Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can cause joint stiffness, swelling and redness. For people who suffer from the most severe cases of gout, permanent damage can occur in the kidneys and joints. In most cases, you must undergo an examination of persistent inflammation and deformities to determine your level of severity. Gout patients may also suffer from related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Since gout can limit your daily activities, the Social Security Administration (SSA) lists it as a disabling medical condition. Below, we’ll explain the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits for gout before you apply.
How to Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Gout
Before you can get Social Security disability benefits for gout, a rheumatologist must first diagnose you with the condition. Then, you must meet all criteria that proves it forces you to stop working for at least 12 months. The SSA defines your gout as “debilitating” if the following applies to you:
- Chronic inflammation is present in a weight-bearing joint that limits your ability to perform your job duties.
- Daily tasks are affected by major damage in each upper extremity, such as both arms, wrists or shoulders.
In order to receive disability benefits, your health must prevent you from working at all for at least one year. That extends to include other jobs that pay similar wages and use the same skillset you currently possess. If your symptoms improve in less than 12 months or your gout goes away, then the SSA will deny you benefits.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
Consulting disability attorney or advocate is the fastest, easiest way to see if you have a valid claim. Many people don’t realize you won’t pay anything now to get a Social Security attorney or advocate to file your application. An experienced legal representative can give you advice over the phone without charging you any out-of-pocket fees. Unless your representative helps you win Social Security disability benefits for gout, you pay $0 for legal assistance. And if your case wins, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!
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Megan Kelly is a former blogger and copywriter for LeadingResponse.