ERISA & Social Security Disability: Southern California Lawyers

Disability Benefits for Gout

Gout causes pain in your joints, often in the big toe. Many people get their first attack of gout in one of their big toes, but it can also affect other joints in your feet, arms, and legs. In addition to pain, your joint may feel swollen, red, warm, and stiff.

In the early stages of gout, you may have attacks that start at night and come on suddenly. Intense pain and swelling may be bad enough to wake you up. Gout attacks are often triggered by stressful events, alcohol, drugs, or another illness.

Usually, a gout attack will get better in three to 10 days, even without treatment. After that, you may not have another attack for months or even years. Over time, however, your attacks may last longer and happen more often.

After a long period of time, such as 10 years or so, gout can sometimes advance and cause permanent damage to your joints and kidneys. With proper treatment, however, most people with gout do not have permanent damage.

Reference: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gout

Essential Medical Documentation of Gout Needed for Disability Benefits:

How severe is your pain level?

• on a daily basis?
• on bad days vs good days?

What are your physical limitations regarding:

• standing/walking - how long can you stand/walk?
• lifting/carrying - how much can you lift/carry?

How frequent and severe are your flare-ups?  

Documenting your limitations:  

How does your condition affect you? Be specific to articulate to your physician details of your physical limitations and how they impact you on a daily basis with regard to your daily living activities, your ability to stand/walk, lift/carry, and even sit for extended periods of time and need for breaks or rest from pain or fatigue. These are important factors and details regarding your functional capacity and important in evaluating whether you can perform your work or any work.