If you have a medical condition that makes it impossible to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. How can you determine if your condition is eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
First, determine if your condition significantly limits your ability for basic work activities. Next, you will need to match your condition to an impairment listed by the SSA.
Arthritis
Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint, or group of joints. This can cause pain and restricted mobility. There are many conditions that fall under the umbrella of arthritis. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis can be a degenerative disease that develops with aging. It is caused when the cartilage covering the bones of your joints wears down. RA is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune systems mistakenly attacks healthy joints tissue.
Treatment for arthritis is different depending on the type and severity of the condition. It may include lifestyle changes, medicine, and surgery. It’s important to get diagnosed early so that the right treatment can be started.
The most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and swelling, stiffness and decreased movement. The condition can also affect other areas of the body, resulting in a decrease quality of living.
People with arthritis often have difficulty managing their symptoms and engaging in the activities they enjoy. They might feel depressed and have trouble concentrating. They may also have difficulty adjusting to their new lifestyle.
A doctor will examine you for signs and symptoms, and may order x-rays or other tests in order to diagnose the condition. The doctor may need to refer you to a rheumatologist, who specialises in diseases that affect the joints.
The doctor will then determine the best treatment for your condition. Some medications are used to treat stiffness and pain, while others can slow down the progression of the disease or prevent further damage to your joints. Although there is no cure, proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Heart Disease
Heart disease can be described as a broad term that covers many conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. It is the leading cause of death in the United States and is also one of the most preventable. It affects all ages, races, and ethnicities.
Most types of heart disease can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Heart disease conditions that are most common include arrhythmias, congestive and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Symptoms of these conditions vary, but may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath on exertion, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen.
CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked by cholesterol and other substances, which make the arteries harden and narrow. This decreases oxygen and nutrients to your heart, which can cause damage and increase your risk of a heart attack.
Social Security examines the severity of a medical condition and how it affects your ability to work when deciding whether to approve a claim to disability benefits. They may request that you complete a residual functional capability assessment.
Although a symptom alone won’t be enough to get you approved to receive disability benefits, it is important to submit multiple medical evidence. Your doctor’s notes and diagnostic testing results, along with an opinion letter from your doctor, can help substantiate your claim.
The SSA specifically lists heart disease as a condition that qualifies for disability benefits under Section 4.00 Cardiovascular System – Adult, Disability Evaluation Blue Book. In order to qualify for disability benefits, your condition must meet one of the listed impairments and the impairment must be expected to last for 12 months or result in death.
DDD
DDD is a common condition that affects your spine, particularly the cervical spine (cervical spine), or the lower back (lumbar spinal). It can be caused by injury, long-term repetitive activities, and age. It may also be triggered by a herniated disc, which is when the soft tissue between the vertebrae bulges out of place or breaks apart.
DDD can lead to loss of mobility, posture, and eventually fusion of the spine. It’s a progressive condition, and it can worsen if you ignore symptoms or continue to put pressure on the spine.
Pain is the most common symptom of DDD. It may also include numbness and stiffness in the arms or legs. Flares of pain, numbness, and muscle weakness are common, but they usually go away with time.
DDD can be treated conservatively, with lifestyle changes, self-care, and exercise. It can also be treated by medication, injections, and surgery.
You should apply for disability benefits if your DDD is affecting the ability to perform regular job functions. This can be done by submitting a claim to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
It is important that you keep a detailed record of all your symptoms and limitations in your medical records. This includes how often they occur, how severe each symptom and how long they last. The SSA relies on these details when evaluating your claim.
Your medical records should also include details about the treatment you received, and how it affected your ability to function. This information will enable the SSA to better understand your condition and what it means for your ability to work.
MRSA
MRSA, a type of staph bacteria, can cause skin infections and wounds as well as pneumonia. MRSA is more common in those who have been in a hospital, or any other healthcare facility. However, it can also be found in the community. It can be passed to others by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
Normally, your body’s immune system helps keep staph germs away from your body. However, certain strains can travel through your bloodstream and into your organs and other tissues. This can lead to serious infections that could cause death.
This condition is called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. It can be very dangerous if not treated promptly.
Antibiotics and other measures are used to stop the spread of infection. Antibiotics work by killing the staph bacteria that are in your body and help you to recover from your infection.
The antibiotics you’ll be given depend on the type of MRSA infection you have and your medical history. You’ll probably have a blood test and other tests to check for signs of infection.
You may need to use a soap or an ointment that is specially formulated to clean your hands. To disinfect high-touch areas such as light switches and remote controls, you should also use disinfecting sprays.
MRSA infections can be controlled by prevention. MRSA prevention starts with good hygiene and being an active member of your healthcare team. Your health care providers will also need to be clean while caring for you.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal conditions are conditions that affect bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and other connective tissue. They can cause weakness, pain, or other problems in the muscles. These conditions can have a significant impact on the daily life of a person.
The most common musculoskeletal disorders include back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions. These conditions can lead to decreased function, limiting the ability to perform simple tasks. They can also reduce mobility and quality of your life.
Musculoskeletal conditions can be prevented by a variety of things, including proper body postures, regular exercise, adequate rest, and proper rest. These actions will reduce muscle fatigue and improve performance.
Many musculoskeletal disorders can be treated with medication or physiotherapy. The patient can be helped to gain strength and flexibility by physical therapy. Medications may also be used to reduce inflammation or pain.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must prove that your musculoskeletal condition has a significant impact upon your ability to work. To prove your condition, you will need to undergo medical imaging and physical tests.
Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading causes of long-term disability in the United States and worldwide. They are a major source of societal costs, putting a strain on the economy and the social safety net. They can increase the risk of developing other non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease. They can also impact the quality of life and lead to depression. It is important to get treatment for these conditions as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the better your chances of a cure.