We have represented many clients with joint pain and arthritis. As with most conditions, joint pain and arthritis can range from very mild and manageable conditions to completely incapacitating pain. There are many different types of arthritis, all with varying symptoms. Joint pain can affect both younger and older individuals. Some of the most common joint pain and arthritis conditions that we see are:
If you are suffering from any condition that causes joint pain, you likely are having a hard time standing, sitting, lifting, crouching, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling, etc. Your joint pain may even be keeping you from taking care of your daily needs such as grocery shopping, cleaning your house, and making your meals. Your joint pain may be constant, or your may have “good days” and “bad days”, with varying degrees of pain and limitations.
These are all factors that we use to demonstrate your disability because of joint pain. For clients who are between the ages of 50 and 54, most of the time we argue that the joint pain would prevent the client form performing all but work performed sitting down, or sedentary work. Social Security’s rules direct a decision of disabled for claimants who are 50-54 and limited to sedentary work. For clients 55 and over, if we can prove the client is limited to light work (meaning work performed generally while standing at least 6 of 8 hours, and lifting from 10 to 20 pounds), Social Security’s grid rules direct a decision of disabled.
For clients who are 49 and under, we argue that the client either meets one of Social Security’s listings for joint pain or that the joint pain would prevent the client from performing any work on a regular and continuous basis. To meet one of Social Security’s listings for joint pain, your condition must be very severe. Here are a few of the most common SSA listings for joint pain:
Even if you are 49 and under, and your joint pain does not meet one of Social Security’s listings, you still may qualify for benefits. You may be suffering from several other physical and mental impairments, which when combined with your joint pain could prevent you from working regular.
If after reading this page you have additional questions about applying for SSI or SSDI with joint pain, feel free to contact us by completing the website form, or by calling our Durham office. Our toll-free number is 877-835-0923 and our local number is 919-794-4437.