Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) SSDI Lawyers in Arizona

If you are looking for degenerative joint disease (DJD) SSDI lawyers, we invite you to contact Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys in Arizona. Degenerative joint disease may qualify you for disability benefits, but how you approach the claims process could significantly impact the success of your application. Our experienced legal team represents people in the process of claiming benefits.

Degenerative Joint Disease Disability Benefits

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) could prevent you from maintaining employment due to pain and stiffness in any one of the joints in your body. It can affect your range of motion and limit your reflexes, ultimately lowering your quality of life. If you’re unable to work because of your medical condition, then long-term disability payments may be available to you. These are the benefits that you have earned with a qualifying work history.

Unfortunately, understanding whether you qualify for benefits and how to claim them isn’t always easy. That’s why our degenerative joint disease SSDI lawyers are available for consultations.

As experienced attorneys in disability law, we are taking new cases and are readily available to advocate for your needs. Feel free to contact ourSSDI lawyers to talk about your personal case.

Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease and Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the breakdown or wear-down of the joints. Over time, the joints lose their cartilage and resilience. As the joints degrade, they no longer work as they should. Although degenerative joint disease often occurs with age, it is not caused by aging.

Symptoms of degenerative joint disease can vary in terms of range and severity. Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Stiffness
• Locking up of the joints
• Effusion
• Loss of ability to use the joints
• Inflammation
• Muscle spasms and muscle weakness
• Contraction of the tendons
• Bony enlargements that limit mobility

Degenerative joint disease may occur throughout the body, but it is especially common in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. The spine, hands, and feet are also commonly afflicted, potentially causing injury. Osteoarthritis is often referred to as degenerative joint disease.

While there are treatments available, such as therapy, surgery, medication, or injections, there is ultimately no cure for this condition.

Obtaining SSDI for Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease is most examined under one of two provisions of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments:Section 1.17 – Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint andSection 1.18 – Abnormality of a major joint in any extremity. The Social Security Administration might apply Section 1.17 if you have had surgery. Otherwise, Section 1.18 is likely considered on your application.

An experienced SSDI lawyer specializing in representing individuals with degenerative joint disease will be able to explain these qualifications.

Section 1.18 – Blue Book Listing of Impairments – Degenerative Disc Disease

To receive disability benefits based on degenerative joint disease under Section 1.18, you must show that you have:

• Chronic joint pain or stiffness.
• Abnormal motion, instability or immobility in affected joints.
• Physical examination or imaging that reveals the abnormality of the impacted joint. Examples may include subluxation, contracture, body or fibrous ankylosis, joint space narrowing, bony destruction, ankylosis and arthrodesis.
• Physical limitation of musculoskeletal function lasting or expected to last at least 12 months.

To show your physical limitation and how it affects activities of daily living, you must present medical documentation from a health care professional such as a physician. Your medical records may include the use of a mobility device like a walker, cane, or wheelchair.

Physical limitations may also be shown by the inability to use one upper extremity while needing a handheld assistive device or by the inability to use either of the upper extremities to complete work-related fine and gross movement.

You must prove all facets of the medical condition as outlined in theListing of Impairments to show your qualification for benefits. Missing information can delay your application or result in a denial of benefits.

If you’re denied Social Security disability insurance, you will have to file an appeal and provide enough evidence and data to support your claim. A disability lawyer specializing in representing individuals with degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis can walk you through the appeals process.

Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys: Now Taking New Cases for Degenerative Joint Disease

Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys offers free consultations for people seeking disability benefits. You may be at the stage of considering if applying is right for you. You may be ready to apply. Even if you need to appeal a denial of benefits, our lawyers may assist you. We represent people at all stages in their SSDI claims.

Call or message us today for your consultation and to start your case.

Degenerative Joint Disease and SSDI – FAQs