A person who develops severe symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. This is one of the conditions explicitly identified by the administration as a qualifying health problem. Nevertheless, being diagnosed with arthritis does not lead to immediate approval in most cases. A Social Security Disability attorney in Knoxville, TN, can help with the paperwork to significantly increase the chance of approval.
A High Rate of Claim Denials
The administration denies most applications, leaving disabled individuals having to appeal that decision. The process is slow, with the decision on the initial application often taking up to five months. For this reason, hiring a Social Security Disability attorney in Knoxville, TN, to assist with the claim is advisable.
Providing Proof of Disability
The claimant must prove to the administration that his or her health problem is serious enough to interfere with full-time work. That includes an inability to walk or stand for a certain amount of time, and also an inability to sit for several consecutive hours. The agents may expect a person who can no longer stand for several hours at work to find employment that allows for sitting. However, many men and women with arthritis cannot comfortably sit for an entire work shift, even with breaks.
The applicant needs thorough verification from a physician about the medical issue. Social Security disability lawyers know exactly what must be provided to the administration and why so many applications are denied. Contact Drozdowski & Rabin, PLLC for a free initial consultation.
