When a medical condition negatively impacts your life, it can leave you with serious concerns about your financial security and your ability to work. Indiana readers understand that certain illnesses and disorders can seriously affect physical capabilities, leaving victims unable to hold gainful employment. Sometimes these disabling medical conditions do not show any outwards signs, yet they are serious and debilitating.

A medical condition that could impact your life with few, if any, outward symptoms is arthritis. This is a rather common condition, yet there are some cases severe enough to affect a person’s ability to work and do other everyday activities. If you have a serious case of this disease and find you can no longer work as you did in the past, you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Understanding the impact of arthritis

Millions of Americans have arthritis, and it is actually one of the leading causes of disability in the country. For 10 percent of adults with arthritis, the effects are severe enough to hinder physical abilities. There are various types of arthritis, but all of them cause pain and complications related to inflammation. The impact of arthritis differs from person to person. Some of the most common characteristics of this illness include the following: 

• Severe pain in various areas of the body
• Problems with breathing
• Excessive fatigue and exhaustion

A diagnosis of this specific medical condition will not necessarily qualify you for disability. Your eligibility for these financial benefits depends largely on how the condition affects your ability to walk, sit, stand and meet the physical demands of your job.

In order to have a valid claim to these benefits, you will have to submit a completed application, including sufficient medical documentation and more. Many applicants find the process confusing and complex, and it can be helpful to have guidance as you walk through the required steps.

The help you need for the future you deserve

It is not easy to secure disability benefits, even with a valid medical condition. Unfortunately, the process is difficult, and many initial claims are not successful. However, through reconsiderations and appeals, you can continue to fight for the outcome you deserve. You may find it beneficial to seek a complete evaluation of your case in order to understand how you can fight for the support you need. You are entitled to an explanation of your legal options.