Applying for Social Security Disability with Gout

Gout is a chronic condition that causes recurring episodes of acute inflammatory arthritis. Gout involves redness, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling of the affected joints. If the big toes become infected, it is sometimes referred to as podagra.

If you suffer from chronic gout and it impacts your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if your gout meets the requirements of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing for inflammatory arthritis.

The symptoms can vary greatly, ranging from very mild to severely debilitating. People of all ages can suffer from gout. And while many may suffer from a mild case on occasion, you may be one of the individuals who suffer from a chronic condition that impacts your life day after day.

There are several medical tests that are used to diagnose gout, including blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays, scans, and more. These test results should be included with your disability claim. The SSA may order a medical evaluation and mental evaluation with doctors that they choose at their expense. These evaluations are informational purposes only and not for medical treatment.

The more information that is provided and gathered, the stronger your case. Provide as much information as possible so you can expedite your case. The process can be lengthy and your claim can be denied twice. You can file an appeal each time. The final step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge who will rule on your case.

There are two different types of gout—acute and chronic. Those who suffer from acute gout may be able to recover with the help of treatments and lifestyle changes. Chronic gout, however, can cause reoccurring and ongoing joint problems that make it very difficult to work.

If your acute gout has caused a deformity, or if you suffer from chronic symptoms, you may be able to receive approval for Social Security Disability benefits. 

Gout most frequently affects the joints in the big toe; however the ankles, knees, heels, wrists, and any other major joints may also be affected. Symptoms of gout include:

-Swelling

-Stiffness

-Redness

-Pain

-Burning

-Joints that are tender to the touch

Because acute gout can often be treated with medication and lifestyle changes, it is essential that you provide adequate medical documentation demonstrating that you have sought proper treatments, and that you continue to suffer from complications. If your gout has lasted for less than 12 months, it will be very important to demonstrate that you have not responded favorably to treatment.

Necessary medical evidence may include:

-Physician’s notes detailing the severity of your symptoms

-History of treatments, and your response to those treatments

-Imaging results of the major joints affected

-Any other applicable lab results or reports pertaining to the frequency and severity of your symptoms

Gout is not listed as an automatic qualifying condition on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions. It is, however, listed as an associated condition with inflammatory arthritis. This means if your doctor diagnoses you with the latter illness, you can apply under that listing.

You will need to demonstrate that your symptoms are severe enough to limit your daily functioning to the point where you are unable to hold down gainful employment for at least a period of 12 months. If your symptoms don’t respond to diet and medication treatments, you may be able to apply. It can be difficult to get approved since gout symptoms tend to be intermittent rather than persistent, but if you can combine with another medical condition, the chance of being approved for benefits increases.

If you need helping applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases.

Location: Michigan, USA

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