Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis – Long-Term Disability Claims
What are Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and inflammatory condition that affects your joints and may have a widespread impact on your body. Rheumatoid arthritis is triggered when the immune system attacks tissues in your body, including the joint tissues. The smaller joints in the body, such as toes and fingers, are severely affected, often causing joint pain, pain and stiffness, and difficulty with everyday tasks.
Rheumatoid arthritis may move beyond the joints and attack the eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and blood vessels. Untreated rheumatoid arthritis will cause bone erosion, joint damage, and joint deformity. As the disease progresses, it can significantly limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities and job duties, forming the basis of a rheumatoid arthritis disability or broader arthritis disability.
The Differences Between Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly mistaken for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a different disease that develops over time due to erosion of cartilage around the joints. The bones and joints will rub against each other, causing pain and discomfort, reduced mobility, and a reduced range of motion.
Osteoarthritis affects joints in the body, particularly in the fingers, knees, hips, and spine. As arthritis affects weight-bearing joints, it can interfere with everyday tasks and may result in an arthritis disability claim where symptoms significantly limit function. Other inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, may present similar challenges.
Rheumatoid Arthritis & CPP Disability Claims
Rheumatoid arthritis can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to work, particularly when chronic pain, joint swelling, fatigue, and reduced mobility affect daily function. For individuals whose symptoms prevent them from maintaining substantially gainful employment, CPP disability benefits may be available. Successful rheumatoid arthritis CPP disability claims often depend on clear medical documentation that outlines functional limitations, disease progression, and the impact of flare-ups on consistent work capacity.
Most insurance providers consider failure to seek and follow prescribed treatments, including physical therapy or other therapy, as red flags that will impact access to disability benefits based on total disability. Supporting documentation may include a detailed report outlining common symptoms, chronic pain, and how the condition impacts work and daily function.
To successfully challenge a long-term disability claim denial or termination, you need to have a clear and complete record of symptoms, treatment, and medical oversight. Insurers rely heavily on medical records, medical history, and a formal diagnosis supported by a treating medical practitioner, often a rheumatologist.
Access Your Long Term Disability Benefits With Help From Ottawa Disability Lawyers
Ottawa Disability Lawyers helps clients individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who have had their long-term disability claims denied or terminated by an insurance company. The stress associated with these conditions can be compounded by denied benefits and financial uncertainty.
Our experienced team helps clients successfully navigate the claim process. Contact a long-term disability lawyer from our team for professional guidance and help through the appeal process for a denied or terminated long-term disability claim.
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