Arthritis is a debilitating and painful condition that can have an impact on various areas of your life, including your ability to work. Many people diagnosed with this disease live and work with relative ease thanks to medication and other forms of treatment, but the most severe cases can be crippling, overwhelming a person’s ability to enjoy a certain quality of life.
Simply having a diagnosis of arthritis is not enough to file for disability benefits, but you may have grounds to move forward with a claim if you are unable to work because of the pain and loss of motion. The disability claims process can be complex, but you do not have to navigate it alone.
Living with the condition
Arthritis is a big problem for millions of people, and many of these people are unable to work full time because of it. In fact, people with arthritis or other types of rheumatic conditions lose more days at work than working adults do for any other medical condition. It is also one of the most costly types of medical conditions. People with this condition often struggle due to the following:
- Limited function in the joints
- Loss of range of motion
- Chronic pain
- Difficultly walking, grasping objects and climbing stairs
- Increased risk of anxiety or depression
These are just some of the many physical side effects of this illness. In addition to these, arthritis patients also have to deal with the financial and emotional implications of a chronic condition, which include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Loss of a certain quality of life
- Inability to hold gainful employment or work enough hours
The most serious cases of arthritis reach almost every area of life, and if you are struggling with it, you know how difficult it can be to manage this condition and earn a living.
Fighting for disability benefits
Disability benefits are intended for individuals who are unable to work because of a qualifying medical or mental condition. Your case of arthritis may meet these conditions, making you eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. Even if you qualify, it is not easy to claim disability benefits, and the claims process can be fraught with complications.
If you believe that you may be eligible, you would be wise to first seek the guidance of a Missouri attorney who will help you navigate the claims process and fight for the benefits that you deserve because of a devastating case of arthritis.