Unfortunately, gout is not included in the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s listing of disabling conditions. Gout is a condition associated with inflammatory arthritis. You can apply for disability benefits if your gout meets the requirements of the SSA for inflammatory arthritis.
If an individual is suffering from chronic gout that is preventing them from the following:
- Doing any work,
- Social functioning,
- Difficulty in focusing,
- A problem in completing tasks within the time.
Individuals experiencing these conditions may apply for Social Security disability. However, they need to meet the criteria of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Listing 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis.
What Is Gout?
Gout is one of the forms of arthritis that is accompanied by excessive pain, tenderness in the joints, and redness. The cause of the pain and inflammation is an excess of uric acid that crystallizes and gets deposited in the joints. If gout is not treated properly, it can lead to severe joint damage and impair one’s movement.
For individuals with gout, it is important to reduce the associated symptoms and the risk of future flares. This includes lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight loss if overweight, and managing other medical conditions that can lead to gout.
Common Symptoms of Gout Disability
Gout can lead to various symptoms, including:
- Pain in the joints, especially the big toe
- Stiffness and swelling in the joint or feet
- Redness and warmth in the joint
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
- Pain when moving certain joints
- Fatigue and overall feeling of malaise
- Fever
- Difficulty sleeping due to pain
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Skin rash or other skin changes around the affected joint
If gout is left untreated, it can cause permanent joint damage. A condition called tophus occurs due to the buildup of uric acid in joints. Some people may also develop other health problems, such as kidney stones, heart disease, diabetes, depression, sleep apnea, and severe arthritis; therefore, it is vital to discuss all your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
If you suffer from gout and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. They can provide you with the necessary information and help determine if your gout may qualify you for Social Security disability benefits.
Can You Get Disability For Gout?
You may be eligible for disability benefits if your work performance is affected. If you are an American and are suffering from severe gout, you may qualify for VA disability. Patients get wracked with pain, and when it becomes more severe, it can affect their ability to function daily.
You can apply to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have sufficient work credits and have paid taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are approved, you can receive monthly disability benefits.
The SSA evaluation process will require applicant’s disability meet certain conditions, such as:
- Disability due to gout is affecting two or more body systems.
- An applicant is experiencing two of the symptoms, namely chronic fever, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss.
- The peripheral joints, such as hands, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, are not in motion.
- Weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and ankles are being affected.
Additionally, you must demonstrate that your treatment and medications have not positively impacted your health in at least a year or longer.
How to Apply for Gout Disability?
You can apply either online or by mail. The following are the general steps for applying for Social Security disability benefits:
Gather your medical records and information about your condition. This includes information from your doctor or medical records such as laboratory results, X-rays and other test results, and notes from physical examinations.
- Determine whether you have earned enough work credits to be eligible for benefits.
- Complete your application, which includes providing personal and financial information as well as medical records.
- Submit the application and provide any additional documents requested by the SSA.
- Wait for an approval or denial of your application
The SSA will review your application and make a decision regarding your eligibility for disability benefits. They will examine the evidence and determine if you meet the criteria for disability. If your application is approved, you will receive disability benefits. However, if your application is denied, you can still appeal the decision. The SSA offers several levels of appeals, so you should consider engaging an experienced attorney to assist you with your claim.
What Will Happen If You Do Not Meet The Criteria Listed In The Blue Book?
If an applicant does not meet the SSA’s criteria, they can still apply for disability due to gout. They need to provide evidence of their severe symptoms and medical condition, which can be easily done by submitting a residual functional capacity (RFC) and the medical-vocational allowance (MVA).
There will be representatives from the SSA or Disability Determination Services (DDS) who will analyze your mental and medical condition. They will check whether you are able to perform any work or not. Furthermore, they will review whether you can do any sedentary, light-duty work or not.
The RFC form will be completed by your doctor stating your medical condition, limitations, and other medical histories. After it has been completely analyzed, the DDS team will decide whether or not a disability for gout should be given.
If you still have questions regarding a disability claim for gout, schedule a free case consultation with a disability lawyer.