ssdi for inflammatory arthritis with sedentary job

SSDI Rights for Those Battling Inflammatory Arthritis in Louisiana

Working a job while battling the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis can be painful and emotionally exhausting. No matter the level of exertion a job requires, the stiffness, aches and strain can make completing even the most minor of duties a tall task. If you work a sedentary job, you might assume an application for Social Security Disability Insurance would be denied, but you may still be eligible. Phillip Hendry understands that inflammatory arthritis can make even a sedentary job difficult. He can guide you through the SSDI application process and help increase your chances of approval.

Basic SSDI Eligibility Requirements

The first place to start with any SSDI application for arthritis is the list of primary qualifications, including those related to your personal and work history and your medical condition. You must meet the following key requirements:

  • Work credits. You must have earned enough work credits through Social Security-covered employment. The number of credits needed depends on your age.
  • Recent work. You must have worked recently enough - usually within the last 10 years.
  • Medical condition. You must have a medically determinable impairment (MDI) that meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. This condition should: 
    • Prevent you from doing substantial work
    • Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
  • Age. You must be under full retirement age (often between 65 and 67, depending on birth year)
  • Income and resources: While SSDI doesn't have strict income limits like SSI, you’re only eligible if you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

It's important to note that while these are federal requirements, the application process may be processed by local offices in Louisiana.

How Inflammatory Arthritis Can Affect Substantial Gainful Activity

While your job may be sedentary, inflammatory arthritis can still significantly impact your ability to perform SGA. This chronic condition may lead to:

  1. Pain and Stiffness. Arthritis pain can be distracting and debilitating. Even if you work in a sedentary job, sitting in one place for extended periods or doing a lot of typing may cause pain and stiffness in your knees, hips, shoulders, neck, and hands. 
  2. Fatigue. Inflammatory arthritis can cause fatigue, leading to decreased stamina and difficulty completing a full workday.
  3. Mobility issues. Inflammatory arthritis can cause limited mobility, which can affect job performance and daily functioning.
  4. Reduced dexterity. Tasks like typing or writing may become difficult due to joint pain and swelling.
  5. Cognitive impairment. Pain and fatigue can affect your concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.

Criteria for Inflammatory Arthritis

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates inflammatory arthritis under Blue Book Section 14.09, which addresses immune system disorders. To meet this listing, you must have:

  • Persistent inflammation or deformity in one or more major peripheral weight-bearing joints resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively, or
  • Persistent inflammation or deformity in one or more major peripheral joints in each upper extremity resulting in the inability to perform fine and gross movements effectively, or
  • Inflammation or deformity in one or more major peripheral joints with:
    • Involvement of two or more organs/body systems with one of the organs/body systems involved to at least a moderate level of severity, and
    • At least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss)

If your condition meets the criteria in Section 14.09, you may be approved for SSDI benefits. 

Medical-Vocational Allowances for Inflammatory Arthritis

Even if you don't meet the exact listing requirements, you may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance. There are a few factors the SSA will consider when evaluating your claim, including:

  • Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This assessment determines what you can still do despite your limitations. It takes into consideration both physical and mental activities.
  • Age, education, and work experience. These factors are considered alongside your RFC to determine whether you can adjust to other types of work.

Even with a sedentary job, your inflammatory arthritis may prevent you from performing SGA if your symptoms significantly impact your ability to work a full day or maintain productivity.

Medical Evidence I Should Collect

To support your SSDI claim, you'll need comprehensive medical evidence from acceptable medical sources. This should include detailed medical records, lab test results, and imaging (X-rays or MRIs) documenting your diagnosis and treatment. You should also provide detailed doctor’s notes and statements from your treating physicians about your limitations and documentation of how your condition affects daily activities and work capabilities.

How Phillip M. Hendry Law Can Help Me Prove My Condition Prevents SGA

The SSDI application process can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced SSDI lawyers at Phillip M. Hendry Law can support you through the process by:

  • Gathering medical evidence 
  • Obtaining statements from your physicians 
  • Documenting how your condition affects your daily activities and work capabilities 
  • Representing you in appeals if your initial application is denied 
  • Preparing you for hearings with Administrative Law Judges

The team at Phillip M. Hendry Law will walk you through every step of the process to help you avoid common application mistakes. Don’t let your sedentary job discourage you from applying for the aid you need.

Do You Want to Speak to a Skilled Louisiana SSDI Attorney?

At Phillip M. Hendry Law, we understand how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are evaluated under the Blue Book criteria. Our firm will work with you through every step of the application and appeal process to draft a persuasive argument for why you should be awarded SSDI benefits.

Complete our online contact form or call (318) 553-5900 to schedule a consultation with our experienced Social Security disability attorney. We serve clients across Louisiana, East Texas, and Southwest Arkansas. For your convenience, we offer video conferencing options that let you seek assistance from the comfort of your own home.