Disability benefits and Ankylosing Spondylitis: What You Should Understand
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers assistance to individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) who are seeking to acquire the necessary documents for applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
The SSDI process for those with AS follows the general SSDI application and evaluation procedure, but with a specific emphasis on documenting the severity and functional limitations caused by the condition.
Preparing and submitting an application is the first key step. Applicants must compile thorough medical records and doctors' reports detailing their AS diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and the impact on their ability to work. Detailed work history and employer statements are also required. The application can be submitted online, by phone, or in person at an SSA office.
Once the application is submitted, the SSA reviews the medical evidence to determine if the claimant meets the disability criteria. This review includes checking the severity of AS through medical records such as imaging, lab tests, and physician notes. SSA may also require applicants to attend a consultative examination with an SSA-appointed doctor to assess functional limitations. It is important to bring any assistive devices used for walking or sitting to this exam.
Claimants receive a decision by mail after several months. If approved, the notice will state the benefit amount and start date. If denied, applicants can appeal within 60 days by submitting new evidence and explaining why they disagree. Appeals involve reconsideration and additional review steps.
AS can qualify under Social Security’s musculoskeletal listings if it results in severe spinal dysfunction that significantly limits function. Meeting these listings or demonstrating equivalent functional limitations increases chances of approval.
To qualify for SSDI with AS, a person must meet the established criteria for disability benefits, which include the inability to work for a long period. The SSA recognizes AS as a potential impairment and includes it in their Listing of Impairments.
The SSA provides a listing of impairments that helps define what impairments it will recognize, and AS may qualify under the broad listing of 14.00 called Immune System Disorders - Adult.
Applying for SSDI can sometimes be time-consuming and challenging, often requiring at least one appeal before benefits are approved. Working with a representative may make the process easier. A person can appoint a representative to contact the SSA and help fill out the application. Representatives can be lawyers or paralegals, but they can also be anyone the SSA approves.
The SSA recommends that people print, review, and gather necessary information on its checklist before starting their application. The checklist includes demographic information, current and previous employer information, and medical information specific to the person's diagnosis, treatment, and outlook with AS.
If the SSA denies an application, a person can file an appeal within 60 days of the denial, and there are four levels of appeal: reconsideration, hearing by a judge, appeals council review, and federal court review. The SSA's checklist also includes information on how to request a representative and the process for their compensation.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the ligaments and joints of the spine. It can cause symptoms in other areas of the body, including the feet, hips, shoulders, ribs, knees, and ankles. Over time, AS can lead to stiffness that limits mobility.
When evaluating a person’s Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), the SSA may look at factors such as pain, ability to move, and other potentially limiting characteristics of AS.
Individuals living with AS may qualify for SSDI even if they do not meet the exact clinical definition in the SSA's Listing of Impairments. The SSA's website provides resources for applying for SSDI, including the option to apply online or by calling 800-772-1213.
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