With regard to inflammatory poly-arthritis, the DWP handbook for approved doctors makes the distinction between osteoarthritis which is primarily caused by changes in cartilage and inflammatory conditions where the main features are inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint and bone erosion.
The handbook specifies rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and psoriatic arthritis as examples of inflammatory conditions which may also involve inflammation of the arteries(vasculitis) and inflammation of the membranes surrounding the heart (pericarditis).
With regard to rheumatoid arthritis and any other form of "active and progressive"inflammatory arthritis, the handbook indicates that exemption should be considered if the following are evident-
The handbook also states that long-standing rheumatoid arthritis with extensive joint destruction, or where there are "systemic manifestations" are likely to meet the exempt criteria
With regard to SLE, the handbook makes the point that the prognosis is generally good for people who are in the early stages of this disease. Doctors are therefore advised to exempt only for a 12-24 month period as the condition may remit. For permanent exemption claimants should either be in the end stage of the disease or have experienced gross mechanical joint damage.
