Disability for Arthritis. Rheumatoid, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis.

How Social Security evaluates arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, is evaluated under the immune system listings. They look at persistent joint inflammation or deformity, involvement of other body systems, repeated flares with symptoms such as severe fatigue and malaise, and how the condition limits daily activities and the ability to complete tasks.

Osteoarthritis is evaluated under the musculoskeletal listings for abnormality of a major joint. They require imaging and examination findings and, in many cases, a documented need for a walker or similar device, or the loss of effective use of both arms.

When no listing is met

Most claims are decided on residual functional capacity: what you can still do in a work setting despite your symptoms. Social Security then asks whether any jobs fit those limits. For arthritis, the limits that matter are standing and walking tolerance, lifting, and how well and how long you can use your hands.

Evidence that matters

• X-rays or other imaging of the affected joints.
• Rheumatology records, including blood tests for inflammation and antibodies.
• Examination findings: swelling, tenderness, reduced range of motion, grip strength.
• A record of flares: how often, how long, and what you could not do.
• Medication history, including side effects and infections on immune-suppressing drugs.

Ask your doctor to complete the arthritis form in our free doctor forms. It records your limits in the terms Social Security uses.

Why these claims are denied

• A diagnosis with little description of function.
• Treatment by primary care only, with no rheumatologist.
• Hand limitations not examined.
• Records from between flares that show you at your best.

Morning stiffness and flares

Tell your doctor how long morning stiffness lasts and how many bad days you have in a month. A job requires showing up on time every day. Stiffness that lasts hours, or flares that cost several days a month, are the kind of limits that decide these cases.

If you are 50 or older

Under Social Security’s grid rules, a person limited to sedentary work at 50, or light work at 55, may be found disabled depending on education and past work.

Next steps

If you have been denied, you have 60 days to appeal. See what to do after a denial in Arizona, SSDI in Arizona, and SSI in Arizona. There is no fee unless benefits are awarded.

J Disability Law Firm, PLLC · Joseph J. Duerst, Attorney · 18444 N. 25th Ave, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85023 · (602) 607-0000. This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past results do not predict the outcome of your case.