Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Gemsnknights]

Hey guys - my mom is 55 and has rheumatoid arthritis, and wants to apply for SSI (disability). She has terrible pains and her hands have become crippled. Do you think this will qualify her for it? She can barely lift up her arms; she's worked in care-giving and now it's impossible to do simple chores/duties.

[silverfox67]

  Your mom needs to document every time she goes to the doctor and keep a copy of every diagnosis the doctor gives her.   If the doctor says she is disabled, she needs a document stating that.  Then she will be sent by Soc. Security to a Psychiatrist who will determine if she is depressed (most people who are in extreme or chronic pain are depressed.)  This diagnosis will also help her get her disability.
     Been there, done that.   Hope everything works out for her.  P.S.   Never, never start over!  Appeal, appeal, appeal.  She will initially be turned down.  They turn every body down.  Appeal immediately.  If she gets turned down again, appeal again.  Keep appealing and do not start over.  If she starts over she will lose a lot of money due her.   And yes, a lawyer or a legal aid will help also.   You need to write a letter to the judge when the time comes, also, stating how bad your mother's deterioration has become.  

    Please let us know how things go for her.

[carolanivey]

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear your mom is having so much trouble. How long ago was she diagnosed? What treatments has she tried? Many treatments take a long time to kick in and show some improvement, so at the very least she should be able to apply for temporary disability.

This is a legitimate question to ask her doctor, who will be providing documentation, and possibly a lawyer to specializes in SSI disability. A huge number of applicants are turned down the first time. Key components of successful applications seams to be persistence and DOCUMENTATION.  She needs to be keeping a daily journal of her symptoms and how the disease impacts her life, the meds she's taking and how they affect her life, etc. Photos and videos along with written documentation can be helpful.

Again, schedule a consultation with an SSI lawyer. Many of them offer free consultations; her doctor may know of a good one. Good luck!