Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Knee Pain and Related Disorders
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. Knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. Medical conditions — including arthritis, gout and infections — also can cause knee pain. Many types of minor knee pain respond well to self-care measures. Physical therapy and knee braces also can help relieve pain. In some cases, however, your knee may require surgical repair. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Knee Pain and Related Disorders Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with knee pain and related disorders do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability.
Under Section 1.00, either of the following conditions might be relevant to your knee issue:
- Section 1.02 — Major dysfunction of a joint. This can be due to any cause, and should present with all of the following:
- Anatomical deformity.
- Chronic pain or stiffness in the joint which limits its motion.
- Inability to walk and move about effectively.
- Section 1.03 — Reconstructive surgery of a major weight-bearing joint. Section 1.03 also covers something called surgical arthrodesis, which means artificially forcing joint ossification through surgery. In either case, by SSA standards you should be unable to walk effectively, and additionally, your walking ability should not be expected to return within 12 months.
While the musculoskeletal section may be the most obvious place to look, it certainly isn’t your only option. If the above conditions don’t apply, you might qualify under Section 14.00, which covers the immune system and the following conditions:
- 14.09 — Inflammatory arthritis. While arthritis can be disabling in its own right, the SSA also recognizes that inflammatory arthritis involving peripheral joints (like your knees) can be associated with other disorders which are also potentially disabling, including:
- Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
- Lyme Disease, which is caused by tick bites.
- Crystal deposition disorders, which include gout and pseudogout. Gout and pseudogout occur when crystals — monosodium urate and calcium pyrophosphate, respectively — build up in your joints, such as your knees. These “crystal deposits” result in swelling, inflammation, and pain.
- Sjogren’s Syndrome, which can cause joint pain and stiffness.
You should also consider possible connections to other conditions which could qualify you for disability. For example, gout is often associated with cardiovascular disease (heart disease), impaired kidney function, obesity, and diabetes. If you experience any of these conditions, it’s possible you could also qualify through that listing.
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 knee pain or a related disorder and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
