Applying for social security disability is not an easy task. It can be quite confusing and time consuming. Therefore, at the onset it is best to use a lawyer who works with disability cases. Even with his assistance about two thirds of cases are denied.
Gout is one type of arthritis. It is caused by a build up of uric acid in the blood resulting in inflammation of various joints due to uric acid crystals. Testing may show elevation of uric acid in the blood, but a more definite diagnosis is made by study of joint fluid which shows uric acid crystals. It is often very painful associated with swelling of the joint. Most often, it involves the big toe, but can involve any joint including the knees, ankles an even hands. These attacks may recur over time; those suffering from repeated episodes may develop chronic gouty arthritis causing joint damage associated with chronic pain.
Evidence is needed by the state to assess the degree of your disability. This will mainly include your doctor’s notes, any x-rays and how well you have responded to treatment. The key point the states wishes to know is how your joint symptoms have affected your ability to do your job. If your knees, ankles or feet are involved, the states wants to know how your ability to walk over a regular working day is affected. If your hands are involved they need to know how limited you are in using your hands for gripping and performing fine movements with your fingers.