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Osteoarthritis in Ohio: Are You Eligible for SSI and SSDI?

A doctor examining the arm of his patient.

So, you are thinking about applying for social security disability income; also termed as SSDI disability for Osteoarthritis in Ohio, but you are not sure whether you can get it or not? Well, there are different reasons that might prevent you from getting SSDI; however, if your condition is severe enough, it is very likely that you will be approved.

Center for disease control and prevention says that Osteoarthritis affects over 32.5 million U.S. adults. In order to get SSDI, you must prove that you are unable to work and earn a living. This can be because of psychological or physical limitations.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage between bones which leads to pain and swelling in the joints. As cartilage breaks down, it can be replaced with bone or fibrous tissue, causing stiffness or decreased range of motion in the joint. Many individuals with Osteoarthritis have an age-related condition where there is a loss of cartilage in the joints, causing the bones to rub together and resulting in pain and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis typically begins after the age of 40, where it affects about 10% to 15% of the population. However, many individuals do not actually experience symptoms.

When Can Osteoarthritis Qualify You for SSDI Disability for Osteoarthritis in Ohio?

Osteoarthritis affects the joints and causes pain and stiffness. The symptoms can limit walking for people who suffer from it in their knees or hips. There are treatments available to help relieve these arthritic pains once they start getting worse than before. It’s also possible to get necked out by this kind of arthritis if you work at desks all day long with bad posture while typing etc. which will make any other type of job impossible since bending over makes standing up again really difficult too. Patients may also need knee replacements if walking becomes difficult due to stiff knees. Hip surgeries could also be an option worth considering

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. You also must have a physical or mental condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability and must be expected to last at least one year or to result in death.

Joint problems are often found in more than one joint, so Social Security will evaluate your symptoms and determine which listing applies – Security has several “impairment listings” under which you may be evaluated. If you have spine-related issues or problems in major joints that meet a certain criteria, then automatic approval may be granted for disability benefits!

Eligibility for Disability Under the Listings:

If you are diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and you don’t meet the criteria under the listings. This is where Social Security Administrations comes into play. They will look at your residual functional capacity to assess what kind of work you can perform despite your arthritis condition.

 

What Evidence is Required to Prove Disability From Osteoarthritis:

Medical evidence is pivotal from which Social Security analyzes your case. They can look into hospital records and laboratory tests. Social Security might also consider a doctor’s questionnaire and results of an independent doctor’s examination of Social Security’s choosing.

Social Security will look for:

  • Treatment notes of your symptoms
  • Physical exam report
  • Imaging and diagnostic tests that show physical abnormalities
  • Documented need for an assistive device
  • History of past treatments
  • Operative reports for any surgeries

Increasing Your Chances of Being Approved:

If you are suffering from severe SSDI Disability for Osteoarthritis in Ohio, it may be difficult to walk or use your hands. However, Social Security will still probably deny the initial application because of this condition and only awards about 38% at Level One (finely tuned). But here’s what we can do in order to improve our chances:

  • Be prepared with supporting documentation such as medical records proving current treatment options; even if they’re not finished yet
  • Apply more than once by following all instructions carefully
  • When applying online, make sure everything is correct before submitting
  • Comply strictly with your treatment plan – you have to prove that you are doing everything possible to improve your condition.
  • Work with an experienced attorney

Reach to An Experienced Attorney:

The disability lawyers at Young, Reverman, & Mazzei have an extensive record of success in helping disabled individuals and their families recover the financial benefits they need. If you have questions about filing your initial SSD application or believe your SSDI Disability for Osteoarthritis in Ohio application was wrongfully denied, please call us today or contact us online.

Jay A. Bolotin is a partner at the injury law firm of Young, Reverman & Bolotin. Serving the people of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Jay dedicates his career to helping clients in the tri-state area obtain financial compensation after suffering serious injuries. He focuses his practice on cases involving car accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites and animal attacks, and other types of personal injury incidents.

Years of Experience: More than 25 years
Registration Status:: Active
Bar Admissions: Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Cincinati Bar Association