Can You Get Disability For Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis can be a disabling disorder that affects your ability to do your work properly. But can you get disability for psoriatic arthritis? Does the SSA list it as a disability? How can you get disability if it is not listed in the SSA’s blue book? Answers to these questions below!

Psoriatic Arthritis affects almost 520,000 people in America. If you are one of the millions of people with psoriatic arthritis, you may wonder if you are eligible for disability benefits. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, as eligibility for disability depends on various factors. 

This article will look at what Disability Insurance is and how it can help people with psoriatic arthritis get the financial support they need. We will also explore some of the criteria that Social Security uses to determine eligibility for disability benefits. So, keep reading if you struggle with psoriatic arthritis and find it difficult to work!

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin to become inflamed and scaly. About 30% of people who have psoriasis also get psoriatic arthritis. People with psoriatic arthritis often have joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. They may also have nail changes and fatigue.

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but there are treatments that can help reduce its symptoms and stop further damage to the joints. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

If you have psoriasis and have joint pain or other symptoms of arthritis, it is essential to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Getting a diagnosis early on and starting treatment prevent damage to your joints and stop you from contracting other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular disease.

Five types of psoriatic arthritis

• Symmetric arthritis: This is the most common type of psoriatic arthritis, affecting around 50% of people with the condition. It causes pain and stiffness in joints on both sides of the body, often in the hands, wrists, or feet. The symptoms come and go and can be mild or severe.
• Asymmetric arthritis: This type affects about 30% of people with psoriatic arthritis. It usually causes pain and stiffness in just a few joints, most often in the wrists, knees, ankles, or elbows. The symptoms are generally milder than with symmetric arthritis.
• Distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP): This type is the least common, affecting around 10% of people with psoriatic arthritis. It usually affects the joints at the ends of the fingers or toes (the distal interphalangeal joints), which can become swollen and painful. The symptoms may be mild or severe.
• Spondyloarthropathies: This type includes conditions that affect the spine and other joints. They include ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis. Around 5-10% of people with psoriatic arthritis have one of these conditions.
• Arthritis mutilans: This is a rare and severe psoriatic arthritis that affects the hands and feet. It can cause the fingers and toes to become shortened and deformed. Arthritis mutilans is a progressive condition, which means it gradually gets worse over time.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability With Osteoarthritis?

Is Psoriatic Arthritis A Severe Condition?

Yes, psoriatic arthritis is a severe condition. It can cause joint damage and deformity and lead to other serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. Treatment can help decrease symptoms and prevent further joint damage.

If you have PsA, it’s essential to see your doctor regularly and follow your treatment plan. PsA affects people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis causes patches of red, scaly skin. About 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.

PsA Disability Causes

PSA is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis that can lead to joint damage and disability. The exact cause of PsA is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Several factors may contribute to the development of PsA, including:

• Family history: People with a family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune diseases are at increased risk for developing PsA.
• Certain medical conditions: People with some specific medical conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, are at increased risk for developing PsA.
• Injury to the skin: Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, can trigger the development of PsA in people who are predisposed to the condition.
• Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for developing PsA.
• Stress: Stress is a risk factor for developing PsA.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, such as beta-blockers and lithium, can increase the risk of developing PsA.

Can You Work With Psoriatic Arthritis?

Unfortunately, psoriatic arthritis can significantly impact your ability to work. The pain and inflammation associated with it can make it difficult to perform even basic tasks, let alone hold down a full-time job. 

In addition, the fatigue that is often experienced can make it hard to stay awake and focused during work hours. As a result, many people with psoriatic arthritis are forced to take a leave of absence from work or even reduce their hours.

Every case of PsA is different, and some people with psoriatic arthritis can manage their symptoms well enough to continue working full-time. However, for most people, the condition will at least partially impact their ability to earn a living. 

This can be not easy to deal with, both financially and emotionally. If you struggle to manage your psoriatic arthritis and keep up with your job, it is better to seek help from a doctor or a support group. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of this condition.

Can You Get A Disability For Psoriatic Arthritis?

If you have psoriatic arthritis, it is possible that your condition could qualify for Social Security disability insurance. Your level of benefits depends on how long and consistently pay into the system and what type or the extent to which disease has impacted both physical ability to work, but rest assured-the effort will be worth every penny!

Is PsA Always Considered A Disability? 

No, not all diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis are considered a disability. However, some people with psoriatic arthritis may have difficulty performing specific activities of daily living or working and, as a result, may be considered disabled. 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates each person’s case individually to determine if they meet the SSA’s definition of “disability.” Generally, to be considered disabled by the SSA, a person must:

• Be unable to work due to their medical condition; and
• Have a medical situation that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

If you think you qualify for Social Security disability benefits because of your psoriatic arthritis, you should contact the SSA to discuss your case.

You might also like to read: Is Rheumatoid Arthritis A Disability?

What Are The Criteria For Psoriatic Arthritis To Be Counted As A Disability?

To have psoriatic arthritis officially recognized as a disability, you must meet specific criteria set forth by the government. In the United States, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for determining whether an individual meets the requirements for disability benefits.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have:

• Worked enough years to earn enough “work credits.” To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you need 40 credits with 20 earned in the last ten years. 
• Your psoriatic arthritis diagnosis must meet or equal a listing in the SSA’s “Blue Book” of disabling conditions. The Blue Book contains detailed descriptions of over 200 disabling medical conditions that automatically qualify an individual for SSDI benefits.
• If your psoriatic arthritis does not meet or equal a listing in the Blue Book. You may still be eligible for benefits if your condition prevents you from doing “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). To determine if your psoriatic arthritis meets this criterion, the SSA will consider your age, past work experience, education, and residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is a measure of the most you can still do despite your limitations.

Does Social Security Have a Disability Listing for Psoriasis?

There is no specific listing for psoriasis in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability listings. However, that does not mean that people with psoriasis cannot qualify for disability benefits. 

If you have PsA, you can avail benefits under Section 14.09, titled Inflammatory Arthritis. The SSA evaluates all disability claims on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the condition and how it impacts a person’s ability to work. 

In some cases, people with psoriasis may be able to qualify for benefits under another listing, such as those for skin disorders or immune system disorders. Alternatively, they may be approved for benefits through what is known as a “medical-vocational allowance.”

This allowance considers a person’s age, education level, past work experience, and other factors to determine whether they can adjust to different types of work.

How To Apply For Disability Benefits With PsA?

There is no single way to apply for psoriatic arthritis disability benefits. Each case is different, and you will need to tailor your application to your circumstances. However, you can take some general steps to increase your chances of success.

1. Gather all the necessary documentation. This will include medical records, test results, and other relevant information. The more evidence you have, the better.
2. Write a clear statement explaining why you believe you are disabled and unable to work. Be sure to include how your condition affects your ability to function daily.
3. Submit your application and all supporting documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can do this online, via mail, or in person at your local SSA office.
4. Once your application has been received, the SSA will review your case and decide. If you are denied benefits, you can appeal the decision. You will begin receiving payments every month if you are approved for benefits.

Applying for psoriatic arthritis disability benefits can be a complicated and frustrating process, more so because its symptoms are very similar to other forms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. However, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through the process. The most crucial thing is staying positive and fighting for your benefits.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Arthritis In The Spine?

What Are Your Benefits If You Qualify For Disability With Psoriatic Arthritis?

Several disability benefits may be available to qualifying individuals with psoriatic arthritis. These can include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare. To qualify for any of these programs, you must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Few Final Words

Psoriatic arthritis can affect your body to the extent of making it impossible for you to be employed in gainful activity. If you are affected by this disease and believe that it is impacting your ability to work, please file a disability claim today to get the benefits that you need and deserve.

We have provided a comprehensive set of guidances and tips for you to fill out your application properly. Hopeful, it will help you in getting your claim passed. Thank you for reading, and do write to us in case you need more help.