Over 32% of Kentucky residents have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Many of these individuals have activity limitations as a result of their condition, resulting in lost income from work.
In fact, arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States.
While an arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary, there is hope. There are many resources within the state of Kentucky for individuals who are living with arthritis.
In addition to local arthritis support groups and foundations, there are also many excellent Kentucky healthcare providers that focus on arthritis.
Also, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to qualified individuals who are no longer able to work as a result of their severe arthritis symptoms.
Rheumatologists in Kentucky
Arthritis is commonly diagnosed but often misunderstood. Most people think that arthritis is one disease. Rather, arthritis is a term used to encompass over 100 different health conditions that impact the joints and musculoskeletal system.
Severe cases of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can affect the organs and even be life-limiting.
The healthcare industry has become very specialized over the last few decades. While primary care doctors can manage minor cases of arthritis, it is best to work with a medical specialist when possible. Rheumatologists are medical doctors that specialize in arthritic diseases.
A rheumatologist will properly diagnose your condition and then will help to develop a plan of care for you. Your rheumatologist will manage your medications, establish physical therapy plans, and track the progress of your health.
Your rheumatologist will also play an integral role in your attempt to obtain disability benefits. The SSA places an enormous amount of weight on the opinion of medical experts. Therefore, the information provided by your rheumatologist, such as medical records, will be reviewed carefully.
By establishing a good working relationship with your rheumatologist, you can ensure your best chances of winning your arthritis claim. Once you’ve determined that you are ready to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you will want to share your intentions with your rheumatologist.
Together, you can review what medical tests have been completed and what still needs to be done. You may want to review the SSA’s Blue Book together. By doing so, you and your doctor will know what the SSA is looking for in terms of medical tests and symptoms.
You may want to ask your rheumatologist to complete a residual functional capacity assessment (RFC). This assessment will identify your limitations that you now have from your arthritis. While this is not required, it may help to enhance your application.
If you have not yet started working with a rheumatologist, here are three practices in Kentucky that might be able to help you:
Norton Rheumatology Specialists
3991 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, KY 40207
(502) 899-6061
https://nortonhealthcare.com/location/norton-rheumatology-specialists-1
Arthritis Center of Lexington
330 Waller Ave 100
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 254-7000
https://www.rheumatologistlexingtonky.com
Graves Gilbert Clinic
Rheumatology
350 Park Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 783-3338
http://gravesgilbert.com/departments/rheumatology/
Arthritis Support Groups in Kentucky
Dealing with chronic illness is never easy. However, the burden sometimes feels lighter when you have support.
While family and friends can offer some assistance, they may not fully understand what you are going through or may not be able to provide answers to your questions. Many people living with arthritis have found value in joining an arthritis support group.
One such source of support in Kentucky comes from the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation, a national organization with local chapters, offers support and education to individuals impacted by arthritis.
For more information on resources available in Kentucky, contact the local Arthritis Foundation chapter at:
Arthritis Foundation – Louisville, KY
2908 Brownsboro Road, Ste 117
Louisville, KY 40206-3506
(513) 527-5048
Applying for Social Security Disability for Arthritis in Kentucky
Applying for Social Security benefits for arthritis in Kentucky first entails filling out an application. The application can be completed online or in person at one of the offices listed below.
Before beginning the application process, you will want to gather all the information needed for the application. You will need the names of your medical providers, their addresses, and phone numbers. You will also need to gather any medical documentation that you have on hand.
The easiest way to earn disability approval is by meeting a Blue Book listing. Several sections of the Blue Book pertain to arthritis.
Section 1.00 addresses musculoskeletal health conditions. Section 14.00 addresses inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
It can be quite challenging to meet a Blue Book Listing, and not everyone who applies will meet one. Still, they may remain completely disabled from arthritis. These individuals might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits utilizing a medical-vocational allowance.
The SSA will assess your functional capacity to determine if your symptoms are so severe as to prevent you from working at a job which you are qualified to perform.
As Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is meant for those who are permanently disabled, only those whose symptoms are expected to last at least one year will be considered.
Louisville Social Security Office 40223
10503 Timberwood Circle, Suite 50
Louisville, KY 40223
(888) 280-5851
Lexington Social Security Office 40505
2241 Buena Vista Road, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40505
(866) 530-7754
Bowling Green Social Security Office 42104
2724 Chandler Drive
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(877) 801-0817
Can A Social Security Disability Lawyer Help Me for My Arthritis in Kentucky?
The Social Security disability application process is complex, involving an enormous amount of paperwork and varying deadlines. Even the slightest error in the application process can delay your claim or result in a refusal.
One of the best things that you can do to safeguard yourself against denial is to hire a Social Security disability lawyer. A qualified lawyer can help ensure that your application is complete and that all of the accompanying medical documentation is submitted in a timely manner.
More, your disability attorney can work directly with your healthcare providers or the SSA on your behalf, saving you both time and energy.
