Mr. Bothwell and his staff were not only knowledgeable and to the point, but took the time to answer all of my questions and kept in touch with me during the entire process.”
Holding on to Your Independence
Rheumatoid arthritis comes with tremendous pain—the kind that can keep you from doing all the things you want. Daily tasks are suddenly marred with difficulty. Even walking can feel daunting. You’d love to keep working, but your joint pain makes it impossible.
When your rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from earning a paycheck, your physical suffering quickly creates financial turmoil. You might wonder if you’ll ever reclaim your financial stability and sense of independence.
But there’s hope.
Social Security Disability benefits provide monthly checks to help when you can’t work due to rheumatoid arthritis. That extra support could make a world of difference in your life, restoring your peace of mind during a turbulent time.
When you worked, you earned Social Security Disability benefits. But winning benefits when you need them isn’t easy.
Let the attorneys at Bothwell & Hamill help you navigate the complexities of Social Security Disability for rheumatoid arthritis. We help people win benefits in Yakima, Kennewick, Sunnyside, Spokane, Richland, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Walla Walla and anywhere in Central Washington.
We’ll focus on securing your benefits so you can focus on your health.
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How to Prove Disability for Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, you know all too well that the condition rules out functioning as you’ve always done. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also acknowledges this, officially listing rheumatoid arthritis as an impairment that can qualify you for disability benefits.
To receive benefits, however, you must prove that your symptoms are debilitating enough to prevent you from working. The SSA will evaluate your ability to function—or “residual functional capacity,” as they call it—based on the particular restrictions that rheumatoid arthritis has imposed on you.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes a body’s immune system to attack the linings of the joints. In addition to pain and fatigue, it can often cause complications like depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, lung disease and heart problems.
Social Security Disability will look for documentation of symptoms like these:
- Inflammation in the legs that makes it difficult for you to walk
- Inflammation in the arms that limits your movement
- Severe joint pain accompanied by inflammation of two or more body systems
- Spinal stiffness and pain
- Involuntary weight loss
- Severe fatigue
- Fever
Providing medical records of diagnosis and treatment can help bolster your disability claim. But the disability system is complex. It can be difficult to win your claim without a lawyer supporting you.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify for disability benefits, the lawyers at Bothwell & Hamill will evaluate your case for free.
Learn More About Social Security Disability
Get all the information you need to make the best decisions about your health — and your future.
Appealing when You’re Denied Benefits
The sad reality is that most applications for Social Security Disability are denied. But you can still win benefits if you appeal the decision.
One of the most effective ways to improve your chances is working with a professional who’s well versed in disability law. In fact, a government report found that people who have representatives are almost three times more likely to be awarded benefits after a disability appeals hearing.
The process of applying or appealing for disability benefits can be hard to tackle by yourself. Bothwell & Hamill reduces the burden on you.
We know your experience of rheumatoid arthritis can vary greatly from other cases. We take time to understand your specific situation and be your partner in fighting for disability income.
Get Help Now! »More Questions?
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