Disability benefits cater to people experiencing a wide range of disabling conditions, and knee problems are no exception. However, since the criteria for disability benefits may be a bit confusing, it’s natural to wonder what kind of knee problems would qualify for disability benefits.
There is a wide range of knee problems that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers disabling, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, and gout. Knee replacements can also be considered disabling under certain circumstances.
Keep reading below for more details on these conditions and whether or not you qualify.
What kinds of Knee Problems Qualify for Disability Benefits?
In this section, we will discuss the most common disability-qualifying knee problems.
Osteoarthritis
This condition involves the gradual degeneration of the joint cartilage and, subsequently, the underlying bone. It usually has its onset from middle age onward. One of the joints that is most commonly affected is the knee. Osteoarthritis can cause chronic pain and may restrict mobility to great extents. Some people who suffer from osteoarthritis might not be able to work or perform part of their regular job due to this debilitating condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This condition is different from osteoarthritis but nonetheless falls under the umbrella of Arthritic conditions. Instead of gradual degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation in the joints, which may eventually lead to stiffness and deformity.
The knee is a common target. This condition greatly impacts the mobility of the patient, and therefore, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for medical disability.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis causes inflammation within the various tendons of the body. There are many common reasons why this happens. It may be due to overuse of the tendons or the result of another condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Tendinitis may also occur due to aging as the tendons start to lose their elasticity. Patients with tendinitis have mobility restrictions since continued use of the tendon can make their condition worse.
Gout
Gout is yet another type of arthritis. It is inflammation caused by a buildup of excessive uric acid within the blood.
In other words, if your kidneys fail to filter out the excess uric acid in your body, it will result in the formation of sharp crystals around your joints (including the knee) and cause severe inflammation and pain.
Gout is episodic; there will be flare-ups and remissions, but the condition is usually long-lasting.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage located between the thigh and shin bones. Its basic function is to work as a shock absorber. This cartilage can be torn due to injury. And because this cartilage has a very limited blood supply, it can take quite a while to heal.
The symptoms of this condition can include severe pain that gets worse when moving.
Chondromalacia
The cartilage covering our kneecaps is known as the hyaline cartilage. Softening or degeneration of this cartilage can result in a condition known as chondromalacia, or “runner’s knees”.
Causes of this condition include injury, overuse, or misalignment of surrounding bones. Symptoms can include pain and swelling. As of yet, there is no cure for chondromalacia, but there are ways to manage this condition.
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the bursae. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that facilitate the movement of the tissues by reducing the friction between them. Infection is also a common cause of bursitis, in addition to injury or overuse.
This condition is usually treatable, and the prescribed treatment mostly involves rest.
Ligament Tears
This is one of the most common knee conditions. It can be caused by anything from a road accident to an athletic injury. There are two types of ligament tears: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear.
The former is more common than the latter. The condition is usually treatable but may require surgery. Ligament tears can be extremely painful, restricting an individual’s mobility as a result of the destabilization in their knee.
Knee Replacement
Knee replacement is usually the prescribed treatment for long-term arthritic conditions like osteoarthritis, which eventually causes degeneration of the knee. However, it may also be the recommended treatment in cases where the knee is injured beyond repair.
During this procedure, the surgeon will usually remove the worn-out or injured cartilage and position a metal in its place, which will function as a replacement.
Most knee replacement surgeries are successful, requiring only a few weeks of bed rest and a few months of limited activity afterward. As a matter of fact, 90% of the people who undergo knee replacement surgery go on to live completely normal lives afterward.
But it is also quite common to see complications since knee replacement surgery is a major procedure. These complications can result in chronic pain and severely restricted mobility. They may also require further surgery.
In such circumstances, it would be impossible for an individual to retain employment, and they may qualify for disability benefits if they build a strong case for themselves.
How to Apply for Disability Based on Knee Problems
Applying for disability benefits based on knee problems may not be easy, considering that these conditions are quite difficult to prove.
And although knee problems are listed in the SSA Blue Book’s listing of impairments under “Musculoskeletal Disorders,” the criteria for these disorders are quite difficult to meet and even more challenging to prove. For example, how do you demonstrate chronic and severe joint pain?
But don’t worry because, with the right evidence, such as a medical diagnosis, treatment plans, and medical records, you have a strong chance of qualifying for disability benefits based on your knee problems. If you are experiencing knee problems, it is important to consider the type of evidence you can collect to demonstrate your condition.
For example, imaging tests may be able to confirm the cause of your knee pain in cases of tears or arthritis.
You can also get your doctor to conduct a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment. This assessment is especially useful in Steps 4 and 5 of the disability evaluation process performed by the SSA. It can demonstrate your limited ability with regard to work-related activities.
Conclusion
There are many knee conditions that can qualify you for disability benefits. And although they may be difficult to prove, it is still possible to build a strong case for your application. Consider consulting with a Social Security disability attorney to maximize your chances of approval.
