RA is more than just chronic pain, it’s a progressive autoimmune disease that can impact every aspect of life. RA means no work, driving, or household chores for many people.
If you have RA and are wondering, “Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability?”, you’re not alone. Let’s go over how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates RA and what you can do to protect your rights.
In this Article:
- What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Does the SSA Consider RA a Qualifying Disability?
- What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Support Your Claim?
- Why Are RA Disability Claims Denied?
- Talk to a Disability Lawyer Who Understands Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissues, causing inflammation, stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is related to aging and wear and tear, RA can strike at any age—even in your 30s or 40s—and can affect organs as well as joints.
- Common symptoms include:
- Swollen, tender joints (especially hands, feet, and knees)
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint deformity or loss of function over time
RA symptoms can fluctuate; some days are better than others. Unfortunately, that unpredictability can make it hard to maintain steady employment.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis a Disability?
Yes, the Social Security Administration recognizes rheumatoid arthritis as a disabling condition under Section 14.09 – Inflammatory Arthritis in the Blue Book listing of impairments. But having a diagnosis is not enough to qualify for disability benefits.
To be approved for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you must show that RA significantly impairs your ability to work full-time. This means showing that the disease limits your ability to walk, stand, use your hands, or complete tasks with reasonable consistency and efficiency.
What Medical Evidence Do You Need to Support Your Claim?
A strong disability claim for RA relies on the quality of your medical documentation. You should be prepared to submit:
- Diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs, blood tests like RA factor and anti-CCP antibodies)
- Medical records from your rheumatologist detailing symptom progression and treatments
- Evidence of medication use, including disease-modifying drugs and biologics
- Notes about how your condition affects your ability to work and at home
- Doctor statements, functional capacity evaluations, and personal symptom diaries can also be helpful in showing that your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Why Are RA Disability Claims Denied?
Despite how serious RA is, RA-related disability claims are often denied at the initial application stage. This is usually because of:
- Not enough or inconsistent medical documentation
- Gaps in treatment history
- The claimant can do sedentary work
- Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
Many people with legitimate cases give up after a denial, but appealing with legal help can turn things around for you.
Talk to a Disability Lawyer Who Understands Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just cause pain, it can threaten your financial stability and your future. If RA has made it impossible for you to work, you need someone on your side who knows the system and can fight for your benefits.
At Disparti Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of people with disabilities navigate the Social Security system and win the support they deserve. Call (312) 600-6000 today for a FREE consultation with a skilled disability lawyer, and find out why so many people say…
Larry Wins!
