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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do I make the Disability board really understand what I have if they can't tell by looking at me for five minutes?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Sacramento, CA

I was diagnosed 3 years ago with Rheumatoid Arthrititis, Osteoporosis, Degenerative Arthritis, and Carpal Tunnel in both wrists
I went to the state disability Doctor, he asked me to lift my arms up once, and pick my foot up once.
He said I was more than able to work a 40 hour week with no problems.
I am in pain all the time and very depressed that I was denied, if that doctor researched these diseases, he would know you can't physically see it on someone in a five min office visit.

Thank you all… read more

7 hours ago
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Instant Answer

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and defeated — a five-minute exam truly cannot capture the daily reality of living with RA. You are absolutely not alone in this experience. A myRAteam member shared, "I have been out of work for 14 months without income. I have been denied twice from my employer's long-term Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and defeated — a five-minute exam truly cannot capture the daily reality of living with RA. You are absolutely not alone in this experience. A myRAteam member shared, "I have been out of work for 14 months without income. I have been denied twice from my employer's long-term disability company. I was going to give up, but with encouragement from my spouse and friends, I now have an attorney handling the appeal."

The good news is that a denial is not the end of the road. Here are some important steps to consider when appealing:

- Hire a disability attorney — A myRAteam member strongly recommended finding "an attorney who specializes only in disability." Many work on contingency, meaning no upfront cost
- Request a hearing with an administrative law judge — This gives you a real opportunity to present your full case with proper evidence
- Gather thorough medical documentation — Include X-rays, blood tests, MRI results, and medication history
- Ask your rheumatologist to document your functional limitations — They can describe in detail how RA affects your ability to perform daily tasks and work
- Write a personal statement — Describe how pain, fatigue, and unpredictability affect your daily life, not just your physical limitations

A second applicant noted, "I got accepted after my second go. I got help from a free legal aid system." So free legal help is also worth exploring. RA's invisible symptoms — constant pain, fatigue, brain fog, and flares — are real and valid, even when they can't be seen in a brief exam. Building a strong paper trail with your medical team is the most powerful way to make decision-makers truly understand your situation. Don't give up.

7 hours ago

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