Yes, osteoarthritis is considered a disability by the SSA. Medical conditions that the SSA determines are disabilities make it easier to be eligible for disability benefits with a debilitating medical condition like osteoarthritis.
All that is required for a sufferer of osteoarthritis is proof that she or he has osteoarthritis, and the medical condition is going to persist for at least twelve months. Osteoarthritis is often called wear-and-tear arthritis because it is caused when the natural cushioning cartilage between joints erodes away. When this takes place, the bones of the joints rub closer to each other resulting in swelling, pain, stiffness, loss of ability to move and, on occasions, the formation of bone spurs.
Back to topIs Osteoarthritis a Disability?
Osteoarthritis is considered a disability by the SSA. To get disability benefits for osteoarthritis you’ll need to meet a Blue Book listing for osteoarthritis and provide enough medical evidence that proves you have the disability.
Back to topTypes of Osteoarthritis That Are a Disability
There are several types of osteoarthritis that are considered to be a disability. These are:
- Hip osteoarthritis which is when the victim has problems walking.
- Foot and ankle osteoarthritis which affects the three joints that are connected to your heel bone, your inner mid-foot bone, and your outer mid-foot bone;
- Osteoarthritis of the knee often inflicts women over 55 and workers whose job requires them to kneel often or carry loads of more than 25 kilos regularly. Athletes often develop osteoarthritis of the knee.
- Spinal osteoarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back.
- Shoulder osteoarthritis increases with age. But an injury, like a dislocated shoulder, may lead to the development of shoulder osteoarthritis;
- Cervical osteoarthritis is a condition which involves changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck.
How to Get Disability Benefits For Osteoarthritis
Even though an estimated 31 million people live with osteoarthritis only the most advanced cases are considered for disability benefits. The medical condition is listed in the Blue Book under the musculoskeletal section which is section 1.02.
This section states that eligibility for disability benefits with osteoarthritis means you must be suffering chronic joint pain and stiffness that makes it hard for you to be sufficiently mobile even to carry out daily tasks let alone go to work. Your osteoarthritis should occur in one of your weight bearing joints such as the hip, knee or ankle or in the top part of your body in the elbow, wrist or shoulder.
If an individual’s osteoarthritis has resulted in the need for joint replacement surgery and the person hasn’t been able to walk for 12 months following the surgery the victim may qualify for disability benefits under 1.03.
Back to topGet Help with Your Osteoarthritis Disability Claim
A disability attorney may be able to help you figure out if your osteoarthritis qualifies for disability benefits. Complete the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribe to the website.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- Can You Continue Working with Osteoarthritis?
- Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with Osteoarthritis
