Rheumatoid Arthritis and SSDI Benefits in Nevada

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and progressive joint damage. For many Nevada residents, RA becomes so debilitating that continuing to work full-time is simply not possible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes rheumatoid arthritis as a condition that can support a disability claim — but qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits requires meeting specific medical and legal criteria.

How the SSA Evaluates Rheumatoid Arthritis

The SSA uses a medical reference called the Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) to evaluate disability claims. Rheumatoid arthritis falls under Listing 14.09 — Inflammatory Arthritis. To qualify automatically under this listing, your medical records must document one of the following:

• Persistent inflammation or deformity in at least one major peripheral weight-bearing joint (hip, knee, or ankle) that limits your ability to walk effectively
• Persistent inflammation or deformity in at least one major peripheral joint in each upper extremity (shoulders, elbows, wrists, or hands) that limits your ability to perform fine and gross movements
• Inflammation or deformity in multiple joints accompanied by systemic symptoms — such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss — resulting in marked limitations in daily activities, social functioning, or maintaining concentration and pace
• Repeated episodes of complications requiring hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment at least three times per year

If your condition meets these criteria, the SSA may approve your claim at the listing level without needing to conduct a full vocational analysis. However, many RA claimants do not meet the strict listing requirements yet are still unable to work. In those situations, a different path to approval becomes critical.

Qualifying Through a Residual Functional Capacity Assessment

When an applicant does not meet a Blue Book listing, the SSA evaluates what work-related activities the person can still perform despite their impairments. This is called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. For rheumatoid arthritis, the RFC analysis examines limitations such as:

• How long you can sit, stand, or walk during an eight-hour workday
• How much weight you can lift or carry
• Whether you can perform repetitive hand and finger movements (gripping, grasping, typing)
• Whether fatigue or pain prevents sustained concentration or attendance
• How frequently you experience flare-ups that would cause unscheduled absences

Once the SSA determines your RFC, it considers your age, education, and prior work history to decide whether you could perform your past job or adjust to other work in the national economy. For older workers — generally those 50 and above — the SSA's Medical-Vocational Grid Rules make it significantly easier to be approved if you have physical limitations that restrict you to sedentary or light work.

Rheumatoid arthritis frequently causes hand and wrist involvement, which can eliminate many sedentary jobs that require frequent typing or fine manipulation. When these limitations are well-documented, they substantially strengthen an RFC-based claim.

Medical Evidence That Supports Your Nevada SSDI Claim

The strength of your claim depends directly on the quality and consistency of your medical records. The SSA requires objective evidence — not just your own reports of pain. Strong supporting documentation for an RA claim typically includes:

• Rheumatologist treatment notes documenting swollen joints, tenderness, and reduced range of motion
• Lab results showing elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies
• Imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) showing joint erosion, cartilage loss, or structural damage
• Records of prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics
• Notes from primary care physicians, physical therapists, or occupational therapists corroborating functional limitations
• A detailed Medical Source Statement (RFC opinion) completed by your treating rheumatologist

Nevada does not have a separate state disability program for working-age adults, so SSDI through the federal SSA program is the primary avenue of relief. Nevada applicants submit claims through the SSA and are evaluated by Disability Determination Services (DDS), the state agency that reviews medical evidence on behalf of the SSA. Having a rheumatologist who consistently documents your limitations — and who is willing to complete forms on your behalf — is one of the most important factors in obtaining approval.

Common Reasons Nevada RA Claims Are Denied

Initial denial rates for SSDI claims are high nationwide, and Nevada is no exception. Understanding the most common denial reasons helps you avoid preventable mistakes:

• Insufficient medical records: Gaps in treatment or relying solely on a primary care physician without specialist documentation significantly weaken a claim.
• Failure to follow prescribed treatment: If you have not tried recommended medications or therapies without a valid reason, the SSA may use this against you.
• Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold: In 2025, earning more than $1,620 per month (non-blind) disqualifies you from SSDI regardless of your medical condition.
• Inconsistent statements: Discrepancies between what you tell doctors and what you report to the SSA can damage credibility.
• Underestimating functional limitations: Many applicants downplay their symptoms out of habit. Accurate, detailed descriptions of your worst days matter.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The most critical stage is the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing, where you present testimony and additional evidence. Many claimants who were denied at the initial and reconsideration levels successfully win benefits at the hearing level — particularly when represented by an attorney.

Steps to Take If You Cannot Work Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis

If rheumatoid arthritis has made it impossible to maintain regular employment, taking the following steps improves your chances of approval:

• Establish and maintain consistent care with a board-certified rheumatologist
• Keep a symptom journal documenting daily pain levels, fatigue, flare-up frequency, and how symptoms affect your ability to function
• Be honest and thorough with your medical providers — what is in your chart becomes the foundation of your claim
• File your SSDI application as soon as you stop working, since benefits have a waiting period and back pay is limited to 12 months before your application date
• Request that your rheumatologist complete a detailed RFC opinion supporting your functional limitations
• Consult with a disability attorney before or during the application process — representation significantly increases approval rates

Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpredictable disease. Even with aggressive treatment, many patients experience debilitating flares that make sustained, full-time employment impossible. The SSDI system is designed to provide income replacement precisely for situations like these — but navigating the process without guidance is challenging.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

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