RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TPD CLAIMS

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by a rheumatologist, you may be eligible to claim on your superannuation TPD policy. Our Australian TPD Claims solicitors can provide free legal advice in relation to making a claim on insurance policies such as Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD), Trauma Insurance and Income Protection. Contact our service for confidential advice and No Win No Fee legal representation. 24/7 free helpline: 1800 352 100.

Insurance policies

Your eligibility to make a rheumatoid arthritis claim will be determined by definitions in your policy and medical evidence. In some policies, the criteria include a minimum period of time which you have exhibited symptoms such as bilateral and symmetrical joint soft tissue swelling, morning stiffness, erosions evidenced on xray imaging, the presence of either a positive rheumatoid factor or other serological markers consistent with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. You should seek information from your insurance company regarding their criteria. If you require legal advice, please feel free to contact our service.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease whose major manifestation is synovitis of multiple joints. Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane. Approximately 1% of the population has this condition. It is an autoimmune disease- the immune system targets the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men, and it can begin at any age, though it tends to start in 40’s-50’s for women and 60’s-80’s for men. The cause of this condition is unknown although it is thought that there may be genetic risk factors. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is very important, because if left untreated this type of arthritis can destroy joints.

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis

A patient typically presents with joint pain or stiffness, symmetric swelling. Monarticular disease is occasionally seen initially. Stiffness tends to be worse in the morning, lasting for at least 30 minutes. The joints which are typically affected include the PIP joints of the fingers, MCP joints, wrists, knees, ankles, and MTP joints. Approximately 20% of patients have subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, most commonly situated over bony prominences but also observed in the bursae and tendon sheaths. There may also be dryness of mouth and dry eyes.

Blood tests

Anti-CCP antibodies are the most specific blood test for rheumatoid arthritis. This, together with rheumatoid factor (an IgM antibody), is present in 70-80% of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis. Although rheumatoid factor has a sensitivity of only 50% in early disease. Rheumatoid factor can also occur in other autoimmune diseases. The ESR and levels of C-reactive protein are typically elevated in proportion to disease activity. Sometimes platelet count is elevated depending on the severity of overall joint inflammation.

Imaging

Imaging that is taken in the early the stages of the disease (usually the first 6 months of symptoms) will typically appear to be normal. The earliest changes that are seen are in the hands or feet, consisting of soft tissue swelling and juxta-articular demineralisation. Later, diagnostic changes of uniform joint space narrowing and erosions develop. Ultrasonography and MRI are better at detecting the changes associated with rheumatoid arthritis than xrays.

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment is aimed at reducing joint inflammation and pain and prevention of joint deformity. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be commenced as soon as the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made. NSAIDs may provide some relief, but do not alter the progression of the disease.

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone have an anti-inflammatory effect. Patients who are on long-term corticosteroid steroid therapy should take measures to help prevent osteoarthritis. Corticosteroid joint injections are also an option.

Synthetic DMARDs- Methotrexate is usually the treatment of choice, however potential side-effects may occur which need to be monitored, and may include: gastric irritation, cytopenia, hepatoxicity. Other synthetic options are: Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide, Antimalarials, Tofacitinib.

Biologic DMARDs include- Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (Etanercept, Infliximab, Adalimumab, Golimumab, and Certolizumab pegol), Abatacept, Rituximab, Tocilizumab.

Your rheumatologist may refer you to other specialists as required such as a pain management physician, and they may recommend a gentle exercise program, hydrotherapy, consultation with a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist.

Prognosis

Over time, joints, particularly of the fingers may become deformed. Chronic systemic inflammation may contribute to cardiovascular disease and other disease risk factors. Early treatment, ongoing treatment and monitoring by a special rheumatologist is important in symptom management, and can help improve the quality of life of the patient.

Our TPD claims lawyers handle rheumatoid arthritis compensation claims. For free legal advice on claiming disability insurance contact us today.

Free Legal Helpline: 1800 352 100.