Rheumatoid arthritis awareness day is February 2nd, 2024. Learn more about the holiday by reading the text that follows. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Foundation (RPF) recognized this day in 2013 so that it could raise awareness for all victims of the disease who have to live each day with pain and misunderstanding about what is considered to be a chronic medical condition. Having a day set aside for rheumatoid arthritis allows health providers to spread the knowledge about the importance of an early diagnosis for the disease. So that once diagnosed treatment should commence as quickly as possible. This helps to minimize symptoms later in life.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day?

On February 2nd, 2013 Rheumatoid Awareness Day was inaugurated. This annual day of recognition was established by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation in an effort to increase worldwide understanding of the disease.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation around the body with pain persisting in the joints. The cause is not known but the risk factors are smoking, being obese and exposure to air pollution. Women and older people have a higher risk of developing RA. It can result in heart, lung or nervous system problems if not treated. The symptoms are chronic pain, feeling stiff, heat and swelling in the joints and difficulties in performing daily activities including going to work.

How Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits With Rheumatoid Arthritis?

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits with rheumatoid arthritis you will need to fit the following conditions set by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• be out of work for at least 12 months;
• fit the description found in the Blue Book section: 14.09 which means your disability needs to meet several factors such as a persistent inflammation or deformity which requires a walker or 2 canes to enable movement, you are unable to hold a pen because of pain in your hands and arms, you are suffering from fever, severe fatigue, malaise, or unexplained weight loss;
• you need to be able to provide evidence of your diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis such as a doctor’s report with test results;
• provide the results of a Residual Functional Capacity assessment conducted by your doctor should help to support your claim for social security disability benefits;
• you must show you have been following treatment assigned by your doctor.

Speak With a Disability Lawyer

It is not always straightforward filing a claim for social security disability benefits with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. The SSA wants to be sure that you can’t do any type of work when you have disease so asking a social security attorney to assist you with your claim may give you a higher chance of qualifying.

Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent social security attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to help you with your claim.