Can You Get Disability Benefits for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Living with the physical and emotional pain of a long-term disability can be daunting. People who are disabled and cannot work due to their disability often face mounting medical bills. It becomes difficult for them to pay for basic necessities of life, like housing, food, etc.
These individuals want to work, but the limitations caused by their disability makes it impossible for them to complete basic job tasks. Fortunately, social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits are available to those who qualify.
SSDI is an insurance program that is managed by the federal government and funded through paycheck deductions. People who qualify for these benefits must have a qualifying work history. To qualify, you must have a history of working and paying taxes for several years.
Ankylosing Spondylitis disability benefits plays a key role in helping disabled people and their family members with maintaining financial stability so that they are able to pay for daily necessities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to disabled people who need assistance because they can no longer earn an income. Apply for disability benefits if you have a medical condition that has prevented, or is expected to prevent, you from working for twelve months or longer, or is expected to be fatal.
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Disability?
Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthritic condition that causes inflammation along the spine. If left untreated, the condition can cause the vertebrae to fuse together. When the vertebrae fuse, a person’s posture becomes hunched forward. Depending on the severity of complications, crowding in the ribs can make it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Inflammation is not always limited to the spine. Some people who have ankylosing spondylitis also experience inflammation around the eyes. The condition most commonly affects men, and symptoms are first noticed in early adulthood.
Stiffness in the back and hips is often the first sign of the inflammatory disease, and the pain and stiffness that occurs is more prevalent during periods of inactivity. People who have this condition may find that their symptoms are worse when getting out of bed in the morning. If inflammation occurs around the eye, symptoms can include blurred vision and red eye. Sensitivity to light may also develop.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. There are treatment options available to alleviate pain and prevent vertebrae from fusing together. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control inflammation and reduce pain.
If anti-inflammatory medications are not effective, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers may be used. These medications are injected under the skin to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Since inactivity can exasperate the complications of ankylosing spondylitis, physical therapy may be prescribed. You can decrease pain and inflammation by staying active throughout the day. Limiting periods of inactivity whenever possible is also beneficial.
Symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis
Spotting the early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis is essential. Contacting a healthcare expert at the right time can be a great help in many aspects. Some of the most common signs include:
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Pain and stiffness in hips.
- Neck pain and fatigue
The symptoms above are especially prevalent in the morning. If these symptoms are left unattended for too long, they can worsen and cause serious discomfort.
The most commonly affected areas are:
- The hip and shoulder joints
- The vertebrae in your lower back
- The area between tendons and ligaments
- The joint between the spine and your pelvis
- The cartilage between the breastbone and ribs
Getting Disability Benefits for Ankylosing Spondylitis
People who have a severe limitation in range of motion due to their condition may qualify for disability benefits. The SSA rules require that a person must have a fixation of the dorsolumbar or cervical spine that is measured at 45 degrees during a physical examination.
People who have a fixation measured at 30 degrees may qualify if one or more organs are affected by the condition. Medical evidence plays a vital role in the disability benefits approval process. Hence, it is crucial for people with this condition to seek medical treatment from a licensed professional not only to alleviate their pain and suffering, but to have a documented record of the condition when applying for disability benefits.
Applying for SSDI benefits can be a confusing and difficult process for those unfamiliar with the SSA’s strict requirements. Many first-time applications are denied due to lack of medical evidence of disability or errors made on the required forms. The best way to reduce the frustration associated with applying for SSDI benefits is to consult with an experienced attorney.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney for Ankylosing Spondylitis Disability Benefits
Experienced legal professionals can help their clients gather information and file paperwork in a timely manner. Our lawyers know the ankylosing spondylitis disability rating system and have years of experience in this industry. We have in-depth knowledge of disability law, so we can efficiently help get disability benefits. We know the eligibility criteria, documents required to prove disability due to Ankylosing spondylitis, and all other necessary details to take the hassle out of the process.
The first step is to schedule a free consultation and talk to attorneys at Chermol & Fishman, LLC.
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