Can I Get Social Security Disability For Gout?

Question: Can I get Social Security disability for gout?

Answer: Maybe. A lawyer’s favorite answer. Although no one doubts that a gout attack  is extremely painful, it is not easy to get Social Security disability benefits based solely on gout. You have to stay disabled 12 straight months.

One problem is that gout is usually not something that continually affects a person. It is episodic. It come and goes. Between attacks a person with gout may have few if any symptoms.

Another problem is that there is a perception that gout can be controlled with medication. This perception may not be completely accurate but it’s out there. Blame the ads you see on television.

Usually, people who file for Social Security disability and are troubled by gout have other physical or mental illness that will help them win their Social Security disability claim.