Should you apply for disability benefits for osteoarthritis?
You may be able to work with osteoarthritis if your symptoms and its effect on your body is low to mild. However, if your osteoarthritis is so severe, that you can no longer do the daily tasks of your job anymore, you may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Is osteoarthritis considered a disability?
Yes, osteoarthritis in some cases is a type of disability. It is a common type of arthritis, where cartilage from different joints providing a cushion between different bones wears and tears down. Bones rub against one another, which leads to the formation of cysts and bone spurs.
Can you get disability benefits for osteoarthritis?
If your severe osteoarthritis prevents you from working or performing normal daily tasks, then Social Security disability benefits may be an option. Disability benefits provide monthly financial security to those who need help due to their disorders.
How to apply for disability benefits for osteoarthritis?
To meet the listing, you must have:
- documentation of reconstructive surgery or fusion
- evidence that you have difficulty moving that has lasted (or is expected to last) for 12 months, and
- proof that you need a walker, two canes or two crutches, or a wheelchair or scooter that requires the use of both hands.
What benefits can I claim if I have osteoarthritis?
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and the pain and stiffness resulting from the disease make it impossible for you to work, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. The gradual loss of cartilage from your joints causes osteoarthritis.
Is osteoarthritis a long term disability?
Osteoarthritis is a long term disability, so being awarded an SSDI benefit gives you the financial support you need for years to come.
Is osteoarthritis enough for disability?
Because of the severity of osteoarthritis the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined that it is a disability, meaning you may be eligible to receive disability benefits. When submitting your SSDI application to the SSA your diagnosis and medical evidence should be in the SSA's Blue Book listing.
When does osteoarthritis become a disability?
To meet the listing, you must have: documentation of reconstructive surgery or fusion. evidence that you have difficulty moving that has lasted (or is expected to last) for 12 months, and. proof that you need a walker, two canes or two crutches, or a wheelchair or scooter that requires the use of both hands.
How hard is it to get disability for arthritis?
Your chances of getting disability with arthritis vary on different factors such as, the medical evidence you provide, prior denials, not working with a doctor and the claimant's ability to continue working. Generally, around 63% of disability applications for SSDI are denied on the initial application.
What type of arthritis qualifies for disability?
SSA recognizes inflammatory arthritis could qualify as a disabling disease if it is accompanied by the following findings. Deformity or swelling of an ankle, knee, or hip joint with: At least two of the following symptoms: fever, loss of weight, fatigue, or a general feeling of discomfort.
What are the four stages of osteoarthritis?
The main stages of OA are:Stage 0 (pre-osteoarthritis)Stage 1 (early or doubtful)Stage 2 (mild or minimal)Stage 3 (moderate)Stage 4 (severe)
Is osteoarthritis painful all the time?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, often resulting in chronic pain. Joint pain and stiffness can become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Depression and sleep disturbances can result from the pain and disability of osteoarthritis.
How many stages of osteoarthritis are there?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is divided into five stages. Stage 0 is assigned to a normal, healthy knee. The highest stage, Stage 4, is assigned to severe OA. OA that has become this advanced is likely to cause significant pain and disrupt joint movement and function.
Can I get Social Security for osteoarthritis?
If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and it has impacted your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Osteoarthritis results in the gradual loss of cartilage from your joints. A tough tissue that provides the cushioning between the bones that form the joints, it is needed.
What is severe osteoarthritis?
People with severe OA have extensive or complete loss of cartilage in one or more joints. The bone-on-bone friction associated with this can cause severe symptoms such as: Increased swelling and inflammation. The amount of synovial fluid within the joint may increase.
Does osteoarthritis make you tired?
People with OA often have to exert extra physical effort in order to carry out the basic daily tasks of living. This can cause fatigue. Inflammation is caused by chemical mediators called cytokines. They can also cause fatigue.
Can Osteoarthritis Qualify You For Disability?
Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints for many, many people as they get older (it is sometimes called degenerative arthritis), but...
Qualifying For Disability Under The Listing For Back Problems
It is fairly common for osteoarthritis to occur in the vertebrae of the spine, but osteoarthritis in the spine qualifies for disability benefits on...
Qualifying For Disability Under The Listing For Joint Dysfunction
If you have osteoarthritis but don’t meet the listing for having a disorder of the spine, you may meet the listing for having a major dysfunction o...
Qualifying For Disability Based on Reduced Functional Capacity
If you have osteoarthritis but you don’t meet the criteria under any of the listings discussed above, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will...
How The SSA Determines Disability With Arthritis
In the case of arthritis, you must receive medical treatment for at least three months before the SSA will make a determination regarding the exten...
Steps to Take in Order to Qualify
To determine whether a person qualifies for Social Security Disability because of arthritis, the SSA uses the following steps:The SSA first determi...
Consult With A Social Security Attorney
If the SSA determines that your arthritis precludes you from performing any kind of available work, they will approve your claim and you will begin...
What is considered degenerative osteoarthritis?
1 . People with degenerative osteoarthritis qualify if they have significant limitations while using hands or arms, or while standing or walking. People with back ( spine osteoarthritis) or neck osteoarthritis must have persistent sensory, reflex, and motor loss as well.
Can you get Social Security if you leave the workforce?
But if you leave the professional world, how can you make ends meet, especially if you're a single person or your spouse or family members don't make enough money to support you? If your osteoarthritis is so hard to manage that leaving the workforce is a must, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Is osteoarthritis a degenerative disease?
After all, osteoarthritis is a painful, degenerative type of arthritis that can make prolonged physical activity and work difficult or impossible for patients. Sometimes the condition becomes so severe and limiting that people with osteoarthritis are forced to stop working.
How do I qualify for SSDI?
Generally, you may qualify for SSDI if osteoarthritis: 1 In a major joint in a lower extremity is causing severe pain and discomfort 2 Limits your daily activities, maintaining social functioning, or 3 Limits the completion of a task in a timely manner.
Is osteoarthritis a disability?
Osteoarthritis is listed on the Social Security Administration’s list of approved disabilities. Before we go into that though, we need to make sure we are talking about the same thing. Osteoarthritis is caused by injury, obesity or old age. You probably have an idea as to whether you would or would not qualify for Social Security Disability ...
Can you get SSDI if you have arthritis in your neck?
The same thing applies for arthritis in the neck, hands, elbows or basically any part of your body above the waist. If the arthritis is severe to the point that it limits your ability to work, then you may qualify for S SDI.
Can I get disability if I can't walk?
You probably have an idea as to whether you would or would not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on your disability. If you are unable to walk or walk well, have pain and discomfort when walking, then holding down a job would be extremely difficult.
Can you get SSDI if you have osteoarthritis?
Generally, you may qualify for SSDI if osteoarthritis: In a major joint in a lower extremity is causing severe pain and discomfort. Limits your daily activities, maintaining social functioning, or. Limits the completion of a task in a timely manner.
Can I file for SSDI if I can't work?
If you’re unable to work for one year due to chronic pain, you should definitely apply for SSDI benefits. Having an experienced disability attorney file your claim doubles your odds of benefit approval right away.
What is the result of osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis results in the gradual loss of cartilage from your joints. A tough tissue that provides the cushioning between the bones that form the joints, it is needed. Cartilage loss will allow the bones to rub up against one another, causing cysts and bone spurs.
How is osteoarthritis different from rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis because osteoarthritis just attacks the joints while rheumatoid arthritis attacks joints and bodily organs. Osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition that limits an individual’s ability to function normally.
What is the Blue Book for SSDI?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own medical guide, known as the Blue Book, which determines the requirements to be approved for disability. Osteoarthritis falls under Section 1.00, which is the Musculoskeletal System. In order to be approved for SSDI benefits, your documentation and medical records will need to show ...
Why is osteoarthritis so expensive?
The economic burden is because it is a comorbid disease, has expensive treatment, and causes disability. Because of its high prevalence, it has higher per capita expenses than rheumatoid arthritis.
Why is the Social Security Administration refusing to accept disability claims?
With so many claims submitted every day, the Social Security Administration will deny a vast majority of claims upon first read simply because there is not enough medical documentation to support the need for disability benefits.
How much does osteoarthritis cost?
US News and World Report indicated that the medical costs for patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the U.S. exceeds $185.5 billion each year , which adds up to thousands of dollars per patient. Those individual costs can vary greatly because some patients will seek joint replacement surgery, which is expensive.
What tests are used to determine the severity of osteoarthritis?
Several medical tests are used to show the severity of osteoarthritis. Those tests include x-rays and MRIs. Blood work may also be used to show the amount of inflammation in the body. You should provide as many medical records and as much documentation as possible to prove your case.
How long does arthritis last on disability?
Additionally, the condition must be expected to last at least one year from the time of onset. Those with arthritis applying for disability benefits, will need to meet the Blue Book listing 14.09.
Why do people with osteoarthritis stop working?
People with osteoarthritis are often expected to stop working because their disease has become too debilitating and restricting.
Why is it important to include as much information as possible in a SSA decision?
It’s important to include as much information as possible so that the SSA can make their determination without having to request additional information. The more information you provide, the easier it is for them to make a decision.
What happens if you are not deemed medically qualified for Social Security Disability?
If a person is not deemed medically qualified for Social Security disability based on observable symptoms, the SSA will consider whether you can reasonably be expected to perform any type of work which you have done in the past.
Where is arthritis most common?
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints and surrounding tissues. Since there are joints all over the body, it’s possible to get arthritis in many locations even though it’s most common in the hands, knees and back.
How many years do I need to work to get disability?
These are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. Typically, if you have worked five of the last ten years, you will have enough work credits. Depending on your age, there are a specific number of credits you must have to qualify ...
Can arthritis in hands cause a person to not work?
There are no ways to accommodate or work around the requirements of her job. As a result of her arthritis, she is unable to work.
How is osteoarthritis treated?
Osteoarthritis is treated by managing pain, improving joint function and maintaining body weight.
What is the phone number for osteoarthritis?
Call 512-454-4000 for experienced help today! Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, also called OA, is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when cartilage breaks down in the joints and can affect any joint in the body.
What is cartilage in joints?
Cartilage is a fibrous connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in normal joints reducing friction and allowing joints to move smoothly. Osteoarthritis most often occurs in weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but may also affect fingers, toes, and the neck. Unlike other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis ...
Why does cartilage wear away?
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage in a joint to lose elasticity and become stiff. The cartilage may wear away over time, decreasing its ability to cushion a joint and making it prone to damage. When cartilage breaks down, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain and discomfort.
What causes secondary osteoarthritis?
Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by another disease or condition such as obesity, surgery to the joint structures, congenital abnormalities (abnormal joints at birth), diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. More women than men develop OA. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and swelling in affected joints usually ...
How do you know if you have osteoarthritis?
The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and swelling in affected joints usually after repetitive use , but can also occur after long periods of inactivity; for example, sitting at a desk or in a theater. It may be difficult to walk, climb stairs and get in and out of chairs or bathtubs.
Why is disability important?
Disability benefits are an important source of income for those who are unable to work.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
These include: 1. Joint Dysfunction. Arthritis can cause your joints to experience major dysfunction due to deformities such as misalignments, shortening of the joint or chronic pain and stiffness. If your condition has led to a dysfunction in any of your joints, you can automatically qualify for benefits.
What is the 4th condition that can automatically qualify you for benefits under the SSA?
The 4th arthritis condition that can automatically qualify you for benefits under the SSA listings is when arthritis causes inflammation or deformities in your knees, ankles, shoulders or elbows. When such deformities in the joints prevent you from working, you can meet the SSA listing for arthritis and receive benefits.
How Arthritis Is Diagnosed
Arthritis can be diagnosed by your primary care provider, but the typical specialist you would treat with for arthritis is a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist will obtain blood tests and imaging of the affected areas to determine the type and treatment of your pain.
How to Be Found Disabled
To be found disabled, Social Security requires you to show that you suffer from a severe physical and/or mental condition that affects your ability to earn substantial gainful activity for an expected time frame of 12 months or more. Or, if your condition has been noted to be terminal you will be found disabled.
The Listing
There are four potential ways to meet or equal the Listing for arthritis.
Results
- If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and it has impacted your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Osteoarthritis results in the gradual loss of cartilage from your joints. A tough tissue that provides the cushioning between the bones that form the joints, it is needed. Cartilage loss will allow the bo...
Definition
- What doctors call your load-bearing joints, such as the hands, hips, knees, feet, and spine are usually those that are affected. The disease usually begins in one joint, but can spread to others. It is also known as a degenerative joint disease because the condition can worsen.
Causes
- It can either be a primary or secondary condition. If you have primary osteoarthritis, your pain and symptoms are most often the result of the stress suffered by weakened or weight-bearing joints. If you suffer from secondary osteoarthritis the arthritis is a symptom from a separate primary condition, such as a joint injury or inflammation caused by other diseases.
Overview
- Osteoarthritis is different from rheumatoid arthritis because osteoarthritis just attacks the joints while rheumatoid arthritis attacks joints and bodily organs. Osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition that limits an individuals ability to function normally.
Cost
- According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, osteoarthritis can be an expensive disease to treat. The economic burden is because it is a comorbid disease, has expensive treatment, and causes disability. Because of its high prevalence, it has higher per capita expenses than rheumatoid arthritis. About one-third of the expenditures are for medications, an…
Accreditation
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own medical guide, known as the Blue Book, which determines the requirements to be approved for disability. Osteoarthritis falls under Section 1.00, which is the Musculoskeletal System. In order to be approved for SSDI benefits, your documentation and medical records will need to show that you meet one or more of the listing r…
Benefits
- If you dont meet the requirements of the Blue Books guidelines you can still be approved for disability benefits using a residual functioning capacity form (RFC) in which your doctor specifies your limitations, your treatment, and your symptoms. You may be denied for benefits twice and you can appeal those decisions before asking for a hearing before an administrative law judge (…
Example
- As an example, if you have osteoarthritis of the spine that causes severe pain that must be treated by narcotics, the doctor can indicate how long you can stand or sit without repositioning and how the pain medication can impact your ability to function and keep you from being able to concentrate as you normally should.
Symptoms
- Any other medical conditions should also be noted because more than one medical condition can cause multiple symptoms and numerous problems, resulting in your disability being more prevalent and having a more significant impact on your ability to function in a work environment or even take care of your daily tasks and chores.
Diagnosis
- Several medical tests are used to show the severity of osteoarthritis. Those tests include x-rays and MRIs. Blood work may also be used to show the amount of inflammation in the body. You should provide as many medical records and as much documentation as possible to prove your case. But there are some instances when the SSA will order an evaluation at their expense to co…