Qualifying for Disability Benefits With Joint Pain or Arthritis
Joint pain can be difficult to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Often, it can become so bad that it can infringe upon your ability to do your job. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you may qualify for disability benefits due to your condition. If you or a loved one suffer from debilitating joint pain or arthritis, keep reading to see how to apply for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What Joint Pains or Arthritis Are Covered?
When joints in the upper extremities one of these joints are affected by pain, it can diminish your ability to perform simple daily tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and manipulating objects. These joints include: – Elbows – Wrists – Shoulders
When weight-bearing joints are affected, it can hinder your ability to walk, climb stairs, and bend down. These joints include: – Ankles – Hips – Knees
Known Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain is often the result of inflammation in these areas. There are several possible root causes of the pain including – Arthritis – Birth defect – Accidents – Accidents – Normal wear and tear – Infection – Cancer
How Can You Apply for Disability Benefits?
If your joint pain is debilitating enough that it prevents you from working, you can apply for disability benefits by using one of the following three methods.
Qualifying for disability because of a major dysfunction of a joint as stated in section 1.02 in the SSA Blue Book listing
To qualify in this manner, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- You cannot perform gross motor functions or fine movements due to the pain in both upper extremities
- One weight-bearing joint is affected so much that walking is significantly altered
- In some cases, the cause of the joint pain is enough to receive disability benefits
- Your joint pain makes it impossible for you to perform any job for which you are reasonably trained
How to Prove That You Have Joint Pain
If you fall into one of the above categories, you must provide medical documentation that shows your condition causes you to be unable to work to the SSA. he exact evidence that is needed is dependent on your condition, so it is vital that you check with a disability lawyer to make sure you have the right documentation. You must also show that the pain in your joints has persisted for at least one year and that it is impossible for you to work because of the pain. You may need to provide x-rays, MRI images, and lab tests to help prove your case.
Getting Approved Disability Claims for Joint Pain
Disability claims involving arthritis and other joint pain can be complicated and there is often difficulty in getting them approved. Your best course of action to help the success of your case is to work with a disability lawyer who is familiar with the process. In most cases, there is no cost for a disability lawyer unless your benefits are approved.
If you need assistance with filing a disability claim as a result of your joint pain, contact Clauson Law today to see how we can help you.
