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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.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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