Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Major Dysfunction of a Joint
When you experience long term pain which causes an inability to utilize one of your body’s major joints, it can make continuing to work difficult or even impossible, especially if the type of work you have done involves physical activity. Depending on which joints are dysfunctional, you may be unable to get around effectively, unable to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, unable to lift, push, pull, bend or any combination of these tasks.
There are six major types of joints in the body, which include the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, wrists and elbows. Major dysfunctions of these joints can be caused by a number of different conditions, however arthritis is the most common. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 1.02 of the Blue Book.
Does Major Dysfunction of a Joint Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with major dysfunction of a joint do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements for this disability listed in Section 1.02 – Major Dysfunction of a Joint in the SSA’s Blue Book:
- If the issue is in the lower half of your body, the condition must involve “one peripheral weight-bearing joint” (ankle, knee, hip, etc.) and make it difficult for you to walk and get around. It’s called “ineffective ambulation” and typically involves things like needing a walker or other assistive device, struggling to climb stairs, and being unable to walk for a block or more at a reasonable pace.
- If the issue is in the upper half of your body, it has to involve “one peripheral joint in each upper extremity” (wrist, elbow, shoulder, etc.) and limit your ability to engage in gross or fine movements. These people tend to struggle with activities such as handling and sorting paper, performing personal hygiene tasks, and preparing meals.
Positive findings on any of the following tests are helpful in supporting your claim:
- X-ray
- Apley grinding test
- Arthrocentesis
- Arthrography
- Bone biopsy (needle)
- Bone scan
- Cross-body adduction test
- Drawer sign (anterior and posterior)
- Elbow extension test
- Facial bones (x-ray)
- Kellgren-Lawrence score
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of bone
- McMurray’s Test
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Patrick’s Test (Fabere Test)
- Range of Motion (ROM) tests
- Thomas Test
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- White Blood Cell scan (WBC)
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 major dysfunction of a joint and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
