Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis can cause severe swelling, immobility and pain. Symptoms can include: redness and swelling, loss of full use of your hands or affected joints and soreness of joints. If you have symptoms of arthritis and are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to document your symptoms and functional limitations as soon as possible. Ask your doctor to do testing and document their observations of limitations and abnormal signs and symptoms in your medical records.
It is also important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Not only will you receive needed medical care, but the visit will also initiate the medical history you will need to prove your disability to the Social Security Administration. A positive rheumatoid factor blood test, redness and swelling can be indicators of the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is most often confirmed by your doctor’s clinical examination. Doctors may also be able to diagnose arthritis through: X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other imaging techniques.
If you have symptoms of arthritis and are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. Our attorney is experienced in handling the complexity of Social Security Disability cases involving osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
For more information or to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation with a trusted SSDI and SSI lawyer serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding region, please contact us online or call our office in Jenkintown: 215-886-0398 or Philadelphia: 215-323-5320 to arrange a free initial consultation with our experienced disability lawyer about SSD/SSI eligibility. Disability and Injury Law Offices of David R. Machek, Esq. www.disabilitylawpa.com