Osteoarthritis (OA)

• OA is a chronic condition characterized by breakdown of the joint’s cartilage

• OA is the most common form of arthritis affecting nearly 21 million Americans

• OA may affect any joint, but occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers, and the base of the thumb and big toe

• $10 million of OA research is funded by the Arthritis Foundation

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• RA is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints

• RA can start in any joint, but most commonly begins in the smaller joints of the fingers, hands, and wrists

• RA affects more than 2.1 million Americans, including children

• $17 million of RA research is funded by the Arthritis Foundation

Juvenile Arthritis (JA)

• JA affects nearly 300,000 children

• More children suffer from JA than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis combined

• Diagnosis is made when there has been persistent arthritis in one or more joints for at least six weeks and after other possible illnesses have been ruled out

• $5 million of JA research is funded by the Arthritis Foundation

We are happy to pass along the above information and were grateful to the Arthritis Foundation’s materials Arthritis 101: The Fundamentals.

A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from arthritis. Individuals suffering from this disorder experience joint pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe arthritis and considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.

Kraft & Associates will be in attendance and supporting our Dallas Team, Amy and the Anti-Imflammitories.  We hope to see you there and assist the 46 million individuals who suffer from arthritis.

A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from arthritis. Individuals suffering from this disorder experience joint pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe arthritis and considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.

• joint pain,
• swelling, and
• limited range of motion.

The course of prescribed treatment can include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. Not all individuals who have been diagnosed with arthritis will be found disabled under Social Security rules. One source of information we recommend for people with arthritis is the Arthritis Foundation. This is a non-profit organization with a Web site full of information and resources for those suffering from arthritis.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe arthritis and considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.

In May 2009 Kraft and Associates was a sponsor of the 2009 Dallas Arthritis Walk. The time has come again to start planning for the 2010 walk that will be held in North Dallas on Saturday May 15 at 12700 Park Central Drive. You can sign up here. We hope to see you there, and assist the 46 million individuals who suffer from arthritis.

The Arthritis Walk^® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.

The Arthritis Walk^® kicks off in May during National Arthritis Month in more than 300 communities nationwide to fund arthritis research, health education and government advocacy initiatives.

Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. In many communities, pet owners are invited to bring their dogs along for the walk.

By joining your 2009 Arthritis Walk^®, you become a part of the Let’s Move Together movement, a nationwide effort that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Start moving today for better health!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published a detailed study in an article describing the increasing impact of arthritis today.

Our clients applying for Social Security Disability confirm the accuracy above statistics. We welcome the opportunity to assist individuals seeking disability benefits, and are happy to support the Arthritis Foundation in support at their upcoming walk on May 16, 2009 in Dallas.

Last month we enjoyed supporting the Lupus Foundation’s walk and were glad to see that the number of walkers had increased to over 800!

Arthritis is broken up into two listings by Social Security. The first, Listing 1.02 for the Major dysfunction of a joint, covers disability caused by Osteoarthritis. Disability caused by inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis is covered by Listing 14.09.

It is very difficult to meet a listing for osteoarthritis, particularly in a person under the age of 65. Generally, the best approach is to document the existence of osteoarthritis and then document the actual physical limitations it places on a claimant. These physical limitations are referred to as a claimant’s physical residual capacity to perform work related activities. They include activities such as sitting for a long period of time, standing for a long period of time, lifting, pushing and pulling, and walking.  Also, osteoarthritis often presents in the hands of a claimant. If the claimant has had a long history of performing desk jobs requiring manual dexterity, the claimant’s in ability to perform that type of work can be the basis for a finding of “disabled.”

The second listing covering arthritis is 14.09 for inflammatory arthritis. It should be noted that Rheumatoid Arthritis is found in the series of listings covering the immune system. That is because Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis is actually a systemic disorder, which can manifest itself in all parts of the body, not just the joints. It is however, most common in the joints. As with osteoarthritis it is very difficult to be found disabled based simply on the Listing for inflammatory arthritis. To be found to “meet or equal a listing” a claimant would have to provide a medically documented history of (1) joint pain, (2) joint swelling, (3) joint tenderness, (4) current joint inflammation, (5) occurring in two peripheral joints or one major weight bearing joint, (6) resulting in the inability to ambulate effectively or inability to perform fine or gross movements, and (7) ongoing for 12 months or being expected to end in death.

A finding of disabled based on rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, like osteoarthritis, is more likely to be based on a claimant’s decreased ability to perform work activities. A claimant needs to be prepared to offer credible testimony as to his or her ability to function in the workplace. What job function could the claimant not perform any longer? What adjustments or allowances did the claimant’s workplace make for him or her? Did the claimant need to rely on his or her co-workers for assistance? Additionally, arthritis is often treated with powerful steroids such as Prednisone, which can have severe side effects. The side effects of this type of medication are not in and of themselves disabling, but can be considered a contributing factor.

If you have arthritis and are considering seeking either SSI or SSDI you should first start going to the doctor for treatment. If you reach a point, after going to the doctor on a continual basis, that you cannot work, then contact Kraft and Associates at 214-999-9999 for a free consultation.