Rheumatoid Arthritis Long Term Disability Claims in Chicago

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body sees its own systems or tissues as a dangerous invader. This chronic condition causes the immune system to attack healthy joint cells. As a result, those with RA experience inflammation, swelling, limited mobility, and pain.

Around 1.5 million people throughout the United States live with RA. The average age of onset is between 30 and 60 years old—coincidentally, when many are finally settled and successful in their careers. Rheumatoid Arthritis long-term disability claims in Chicago are common and often necessary. Yet, far fewer are successful. If you want to file a claim, it’s best to contact a seasoned  Chicago Long term disability claim attorney as soon as possible.

The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary by individual, with equally varying levels of severity. Flare-ups can occur in which symptoms are more severe and are then followed by periods of little or no symptoms. These make RA quite unpredictable and even more challenging to live and work with.

As this joint disease progresses, symptoms can become increasingly serious. The most common symptoms of RA are joint pain and swelling, stiffness (especially after resting for a long time), and fatigue. Some RA patients also experience loss of appetite and fever.

Common symptoms affecting joints:

Often RA joint symptoms occur on both sides; for example, if one hand is affected, the other hand will be as well. RA symptoms are typically most prevalent in the:

• Hands
• Wrists
• Feet
• Knees

Systemic Symptoms

RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect the whole body. Roughly 40 percent of people living with RA also experience non-joint related symptoms, including:

• Small firm lumps under the skin near affected joints are known as rheumatoid nodules
• Gum irritation or infection 
• Dry mouth 
• Dry, painful, or red eyes 
• Light sensitivity and reduced vision
• Cardiovascular disease
• Anemia resulting from a reduced number of red blood cells
• Lung inflammation and shortness of breath
• Kidney disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis Long Term Disability Claims in Chicago

The pain, fatigue, mobility restrictions, and multiple potential complications affecting vital organs caused by RA can easily prevent someone from working. Frequent, unpredictable flareups make going to work painful, uncomfortable, and even humiliating. As RA progresses, many workers find that they can’t perform tasks they used to do with ease.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those with RA who work in physically demanding jobs have the highest rate of job loss. Even those with semi-sedentary jobs can have their careers ruined because of RA. 

Your insurance company might not understand why you are seeking long-term disability benefits after you have worked with RA for so long. However, it’s known that that RA is a progressive disease that can present many complications. As such, our skilled Chicago Long term disability claim lawyers work to prove that your condition has worsened to a point where working is no longer reasonable for you to work.

Do You Have Questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis Long term Disability Claims in Chicago?

Let our years of experience handling RA long-term disability claims in Chicago benefit you. We know how to stand up to insurance companies and present convincing claims. Even if your claim has been denied, we can help. At Bartolic Law, we offer complimentary consultations for those seeking compensation. Contact us today to schedule yours and get your disability insurance questions answered.