Various types of medical conditions can stand between you and your ability to work. If you find yourself in a place in which you can no longer maintain gainful employment because of your physical limitations, you may have grounds to seek benefits through the Social Security Administration. Some people with serious cases of arthritis may be eligible for these benefits.
Arthritis is a relatively common medical condition, yet it can be disabling in severe cases. Some in Michigan who suffer from this type of disease deal with debilitating pain, lack of mobility and other complications. If arthritis has severely impacted your abilities, you may need to seek help regarding your potential disability claim.
What makes arthritis a disabling medical condition?
Arthritis can affect people in many ways. Some people with this type of medical condition are able to lead and enjoy relatively normal lives. However, there are severe cases where symptoms are not manageable and victims suffer greatly. Some of the effects of this illness that could keep you from working include:
- Excessive fatigue, which can keep you from working the same amount of hours you did in the past
- Difficulty breathing, which can impact how you are able to meet the requirements of your job
- Immobility, which prevents you from movement and doing certain things that could be required for your work
The most common symptom of arthritis is pain. This type of pain can affect joints throughout the body. In your case, the pain could be great enough to where you cannot work, move, sit or stand without extreme discomfort.
In addition to the physical impact arthritis can have, it can also have a significant economic impact as well. When you cannot work, or work the same hours as you did in the past, it can make it difficult for you to earn a living at the same level.
What should you do if you have a claim?
If you think you may have a rightful claim for disability benefits, it is smart to seek guidance as you explore this legal option. The disability claims process is notably complex, and many first-time applications come back denied.
Individuals with arthritis who cannot work would be wise to take quick action to protect their interests and start working on their claim as soon as possible. You do not have to walk through this process alone, and may have the right to guidance every step of the way.
