Psoriatic Arthritis Disability Attorneys
Psoriatic arthritis is a medical condition causing symptoms, such as swollen, inflamed, and painful joints. It may develop in people with psoriasis, but the exact cause of the disorder is unknown.
If you have symptoms of the disorder, see a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may qualify for Social Security Disability for psoriatic arthritis because of limitations on your ability to do work-related activities.
It isn’t easy to qualify for benefits because you must meet strict federal requirements. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration reject over two-thirds of the claims received each year.
The psoriatic arthritis disability attorneys at GCC Law Firm know that many people denied benefits during the initial application review process succeed through the appeal process. When you rely on GCC Law for advice and unsurpassed representation, our disability attorneys are with you from the initial application through the appeal process. A complicated and confusing claim process need not stand in your way of receiving SSD for psoriatic arthritis when we are there to help you.
Everything You Need to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation of joints in various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and back. The exact cause of the disorder has not been identified, but the fact that it develops in about 30% of people with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease, may link the two conditions.
Other possible causes of psoriatic arthritis include the immune system, genetics, and environment factors. Doctors do not have a cure for the disease, but its symptoms can be managed with a treatment plan that may include physical activity and prescription medication.
While similar in some respects to rheumatoid arthritis, such as causing inflammation of the joints, psoriatic arthritis does not affect as many joints. It also does not produce antibodies typically produced by rheumatoid arthritis.
- Asymmetric: This form of psoriatic arthritis typically affects the knee, hip, fingers, or toes on only one side of the body. Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis generally causes milder symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling.
- Symmetric: This is the most common form of the disease, with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis affecting both sides of the body.
- Distal: This form of psoriatic arthritis generally affects fingers and toes by causing stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints.
- Spondylitis: This form of the disease may affect connective tissue in the arms, legs, hips, or feet by causing stiffness and pain.
- Arthritis Multilane: A severe and rare form of the disease affecting the neck, back, fingers, and toes by causing pain and stiffness, diminished range of motion, and disfigured fingers and toes.
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as swollen joints, pain, and stiffness, can mimic those of other medical conditions. The only way to know is after a thorough evaluation, including a physical, by your medical provider.
Medical Documentation Required To Qualify For Disability Benefits
You must have medical documentation to support a psoriatic arthritis disability benefits claim, which begins by scheduling an appointment with a physician or other healthcare provider. Your doctor may start by asking about your medical history, including whether you have experienced psoriasis symptoms, which is why you should be seen by a medical professional when you have symptoms of psoriasis, such as the following:
- Dry, cracked skin.
- Itching, burning, or soreness.
- Recurring rashes that flare up and subside every few months or weeks.
- Patchy rash that may include spots of dry, scaling skin.
Symptoms and severity frequently vary from person to person, so it’s essential to have them evaluated by your doctor to determine if you have psoriasis.
After discussing your medical history and conducting a physical examination, your doctor may order blood tests, diagnostic imaging, and skin biopsies to aid in diagnosing the condition.
Disability Benefits Available For Psoriatic Arthritis Through The Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration manages two programs providing disability benefits to people who cannot work because of a disabling medical condition. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is for people with a history of working at jobs or through unemployment and paying Social Security taxes on their earnings or income.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program does not require a work history for eligibility. SSI determines eligibility based on financial need, so there are limits on your income and resources. For example, individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in resources, with the limit for eligible couples being $3,000.
If you meet the non-medical requirement of a long enough work history for SSDI or have limited income and resources for SSI, you must meet a federal definition of disability to meet the medical requirement. You must be unable to do substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. The impairment or a combination of impairments must be expected to result in death or have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous 12-month period.
Disability Claim Process With Psoriatic Arthritis
Applications for SSI and SSDI go through a psoriatic arthritis disability claim process to determine if they meet the non-medical and medical requirements to qualify for benefits. The focus for determining whether you have a disability within the meaning of the federal definition is on the severity of the symptoms caused by psoriatic arthritis.
You could be diagnosed with the disorder and be denied disability benefits when treatment prescribed by your healthcare providers keeps the symptoms from interfering with your ability to perform work-related activities. The psoriatic arthritis disability attorneys at GCC Law diligently review your claim to ensure it has medical records and other supporting documentation.
GCC Law Fights For Your Social Security Disability For Psoriatic Arthritis
Before submitting an application for SSDI or SSI, contact one of the psoriatic arthritis disability attorneys at GCC Law to learn what we do to give you the best chance of qualifying for psoriatic arthritis disability. From helping with your application to providing skillful representation during the appeal process, learn more during a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Medical Conditions Listed for Disability Benefits:
Call Our Illinois Psoriatic Arthritis Disability Lawyers Today
At GCC Law Firm, our Illinois Psoriatic Arthritis disability attorneys provide personalized, solutions-driven legal advocacy for clients. If your SSDI or SSI claim has been denied in Illinois, we can help. Contact us to schedule a free and completely confidential initial consultation, please contact our law firm today.
Call (479) 340-0002.