Can You Get Disability For Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Living with the physical and emotional pain of a long-term disability is 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 like housing, food, etc.
These individuals want to work, but the limitations caused by their disability makes it impossible for them to complete 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 worked in the past. To qualify, working and paying taxes for particular number of yearsis mandatory.
Ankylosing Spondylitis disability benefits plays a key role in helping disabled people and his/her family members in maintaining their basic necessities. Social Security Administration makes sure that every disabled person gets the compensation for their losses. Apply for disability benefits if your ailment is not letting you work for more than 12 months.
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 including blurred vision, red eye and sensitivity to light may develop.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. However, 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. Results reduces 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. One of the most common signs includes-
- Pain and stiffness in the lower back.
- Pain and stiffness in hips.
- Neck pain and fatigue
You will feel above health issues, especially in the morning. When these symptoms are left unattended for a longer time, it worsens and makes the patient miserable.
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 Social Security Administration (SSA) dictates 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 disability benefits approval process. Hence, it is essential for people with this condition to seek medical treatment from a licensed professional.
Applying for SSDI benefits is a confusing and difficult process for those who are not familiar with the SSA’s 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 and so we can efficiently help you in getting your disability benefits. We know about eligibility criteria, documents required to prove disability due to Ankylosing spondylitis, and all other needful details.
The first step is to schedule a free consultation and talk to attorneys at Chermol& Fishman, LLC.
