Gout, a complex form of inflammatory arthritis, can cause excruciating pain and limit mobility. In severe cases, it can significantly impact your ability to work and maintain a normal life. This raises the question: can you qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have gout?
While gout isn’t an automatic qualifier for disability, there are paths to receiving benefits if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria. This article explores gout, its impact on work, and the process of obtaining disability benefits with this condition.
Understanding Gout
Gout is a recurrent condition triggered by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. This buildup forms crystals that cause sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often affecting the big toe first. Subsequent attacks can target other joints like ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and even the spine.
There are two main types of gout:
- Acute Gout: Characterized by sudden, intense pain, often occurring at night. It usually resolves within a few days with proper treatment.
- Chronic Gout: Develops over time with repeated acute attacks. It can lead to joint deformity and decreased mobility.
Can You Get Disability for Gout?
The SSA evaluates disability claims based on your inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition. While gout itself doesn’t automatically qualify, the SSA considers the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your ability to work.
Here’s how your gout diagnosis might play a role in securing disability benefits:
- Meeting the Blue Book Listing: The SSA’s Blue Book outlines specific conditions and their associated criteria for disability approval. While there’s no separate listing for gout, it can be considered under “inflammatory arthritis.” To qualify under this listing, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- Multisystem Involvement: Two or more of your bodily systems are significantly affected by gout.
- Additional Symptoms: You experience at least two of the following along with gout: chronic fever, weight loss, malaise (general feeling of being unwell), or fatigue.
- Joint Limitations: You have limitations in either:
- Major Peripheral Joints: Your hands, shoulders, elbows, or wrists are affected to the point where you cannot perform fine or gross motor movements.
- Weight-Bearing Joints: Your ankles, hips, or knees are so impacted that you cannot walk effectively.
- Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment: If you don’t meet the Blue Book listing, the SSA considers your RFC. This assessment, completed by your doctor, details your limitations caused by gout, including:
- Conditions and symptoms
- Functional limitations
- Side effects of medications
The SSA compares your RFC with the demands of jobs you’ve held or could potentially hold. If your gout limitations prevent you from performing any full-time work, you might be eligible for disability benefits.
Securing Disability Benefits for Gout
The process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits can be complex. Here are some steps to consider:
- Gather Medical Documentation: Collect detailed medical records documenting your gout diagnosis, treatment history, symptom severity, and functional limitations.
- Consult a Disability Attorney: An experienced Social Security disability lawyer can guide you through the application process, ensure you submit the necessary documentation, and represent you during appeals if needed.
- Complete the Application: File your application for disability benefits online or at your local SSA office.
- Attend Medical Examinations: The SSA may schedule medical examinations to assess your condition.
Additional Tips for Success
- Be Proactive: Gather medical evidence and prepare your case well in advance of applying.
- Maintain Treatment: Consistently follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep detailed records of your progress.
- Be Honest and Accurate: Provide truthful information about your condition and limitations throughout the process.
Contact a Disability Attorney for Help
Securing disability benefits can be a lengthy and challenging process. Having an experienced Social Security disability lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of success.
At Collins Price, PLLC, our team of disability lawyers has extensive experience helping individuals in North Carolina suffering from chronic pain conditions like gout obtain the disability benefits they deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific case and explore your options.
Don’t let gout limit your ability to live a financially secure life. Contact Collins Price today and let us help you navigate the path to securing disability benefits.