Chicago Arthritis Disability Attorneys

Illinois Social Security Lawyers

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, and with more than 100 kinds of arthritis, it is one of the leading causes of disability. Symptoms of arthritis include: joint pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced ability to move the joint, redness of the skin around a joint, stiffness, and warmth around a joint. If the condition is severe enough, it may prevent a person from working. In these cases, the arthritis sufferer may be entitled to social security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The application process for obtaining social security disability benefits due to arthritis can be an incredibly complex and detailed undertaking. The assistance of a skilled social security attorney can be crucial to the success of a disability claim. At Ankin Law, our knowledgeable Chicago social security disability attorneys focus on representing clients apply for social security disability benefits. We will advise you on the legal requirements you must satisfy in order to receive SSDI or SSI benefits due to arthritis, assist you with your social security disability application, and represent you at your disability hearing, if necessary.

If you suffer from arthritis and are unable to work as a result of your condition, contact us at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys.

Factors Considered by Social Security Administration

When reviewing an application for social security disability based on arthritis, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider the following:

• Whether the applicant is able to engage in substantial gainful employment.
• Whether the arthritis is severe enough to limit the applicant’s ability to perform basic work functions, such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, carrying, seeing, hearing, speaking, understanding and following simple directions, dealing with changes in routine work setting, and responding to supervisors and typical work situations.
• Whether the applicant’s arthritis meets the definition of a qualifying medical condition. Arthritis is considered part of the musculoskeletal body system and has several possible medical listings or categories, but the applicant must have persistent swelling, pain, limitations of joints. Applicants with degenerative arthritis must have significant limitations using their arms and hands or a significant problem standing and walking. If an applicant’s condition does not satisfy a medical listing, the SSA will consider the remaining factors to determine whether the applicant may still qualify for social security disability benefits.
• The ability of the applicant to perform job functions that they have done in the past despite their arthritis.
• The age, education, work experience and physical/mental condition of the applicant.

If you suffer from arthritis and are unable to work as a result of your condition, contact us at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys.