A lot of people who apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim to be disabled due to musculoskeletal issues. One of the most common musculoskeletal disorders that can cause disability is osteoarthritis, which also happens to be the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative disk disease.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage on the ends of bones that cushions them and serves as protection breaks down over time. When the cartilage wears down, it causes the bones to rub against each other and causes stiffness, pain, and loss of joint movement. Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the body but the most common areas affected by osteoarthritis include the spin, hips, and knees.
Osteoarthritis is progressive and usually begins as stiffness or soreness in joints after inactivity or overuse and gradually gets worse. Once it becomes severe, osteoarthritis can make it difficult or impossible for you to do simple things such as walking, sleeping, and performing other daily activities.
Osteoarthritis can qualify you for Social Security Disability if it results in the major dysfunction of a joint. Drummond Law has developed forms that we have our clients’ doctors complete that help prove their osteoarthritis is disabling and results in the major dysfunction of a joint and these forms match the language used by the Social Security Administration to determine if you are disabled.
Even if your osteoarthritis does not result in major dysfunction of a joint, it can still qualify you for Social Security Disability if it causes you to miss work so much that you are unable to maintain employment. Drummond Law has also developed an absenteeism form that helps our clients’ doctors document this and can serve as vital evidence to prove you are disabled.
Drummond Law has helped many people get Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income due to osteoarthritis and knows what it takes to develop a claim and get the necessary evidence to win.
If you or someone you know suffers from osteoarthritis and wants help with a SSD or SSI claim, call us now at (800) 842-0426.
If you would like to learn more about osteoarthritis, some helpful links about osteoarthritis include:
http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-facts/disease-center/osteoarthritis.php
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/1.00-Musculoskeletal-Adult.htm#1_02
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/basics/definition/con-20014749