Raynaud’s disease often resembles the signs of frostbite, as it causes areas of the body to feel cold and numb. This affect is due to the narrowing of arteries limiting the supply of blood to certain body parts. Cold temperatures or high levels of stress cause attacks of limited circulation; as the blood returns after the attack, the arteries can swell and cause pain. The areas of the body most frequently affected by Raynaud’s disease are the toes, fingers, nose, and ears, and symptoms may include:
- Coldness and numbness
- Color changes of the skin
- Tingling or stinging pain as blood returns to the affect area
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Due to Raynaud’s Disease
For many people, Raynaud’s disease is just a nuisance, causing intermittent attacks that are annoying and painful, but not limiting. However, some people experience much more severe attacks that can have lasting and limiting effects. This disease can lead to ulcers or serious infections due to poor circulation. If the effects of Raynaud’s disease are causing you intense pain or significantly restricts your ability to work, it may be possible to receive approval for Social Security Disability benefits.
The SSA does not have specific requirements tailored to people with Raynaud’s disease, as it is not commonly an extremely limiting condition. However, there are many listings in the Social Security Disability blue book that match the severe symptoms and complications caused by this condition. If your symptoms or side effects can satisfy these requirements, there is a chance you can receive approval.
Meeting SSD Qualifications with Raynaud’s Disease
There are many listings under which your symptoms may be evaluated in order to determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. For example, if any of the following statements are true regarding your Raynaud’s disease symptoms, you may be able to receive approval:
- Pain or damage in any weight-bearing extremity or joint causes you to need a walker or two crutches to walk short distances at a reasonable pace.
- Due to your symptoms, you are unable to perform daily activities such as cooking, eating, or handling paperwork.
- You have tried treatments to control your pain, yet the symptoms continue to occur.
If you are unable to find a listing that matches your specific symptoms, it may still be possible to receive benefits by completing a residual functional capacity assessment. This assessment takes your limitations into consideration and evaluates your capacity to perform common job-related tasks.
Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney When Applying for Benefits
Raynaud’s disease can be much more serious than simply having cold hands and feet on occasion. However, if you have this condition, and the symptoms are making it impossible for you to work, you may find it surprisingly difficult to prove your case to the SSA when filing for benefits. This is why it is essential to enlist the help of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney. By hiring a professional who has handled many of these applications before, you can rest assured that you will not make any of the usual mistakes while you greatly increase your chances of receiving approval.
