Joint pain, especially in the wrists, can be caused by long-term, repetitive stress to the bones. For those suffering from severe or chronic joint pain, it can be difficult to work or perform daily activities. When this happens, Social Security Disability may be available. There are certain factors the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to consider before making a disability determination for joint pain.
If you are looking to obtain disability benefits, reach out to a Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm today. We are prepared to help you file a disability claim or file an appeal after receiving a denial notice. Learn how we may be able to help during a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Conditions That Cause Joint Pain
Joint pain is quite common and can be caused by an injury, inflammation, age, infections or some types of cancer. It can also be caused by a number of different medical conditions.
For instance, joint pain in the wrist could be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that can impacts the joints in the hand, or gout, a painful form of arthritis in the wrist and finger joints.
Other conditions that cause joint pain include:
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Bursitis
- Osteoporosis
- Scleroderma
Treating joint pain will depend on what is causing the inflammation but may include medication and/or surgery.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits With Joint Pain
To receive disability benefits for joint pain, you must show the SSA that you are unable to perform substantial work and that your impairment is severe enough to last for at least a year.
You will also be required to show how your impairment meets or equals a listing in the SSA Blue Book. It is important to note that just because an impairment is not specifically listed does not automatically disqualify you from being able to receive disability benefits.
You may be able to qualify under the actual listing for major disfunction of a joint (Section 1.02) if both your upper extremities (i.e. hands or wrists) are affected to the point that you cannot perform fine and gross movements effectively, such as reaching, pulling and grasping items. If you work in an office, it could be the inability to sort or handle papers or files. Medical imaging showing the damage done to your joints will also be required.
Another option is qualifying based on the actual cause of your joint pain (i.e. arthritis or gout). You will need to meet the requirements listed with that condition. Severe joint pain is often a requirement.
Otherwise, you must show that your joint pain, in addition to any other conditions you may have, makes it impossible for you to work or perform any job that you could reasonably be trained to do.
Medical Evidence Required to Prove Joint Pain
Proving your joint pain for disability benefits requires a diagnosis and treatment from medical professionals that establishes that you have an ongoing impairment.
For instance, if you apply for disability because you have severe pain in the joints of your wrist, you will need X-rays, lab tests or other medical imaging that shows you have an impairment that could reasonably be expected to produce those symptoms.
Call Our Firm for More Information
If you have questions about Social Security Disability, do not hesitate to contact our lawyers at Dayes Law Firm. We know how difficult it can be to get a disability claim approved for joint pain, especially if the medical evidence does not accurately reflect how your impairment impacts your work and daily life.
An initial consultation is complimentary and comes with no obligation to have us represent you. Should you have a valid claim and decide to move forward, we charge no upfront costs for our services. We do not get paid unless we help you obtain the disability benefits you need.
We are standing by to take our call. 1-800-503-2000.