Arthritis & Disability Benefits

Arthritis is a condition affecting the joints characterized by pain, tenderness and inflammation in the affected areas such as hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, and feet. Age and traumatic injuries are two causes of arthritis. Arthritis is more common in older individuals, but arthritis can still be found to be disabling in younger people, assuming it is well-documented by the claimant's treating provider. Two common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Due to the fact that many people suffer from arthritis, Social Security Disability entitlement depends on how the arthritis affects the various parts of the body and interferes with one's arms or legs. It is important that an individual suffering from disabling arthritis treats with a rheumatologist, the medical specialist responsible for diagnosing and treating the ailment.

All Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income determinations are based on medical documentation. It is important that your condition and treatment is thoroughly documented in the form of medical records, laboratory testing, clinical evaluations, and narrative reports from your treating physicians. If you do not treat with a doctor, or your doctor is not supportive, your lawyer will not be able to prove your case, regardless of how sick you truly are. Our goal is that you, your doctors and our attorneys can form the winning team to ensure that your pursuit for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits is successful.

At West Coast Disability Legal Center, our experienced attorneys guide people through each step of the Social Security Disability claims process. We can file your initial claim, appeal your claim to the reconsideration level if you are denied, request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or appeal your case to the Appeals Council. To talk with us about your case, please call us at (800) 459-3017 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online and one of our attorneys will get in touch with you. There is never a fee for our services unless we win your case.