Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is a common “wear and tear” disease. The underlying cause of this condition is typically chronic repetitive motion that results in inflammation and structural joint damage. Inflammation causes pain, redness, and swelling. The tiniest amount of trauma triggers inflammation as the body attempts to protect damaged tissue. This cycle of joint damage and inflammation leads to the break-down of cartilage that serves as a smooth gliding surface and cushion in the joints. Any joint can be affected, but the knees, hands, hips, and spine are the most common. More than 50% of adults over the age of 65 are affected by degenerative joint disease. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Degenerative Joint Disease Qualify for Disability?
While there is no specific listing for degenerative joint disease in the SSA’s Blue Book, the conditions most closely associated are the listings for Abnormality of a major joint in any extremity or, if you’ve had joint surgery, Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint.
Each of these listings has criteria you must meet to qualify for disability benefits. For abnormality of a major joint, medical records must show that you have all the following:
- Abnormal motion, instability, or immobility in the affected joint;
- An anatomical abnormality of the affected joint;
- Chronic joint pain or stiffness, and;
- Physical limitations that cause at least one of the following for at least 12 months:
- A need to use a walker, bilateral canes or crutches, or a wheelchair/scooter;
- An inability to use one arm to start, continue, or complete work-related activities and the need to use a one-handed, hand-held device, or;
- An inability to use both arms to independently start, continue, or complete work-related activities.
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits after reconstructive surgery, you must be able to show all the following:
- Physical limitations that have lasted, or are expected to last, at least 12 months;
- Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint, and;
- The need to use a walker, bilateral canes or crutches, or a scooter/wheelchair.
Regardless of which listing you use to apply for Social Security disability benefits, you must have medical documentation supporting your claim. This means X-Rays, MRIs, surgical records, or other testing that shows joint abnormalities and degeneration. You will also need medical documentation that you require mobility aides to get around; the fact that you choose to use a scooter or wheelchair is insufficient.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
