Filing for a Social Security Disability Claim based on Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) may qualify you for disability benefits, but how you approach the claims process could significantly impact the success of your application. If you are looking for SSDI lawyers who understand and have experience with claims involving degenerative joint disease, we invite you to contact Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys in Arizona. Our experienced legal team represents people in the process of claiming Social Security Disability benefits based on an osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment. Here’s how we can help.

How To Apply for Disability Benefits with Degenerative Joint Disease

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 or other listed impairments, then Social Security Disability Insurance benefits may be available to you. These are the benefits that you have earned with a qualifying work history.

To apply, you’ll need to provide documentation, which includes medical evidence and your onset date determination. The application is available online and can be completed at your convenience.

Unfortunately, understanding whether you qualify for disability benefits and how to claim them isn’t always easy. That’s why our 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 our SSDI lawyers to talk about your personal case.

Understanding Degenerative Joint Disease and Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the breakdown or wearing 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 often not caused by aging alone.

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, sometimes those treatments are ineffective. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of any Social Security Disability benefits available to you.

Obtaining SSDI for Degenerative Joint Disease

Degenerative joint disease is 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 and Section 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 SSDI lawyer experienced 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, a cane, or a 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 movements.

You must prove all facets of the medical condition as outlined in the Listing 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 with experience in Social Security Disability claims based on osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease 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 whether applying is right for you. Or you may be ready to apply and just need someone to verify your evidence. Even if you need to appeal a denial of benefits, our lawyers are ready to assist you. We represent people at all stages in their SSDI claims!

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

Degenerative Joint Disease and SSDI – FAQs