Osteoarthritis & Social Security Disability Benefits
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Osteoarthritis and Social Security Disability Benefits
People with osteoarthritis (and other musculoskeletal disorders) often experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. These symptoms can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, lift objects, or even perform fine motor tasks such as typing, which directly impacts the ability to sustain full-time employment. Treatment options typically include medications for pain relief, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, joint injections, and in advanced cases, surgical interventions such as joint replacement. While these treatments can help manage symptoms and improve function, osteoarthritis is generally a progressive condition that worsens over time rather than fully healing. As the cartilage continues to deteriorate, many individuals face increasing limitations that interfere with their ability to work, making Social Security Disability benefits an important option for long-term support. Our social security disability attorneys know about osteoarthritis and social security disability.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, leading to:
- Chronic joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking, bending, or lifting
- Loss of endurance and mobility
These symptoms can make even routine tasks — such as standing at work, typing, or climbing stairs — extremely difficult.
Can Osteoarthritis Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Meeting SSA’s Blue Book Listing
The SSA Blue Book (Section 1.00 – Musculoskeletal Disorders) recognizes arthritis-related conditions. Osteoarthritis may qualify if it results in:
- Major joint dysfunction with chronic pain and limited motion
- Inability to ambulate effectively (e.g., walking without assistance)
- Difficulty performing fine and gross motor tasks with the hands
Check out our related post: Understanding The Social Security Blue Book
Approval Through Functional Limitations
Even if osteoarthritis does not meet the exact listing, you may still qualify if medical evidence shows the condition prevents you from working full-time. The SSA considers how pain, stiffness, and mobility restrictions affect your ability to perform past work or adjust to other jobs. This makes your medical evidence very important.
The MLF Legal social security disability lawyers in Dallas & Fort Worth can help people nationwide struggling with the effects of osteoarthritis to prove your eligibility for benefits using the sequential evaluation process. Proving your case through the sequential evaluation process is best done with a social security disability attorney.
FAQs about Osteoarthritis
Does osteoarthritis automatically qualify for SSDI?
Not automatically. You must meet SSA’s Blue Book criteria or show that your limitations prevent you from working.
What medical evidence is most important?
Imaging studies, physician notes, and functional capacity evaluations that document pain and mobility issues.
Can osteoarthritis be cured?
While treatments such as medications, injections, or surgery may help manage symptoms, osteoarthritis is typically a progressive condition that worsens over time.
Medical Evidence Needed for Osteoarthritis Disability Claims
To strengthen your claim, documentation should highlight both the joint damage and its functional impact. Useful evidence for osteoarthritis and social security disability includes:
- X-rays or MRI scans showing cartilage loss or joint damage
- Physician notes describing pain, swelling, and mobility issues
- Records of treatments such as medications, injections, or joint replacement surgery
- Functional capacity evaluations showing difficulty walking, standing, or using hands
This type of medical evidence helps to establish your residual functional capacity.
How MLF Legal Helps With Osteoarthritis Disability Claims
As experienced social security disability lawyers, we understand how osteoarthritis can affect every aspect of life. Our team helps by:
- Reviewing medical records to ensure they meet SSA standards
- Highlighting functional limitations in your claim
- Getting the right evidence from your doctors
- Representing you during hearings and appeals
- Building a strong case to maximize approval chances
Call MLF Legal Today — 214-357-1782
Our social security disability attorneys offer a free case evaluation. Let us help you secure the benefits you deserve. In fact, you have been paying for these benefits your whole working life.
