee unless I win your claim.
Daniel L. McMurtry, Esq.