POLYCHONDRITIS & WINNING SSD BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING POLYCHONDRITIS
Polychondritis, or Relapsing Polychondritis (RP) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder. If you have this disorder, then you experience repeated episodes of inflammation in the cartilage of the body. This disease can affect multiple organ systems and lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Because it is a rare condition it affects almost 3-5 people per million in the United States. Because there is limited data on how many people actually suffer from the disease, the exact number is not known. What is known is that the disease can occur at any age. However, it mostly occurs in adults during middle age.
The mortality rate associated with RP varies and depends on the organs involved. Studies show that the mortality rate ranges from 20% to 50% within ten years of diagnosis. The primary causes of death are often due to complications that involve the respiratory tract and the cardiovascular system. Additionally, some people die due to severe infections from therapy that suppresses the immune system. Early diagnosis and proper treatment does extend the lives of those with polychondritis.
WHAT IS POLYCHONDRITIS?
Polychondritis is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the cartilage in your body by mistake. The symptoms often include:
- Painful Swelling: Inflammation and pain in the ears, nose, and joints.
- Hearing Loss: Damage to the ear cartilage can lead to hearing loss.
- Respiratory Issues: Inflammation of the trachea can cause breathing problems.
- Eye Pain: Redness, pain, and vision problems due to scleral inflammation.
Polychondritis can relapse and remit. This means that patients can experience periods of severe symptoms followed by a remission of symptoms. However, over time, the disease causes cumulative damage and can lead to permanent disability.
THE CAUSES OF POLYCHONDRITIS
The exact cause of polychondritis is unknown. However, with autoimmune disorders the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In RP, the immune system targets the cartilage. Cartilage is the soft connective tissue found in your joints, respiratory tract, and your ear, nose, and other parts of your body.
SYMPTOMS OF POLYCHONDRITIS
Polychondritis symptoms vary greatly from person to person. However, the most commonly affected areas include:
- Ears: Auricular chondritis is one of the most common features of RP. It leads to redness, pain, and can cause the ear to become floppy or deformed.
- Nose: Inflammation of the nasal cartilage can cause the bridge of the nose to collapse.
- Joints: Polylchondritis can affect your joints and cause symptoms similar to arthritis. For example, you can feel joint pain and problems moving your joints.
- Eyes: Ocular involvement can lead to parts of the eye feeling pain and sensitivity to light. It can also cause vision problems.
- Respiratory Tract: Inflammation of the trachea, larynx, and other parts of the respiratory tract can cause breathing problems, a hoarse voice, and increase the risk of infections.
- Heart and Blood Vessels: Polychondritis can also affect the heart valves and blood vessels.
HOW DOES YOUR DOCTOR DIAGNOSE THE DISEASE?
Diagnosing polychondritis can be challenging due to the variation in symptoms. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of examination, patient history, and tests to rule out other conditions.
The key diagnostic tools that your doctor may use to determine if you have the condition are:
- Physical Exam: Observing signs of inflammation in the ears, nose, joints, and other areas.
- Blood Tests: Doctors use a blood test to check for markers of autoimmune activity.
- Imaging Studies: Doctors use X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the extent of cartilage damage.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of your cartilage may be done to confirm your diagnosis.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR POLYCHONDRITIS
There is no cure for relapsing polychondritis. However, your doctor can still provide treatment for your symptoms. Treatment aims to manage your symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent organ damage. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes and supportive care. For example, your doctor can give you corticosteroids to reduce and manage your pain. In more severe cases, drugs that suppress the immune system, may be given to you to control immune system activity.
You can also avoid exposure to cold or infections, which will make your symptoms worse. Additionally, you can attend physical therapy to improve your mobility. You can also go to pain management to treat your symptoms. Counseling can also help you deal with pain issues.
The prognosis for polychondritis varies as much as the symptoms. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others have more severe and frequent pain episodes. With proper treatment many people with the disease can lead normal lives. But, the disease can also lead to medical issues and disability. Regular visits with your doctors are essential to manage the condition. It will also help address any new symptoms. Understanding your symptoms and working closely with your doctor can help reduce your pain and maintain your quality of life.
SSA’S LISTING 14.05 FOR POLYCHONDRITIS
Polychondritis can lead to serious problems with various organs and tissues, including the ears, nose, joints, and respiratory tract. For those suffering from the disease, understanding SSA’s listing is crucial. You can win SSD benefits if you meet a listing. There are a number of listings that one could use for polychondritis. For example, if it causes hearing loss, then you could use the hearing listing. Meeting a listing means that you have medical records which prove the criteria under the listing.
Below is one of the listings that your lawyer can use for polychondritis:
Listing 14.05 Polymyositis and dermatomyositis. As described in 14.00D4. With:
A. Proximal limb girdle (pelvic or shoulder) muscle weakness and medical records of at least one of the following:
- A documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands; or
- An inability to use one upper extremity to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work related activities involving fine and gross movements (see 14.00C7), and a documented medical need for a one handed, hand held assistive device that requires the use of the other upper extremity or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of one hand; or
- An inability to use both upper extremities to the extent that neither can be used to independently initiate, sustain, and complete work related activities involving fine and gross movements;
OR
B. Impaired swallowing with aspiration due to muscle weakness.
OR
C. Impaired respiration due to intercostal and diaphragmatic muscle weakness.
OR
D. Diffuse calcinosis with limitation of joint mobility or intestinal motility.
OR
E. Repeated manifestations of polymyositis or dermatomyositis, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
1. Limitation of activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social functioning.
3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS
You can apply for Social Security benefits in person at your local SSA office. Also, you can apply for benefits over the phone or online at the Social Security website. You can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the same way. Whether you apply online or in person make sure you complete your application. The SSA deals with thousands of cases on a daily basis. If there are errors in your application, then it will delay your case.
YOU CAN APPLY FOR TWO TYPES OF SSD BENEFITS
Qualifying for SSD benefits means your polychondritis prevents you from working at all jobs for over one year. The SSA uses a five step review process to determine if they can pay you SSD benefits. Below, you can find an explanation as to each type of benefit for which you can apply:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
SSDI benefits are for those who can no longer work due to a severe medical condition. The amount of money you receive from SSDI benefits is based on the taxes you paid during your working years. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough “work credits.” Learn about work credits and SSD benefits.
A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you will need depends on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits at the time you file an application for SSDI benefits, then you will only be able to file for SSI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for only those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes more than a certain amount of money per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts your income and the income and assets of those who live with you, such as a spouse.
For example, if your spouse earns $4000 a month, then you do not qualify for SSI benefits. Because the amount of income is too high. The same rule applies if you are living with a boyfriend and he is paying your bills. Also, the same rule applies if you are living with your common law wife and she is paying your bills. You cannot get SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.
HOW TO WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR POLYCHONDRITIS
MEDICAL RECORDS ARE THE KEY TO WINNING SSD BENEFITS
Meeting Listing 14.05 can be challenging due to the variable nature of polychondritis. Here are key steps to strengthen your case:
- Medical Records: You must submit all of your medical records to the SSA. Even though the SSA collects your medical records, it is still your burden to submit the records. The SSA will only collect records after your alleged onset date of disability. Even if your condition has gone on for longer, they may not collect everything that important for your disability claim. Therefore, you must provide the medical records that document your condition, the symptoms, and your treatment history.
- Consistent Treatment: Your records need to show evidence of consistent treatment with your doctors. This demonstrates the chronic nature of your condition. Even if the doctor cannot halt the progress of your disease, you can still go to pain management.
- Doctor Statements: You or your lawyer should get a statement from your doctors that talks about your ability to perform daily activities and participate in full time work. Your doctor can discuss whether polychondritis limits your ability to lift, sit, stand and walk.
- Statements From Family: You can also submit statements from family members and friends about your medical symptoms. Your family would need to write about how your symptoms interfere with your daily life and ability to work. A statement where a family member writes what a good person you are and how you really need benefits is not helpful to your case. Instead, the statements need to be about your physical or mental problems.
YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY (RFC)
The SSA may not believe that your symptoms meet listing 14.05 or any other listing. If you do not meet or equal a listing, then you can argue that your physical and mental capacity prevents you from performing all work. This argument uses your RFC. The SSA will look at your residual functional capacity to see if it impacts your ability to work.
Your RFC defines what you can do in a work setting. It is how the SSA looks at your ability to be active after taking into account all of your symptoms. Your RFC includes both your physical and mental limits. The SSA tries to define your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift, during the course of an 8 hour workday. Likewise, the SSA will include your ability to carry, pull, and push. Find out how the SSA defines work.
However, your RFC also includes your mental symptoms. If you have trouble focusing due to pain, then that should be part of your RFC. Despite treatment, if your mental symptoms continue, then your records will show why you cannot work.
For example, the medical record will state that you cannot follow instructions or finish tasks. It might also state your physical pain creates mental symptoms. Your treatment records are the most important evidence of your medical condition. Therefore, you need treatment and records from all of your providers to prove your RFC.
If you don’t have health insurance, then review the free and low cost mental health sources on this website. There, you can find the treatment you need to win your benefits.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS FOR POLYCHONDRITIS
You do not need to try to win SSD benefits on your own. Our law firm can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you file an appeal after every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your polychondritis. Our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the forms and paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
- Inform the SSA they should pay you benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
- Request an appeal if you receive an initial denial from DDS
- Help you confirm your attendance at your SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Prepare you to testify at your ALJ 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
- Request review of a decision with the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete it. However, you should not wait that long. Once you submit your online application, the SSA mails you an application summary. You must sign the summary and mail it back.
Additionally, once you receive a denial from the SSA, you have 60 days to file an appeal. You must meet the time limit set by the SSA. If you do not, then you will have to start the process over again. That means you will lose any benefits you could receive on a prior application.
HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
If you have polychondritis, then you need to hire a law firm to help you win your SSD benefits. Our firm is one of the best Social Security disability law firms in the country. We are one of the best Social Security benefits firm in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, we are one of the best Social Security law firms in Salt Lake City, Utah.
You can learn about Utah SSD benefits. Nevada SSI Information is also available. We also represent clients in Idaho. Find out about Colorado SSDI and SSI benefits. Likewise, if you are from California, then we have California SSDI & SSI information.
Over the last 30 years, we have won thousands of SSDI and SSI claims. Additionally, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. Over time it has become more difficult to win Social Security cases. Also, SSA’s listing rules are harder to meet. That is why you need an attorney to help you win your benefits.
We recommend you do not go to your hearing without an attorney. Why? Because a lawyer can prepare you to testify. She can explain the questions the judge might ask at the hearing. Preparation will help you win your case. Those who attend the hearing without counsel are usually not successful in winning benefits. You should hire an attorney with years of experience winning SSDI and SSI cases.
CONTACT US TODAY TO WIN SSD BENEFITS
If you have polychondritis and need help filing for SSDI and SSI benefits, then call Cannon Disability Law. Also, if you need help finding free or low cost medical care, then use our list of free and low cost resources. Taking the first step by calling us. That is all you need to do to begin your journey to winning benefits. Reach out to our legal team. You can contact us through this website, our phone numbers, or by email.
Our legal team wants to help you. We offer a free review of your case. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. Next, we will look at the merits of your case for free. Then, we will let you know if you have a chance to win SSD benefits. We will be asking you if are getting medical treatment. Be ready to tell us the name, address, and phone number of all of your treating providers.
Hire us. We know how to prove your case to the SSA. Our legal team prepares your case for success. During your case, we collect your medical records. All you have to do is get treatment from your doctor. Medical records from your treating source proves you deserve benefits.
Therefore, if you or a loved one has polychondritis and need disability benefits, then contact us for a free review of your case. We can help you secure the SSD benefits you deserve.
