Can I Get On Disability If I Have Psoriatic Arthritis?
This is a loaded question. I guess it would depend on the individual and their situation. I know people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and get disability. But I also know people who have applied and got denied.
I believe that if it limits your life activities that you would otherwise be able to pursue then yes to me it is a disability.
Are you applying for disability for income or a disability sticker? It would depend on how bad your illness is. Getting a sticker is usually simple, but getting financial help may be difficult.
I would suppose a doctor would have to determine your pain and treatment. They would have to decide if this makes you unable to do any type of work.
What are your thoughts on this? We would love to hear from you.
I am on long term disability through an insurance plan with my past employer. That plan forced me to apply for Social Security Disability as well. I'm glad that they forced the issue, because I received Medicare, too. I was 50 when this all happened. I was denied once, then I got a disability lawyer. With her help, I was granted a hearing. The judge approved me on the spot. I think that my reporting of the extreme fatigue helped a lot, plus my age. The best thing anyone can do is use a disability lawyer. They only get paid if you get accepted. It's the law. And they get paid based on a reasonable percentage of the back pay that Social Security owes you. And there is a reasonable cap on that amount. Don't try to do this on your own. I would guess that a lot of the people who get denied have tried to do this on their own. The lawyer will collect ALL of your medical records, then "highlight" the important parts for the judge. Otherwise, your pile of records will be overwhelming, and important things will be missed.
As for the disabled parking permit, your doctor can give you the necessary form for that. You're right, it's easy!
I'm glad to hear you got accepted with the help of a disability lawyer. They are so helpful when it comes to filing disability. My son is using one currently trying to get disability. I hope other people will read your post and be encouraged. Vickie W., Team Member
Hello
, This is some great information. You are right, get a disability lawyer. I went through this process twice and got denied. Like they say - knowledge is power. The information you gave us here is priceless, so much knowledge here. You are right, so many people get denied, because we honestly don't know the right steps to take. Thanks for sharing this information. We all will learn from this. Did the process take weeks or months to process? Hi
, I think the whole process took about a year and a half. Honestly, I shouldn't count the first year, because I was allowing my long-term disability carrier to assist me in the Social Security process. They really didn't help at all. In hindsight, I get why. If I got denied by SS, then they could deny me, too. They didn't want to have to continue paying me until age 67, so they sabotaged the process with the illusion that they were helping. Once I got the lawyer on board, things moved quickly! So, if anyone out there is allowing their LTD carrier to assist them with the SS application process....stop now and get a lawyer, whose job it will be to help YOU, not themselves. I'm very fortunate to still have both sources of income.
My journey started when I was in my thirties. I suddenly developed pain in what felt like my whole body. I saw several different doctors including a couple of rheumatologists. I was told I was too young to have arthritis. I was an Emergency Medical Technician. I found it harder and harder to perform my job. It took almost 20 years to get a diagnosis. I was eventually unable to perform my job requirements. Finally I saw a rheumatologist who gave me a diagnosis. It took me 5 more years to get disability. My training was in the medical field. I could not possibly continue the work I was trained for. Eventually a judge ordered disability for me. Based on the fact that I could no longer do lifting, carrying equipment, and many days I couldn't even get out of bed to go to work.
I have now been on disability for 14 years. The judge told me that based on what my training was in that it was obvious that I could no longer work as an EMT.
I miss working, but, I realize how much work I would miss and days I'd have to leave early. Good luck in applying for disability. Just get a lawyer and if you are denied the first time a lawyer will keep appealing until you are finally approved. Yes it may take years but don't get frustrated. There are many people in your boat.wow so sorry to hear that it took that long to get a proper diagnosis. It should never take that long. I am glad you were able to get your disability. I'm sure with it taking that long the joint damage was quite severe from the PsA. Vickie W., Team Member
Yes the joint damage is pretty bad. It has taken years and years to find a treatment that seems to be somewhat effective. I use Skyrizi and Otezla. The combination seems to help. But my insurance doesn't pay for either and my Dr is no longer getting Otezla samples like she used to. I have had to stop. Some of the pain is returning. 🥺 I used each by themselves and it wasn't very successful. I really hate insurance companies. My Dr also said I've pretty much exhausted all the treatments available.
that's great! Thanks so much for sharing the resource with Cheryl. It's good to hear when people are able to use the patient assistance programs that these companies offer to make medications more affordable. Thank goodness for this resource! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) Thank you. I will look into that.
