What is Ankylosing Spondylitis and is it considered a disability for Social Security disability purposes?
As with any other impairment, the answer is maybe, maybe not. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is another form of arthritis. It mainly involves the spine and joints of extremities, such as the knees, hips and shoulders. It can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart. It is a member of the family of diseases that attack the spine, which are known as spondylarthropathies, into which Reiter’s syndrome is also included. Genetics appears to play a role in the cause of ankylosing spondylitis, and while it can occur in females but mainly occurs in young men. A diagnosis of AS is made based on medical history, a physical examination, blood tests and x-rays. The most common symptoms of ankylosis spondylitis is low back pain, stiffness, with pain and swelling in the shoulders, knees and hips. While the severity of the impairment would determine whether a disability exists, combined with other impairments, AS could certainly strengthen a case.
