GIANT CELL ARTERITIS & DISABILITY

WHAT IS GIANT CELL ARTERITIS?

Giant cell arteritis is a serious inflammatory condition that affects the lining of the arteries. Specifically, it usually impacts the medium and large arteries of the head and neck. Because it frequently involves the temporal arteries, it is sometimes called temporal arteritis. Inflammation from giant cell arteritis narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. This can cause significant pain and, without treatment, long term problems. Many people discover they have GCA because of severe headaches near the temples. However, the disease can affect other arteries throughout the body as well.

This condition is considered a form of vasculitis, meaning it is driven by the immune system attacking the blood vessels. While giant cell arteritis most commonly affects people over the age of 50, it can occur in younger adults as well. The inflammation may develop rapidly. Additionally, the risk of vision loss makes it a medical emergency. People who develop giant cell arteritis often experience a sudden change in their overall health. This makes them unable to work. That is why many people consider filing for SSDI benefits or SSI benefits when their symptoms do not improve.

Giant cell arteritis is not just a headache disorder. It is a chronic disease that affects multiple body systems and often requires long term medication and monitoring. Many people with this condition also develop other related disorders. For example, they may develop polymyalgia rheumatica, which causes widespread pain. When symptoms persist despite treatment, the condition can interfere with your ability to work. If that is your situation, then understanding how Social Security disability rules apply becomes essential. This article should help you understand your options.

THE SYMPTOMS OF GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

The symptoms of giant cell arteritis can vary from person to person. However, most people experience a combination of head and facial pain, scalp tenderness, and jaw discomfort. The headaches often center around the temples. It may feel like burning or pressure sensations. Many people report that even touching their scalp or brushing their hair becomes painful. The jaw pain appears during chewing or speaking, because the muscles are not getting enough blood flow. These symptoms can be debilitating. Therefore, the symptoms often make it impossible to concentrate at work, maintain productivity, and complete physical tasks.

Vision changes are among the most difficult symptoms of giant cell arteritis. People may experience blurred vision, double vision, or sudden, and loss of sight in one eye. Vision problems can occur because the inflamed arteries reduce blood flow to the optic nerve. Without immediate treatment, this can lead to permanent blindness. Even temporary vision problems can interfere with daily activities. For example, it can impact reading, driving, or using a computer. For those trying to maintain employment, these symptoms often lead to reduced hours or job loss.

In addition to head and vision symptoms, many individuals experience fatigue, fever, weight loss, and a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms reflect the widespread inflammation throughout the body. Fatigue caused by giant cell arteritis can be profound, making it difficult to sustain the energy required for full time work. Many people also experience shoulder or hip pain, especially when giant cell arteritis occurs with polymyalgia rheumatica. When symptoms persist for months on end, they may qualify under Social Security’s rules. Consulting a disability lawyer can help determine how to document these limitations in a claim.

THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR GIANT CELL ARTERITIS

Diagnosing giant cell arteritis requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and special tests. The best test is the temporal artery biopsy, which involves removing a small section of the artery and looking for giant cells. However, physicians often begin treatment before the biopsy is performed, because waiting for treatment increases the risk of permanent blindness. Blood tests frequently show high levels of inflammation. Imaging studies may also support the diagnosis.

Treatment for giant cell arteritis typically begins with high dose steroids. The goal is to reduce inflammation quickly to prevent vision loss. Many patients start with high doses of prednisone and gradually taper the medication over months or even years. While steroids are effective, they often cause significant side effects, including mood changes, weight gain, and muscle weakness. These issues can be just as harmful as the disease itself. Especially if they affect concentration and movement. Some patients also receive biologic medications.

Even with treatment, many individuals continue to experience symptoms. Chronic headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and vision issues may persist long after the initial inflammation has been brought under control. Returning to work can be difficult, especially for people whose jobs require physical effort, detailed visual tasks, or mental concentration. When treatment does not fully restore function, people may seek SSD benefits. At that stage, working with an experienced disability lawyer can make a difference, because Social Security often requires medical records to understand how ongoing treatment limits your ability to work.

DOES GIANT CELL ARTERITIS QUALIFY FOR SSDI BENEFITS?

A diagnosis of giant cell arteritis alone does not automatically qualify you for SSDI benefits or SSI benefits. Social Security evaluates disability based on how a condition affects your ability to perform substantial gainful activity, not simply on the name of the diagnosis. For this reason, you must show that your symptoms interfere with your ability to work full time for at least twelve months in a row. Many people with giant cell arteritis find that their symptoms improve with treatment. However, others continue to experience severe headaches, fatigue, or visual problems that prevent them from working.

The SSA will consider how symptoms such as chronic pain, lack of concentration, vision problems, and medication side effects affect your daily function. The agency reviews your medical records, treatment history, and reports from doctors to decide whether you can work. Because giant cell arteritis often affects older adults, the Medical Vocational Guidelines may apply to your case. The Guidelines make it easier for those age fifty and older to qualify for benefits if they cannot return to their prior jobs.

If you are experiencing ongoing limitations from giant cell arteritis, it is essential to document your symptoms thoroughly. Regular medical treatment, detailed physician notes, and consistent complaints of pain or fatigue can strengthen your case. Many people also seek help from a disability lawyer to improve their chances of approval. A lawyer can help gather medical evidence, communicate with your doctors, and present your case clearly to the SSA. If you are searching for the best disability lawyer, it may be helpful to find an attorney who has handled these before.

DOES GIANT CELL ARTERITIS MEET A LISTING?

Giant cell arteritis does not appear as its own listing in Social Security’s Blue Book. However, the condition can meet or equal a listing when symptoms affect specific body systems. For example, if you experience permanent vision loss due to giant cell arteritis, then the SSA may evaluate your case under the visual listing. The listing considers visual acuity and visual field loss. Vision loss is one of the most direct paths to meeting a listing. The SSA recognizes that significant vision issues prevent many types of work.

Individuals with giant cell arteritis may also qualify under a listing related to cardiovascular disorders and neurological or immune system diseases. It all depends on how the disease affects the body. For instance, when giant cell arteritis causes a stroke, then the SSA may use a neurological listing to assess your case. Similarly, if it causes symptoms involving multiple organs, then your case may fall under the immune system listing.

Even if your case does not meet a listing exactly, you may still be found disabled based on your residual functional capacity. Your RFC considers the combined impact of your symptoms and treatment side effects. Many people with giant cell arteritis have limitations that do not fit neatly into one listing. However, they still cannot work full time.

HOW SOCIAL SECURITY EVALUATES YOUR RFC

When Social Security evaluates your giant cell arteritis, they will focus on how the condition affects your ability to function. Even when medical tests show improvement, individuals may continue to experience headaches, fatigue, or vision problems. This may prevent you from being on time to work and require you to take too many breaks. The SSA considers whether you can sustain work for eight hours a day, five days a week. Many people with giant cell arteritis have days when symptoms flare and they are unable to perform basic tasks. Obviously, this interferes with working full time.

Medication also plays a significant role in disability evaluations. Steroid use can cause difficulty sleeping, memory problems, and muscle weakness. These side effects can be especially important for those who work in physical jobs. The same is true for jobs that require concentration and making decisions. When you provide detailed descriptions of your limit and records from your doctor, the SSA understands how your condition affects you on a daily basis.

The other thing you can do is to keep a record of your symptoms for the court. A judge can review a copy of  your journal. Your lawyer would need to submit your journal to the court prior to your hearing. Your journal could document your headaches, vision issues, and days when fatigue prevents normal activities. This information can help your doctor document your symptoms and support your disability claim. Many people also benefit from hiring an SSD lawyer who can explain how symptoms translate into work limitations. Because every case is different, a lawyer can present the evidence in a way that clearly shows why work is no longer possible.

HOW OUR SSD LAW FIRM CAN HELP 

Applying for SSDI benefits or SSI benefits based on giant cell arteritis can be complicated. Many initial claims are denied because the medical evidence does not clearly show how the condition limits work abilities. A disability lawyer can help gather the right type of evidence, communicate with your doctors, and prepare statements that explain your limitations in detail. This assistance can be especially important when symptoms change or when treatment causes additional medical conditions.

During the appeal and hearing stage of the five step disability review process, your attorney plays an even more important role. They can question hearing experts, highlight key parts of your medical record, and explain how your symptoms meet or equal a listing. They can also argue how your age, education, and work history affect your ability to adjust to other work. For many people, these arguments make the difference between a denial and an approval.

Because we are only paid if you win benefits, there are no upfront fees. The attorney receives payment only if you win your case. If you are living with giant cell arteritis and struggling to work, then contact the best disability lawyer. We can help you throughout the complex Social Security process. Hiring us improves your chances of getting the support you need.

WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS 

You do not need to apply for Social Security benefits by yourself. We can help you. For example, our attorneys and staff can:

• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Inform you as to recent changes in SSI rules
• Appeal if you receive an initial denial
• Explain the hidden costs of SSA’s delays
• Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an SSA judge
• Prepare you to testify at your SSA hearing
• Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
• Read about job expert testimony at the SSA hearing
• Learn about medical expert testimony
• Appeal an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR BENEFITS 

We offer a free review of your case. Therefore, there is no reason not to call us. If you can show that your giant cell arteritis has caused blindness or headaches that will not stop, then hire an SSD lawyer. A lawyer with experience fighting the SSA, will know if you can prove your case. If you need help filing for SSD benefits, then call our law firm. We can help you file an application on the Social Security website.

When you call us explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case. Next, we let you know if you have a chance to win SSD benefits. We do not charge you for our review of your case.

We have won over $100 million in SSD benefits for our clients. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.

We help clients win benefits in many states. Find out how to apply in your state:

• California SSDI and SSI benefits
• Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
• Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
• Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
• Utah SSDI and SSI benefits

No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. Also, there is no attorney fee unless we win your benefits. Contact us today.We know that not being able to work and running through your savings is hard to take. Therefore, we will due our best to win your benefits as quickly as possible.

YOU ONLY PAY ATTORNEY FEES IF YOU WIN YOUR BENEFITS

The SSA caps attorney fees in Social Security cases at 25% of your past due benefits or $9200. You pay whichever amount is less between 25% and the fee cap.

For example, if your attorney wins your SSDI case and your back benefit is $10,000, then the attorney fee will be 25% or $2500. In such a case, you don’t pay the cap. Instead, the attorney fee is 25% of the back benefit, which is less than the cap. You pay the lower amount. This is what happens in most cases.

In another example, if you attorney wins your SSDI case and your back benefit is $100,000, then the attorney fee is not $25,000. Instead, the attorney fee is the cap of $9200. The fee cap is the most your attorney can charge after winning your case.

Additionally, your attorney can only charge an attorney fee if they win your case. In other words, if you do not win your benefits, then you do not pay an attorney fee. This means that your attorney has worked for up to two years on your case for free. So, if you don’t get benefits, then your attorney doesn’t get paid. Obviously, your attorney has a good reason to win your case. Learn about attorney fees in SSD cases.

HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE

The SSA benefit process can be long and complex. Hire our SSD law firm to give you legal advice and walk you through the application process. In over 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due SSD benefits for our clients. You deserve the best law firm working for you.

If you need SSD benefits, then hire an attorney with the legal experience to win. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay an attorney fee. Look at the signs that you will win benefits, but also hire an attorney to triple your chances of winning. For help, contact us.

If you want to learn about our lawyers and staff, then review our About Us page. For example, you can learn about Andria Summers. She has spent 23 years working at our law firm. She can help you with your Medicare advantage plan.

Additionally, Dianna Cannon has been helping clients win benefits for over thirty years. She also has decades of Federal Court experience. Likewise, Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people win their SSI and SSDI benefits. We are Social Security law experts.

You can trust us to help you win SSD benefits for giant cell arteritis. We will do everything we can to make the process of winning SSD benefits as easy as possible for you.