Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits When You Have Severe Osteoarthritis of the Hands
Hand osteoarthritis (OA) can be severely debilitating and impact your ability to work. If you struggle with osteoarthritis in your hands, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers age when evaluating claims, so applicants over 50 may have a better chance of approval. Nonetheless, obtaining disability benefits can be challenging.
Our Massachusetts disability lawyers specialize in helping clients through this process, ensuring they present the most compelling application possible to the SSA. Before you apply for SSDI, request a free consultation with our team to assess your case.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis
The incidence and severity of arthritis often increase with age, though it can affect almost anyone. The same holds true for hand osteoarthritis, which is characterized by enlarged joints and crooked fingers. The medical condition develops when the connective cartilage between fingers wears down.
People with osteoarthritis of the hands may experience:
- Limited use or movement of the fingers
- Visible bony growths
- Swelling in hand or wrist joints
- Stiffness in finger and hand joints
- Dull pain and a burning sensation
Stiffness and pain may be more intense in the morning or when it rains. You may also experience greater symptoms the day after engaging in activities that involve gripping or lifting heavy objects. The pain may also interrupt your sleep at night.
How Osteoarthritis Can Affect the Hands
One of the most common locations in the body where osteoarthritis develops is in the hands. The degenerative disease leads to a progressive decline in bone cartilage. While treatments like steroid injections and splints can reduce symptoms, there is no cure. It is a long-term condition that can worsen over time. Surgery can alleviate pain but further limit movement in the fingers.
Impairing the Ability to Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity
As the symptoms of your hand osteoarthritis worsen, you may find that it increasingly affects your ability to work. The Social Security Administration describes this as substantial gainful activity (SGA). To qualify for disability benefits, your earnings must not exceed SGA limits. Your disability must also last for at least 12 months or be expected to end in death.
How to Seek SSDI Approval for Hand Osteoarthritis
To qualify for SSDI, you must prove to the SSA that you are sufficiently disabled. Regardless of which path you take, your application will require extensive medical evidence from acceptable sources. Medical imaging, test results, and other similar reports are common types of evidence. The SSA will assess your level of impairment as it relates to your ability to work.
Qualifying for SSDI by Meeting Blue Book Listing 1.18
The Social Security Administration maintains a Blue Book of qualifying medical conditions. While it does not include a specific listing for hand osteoarthritis, you may be able to qualify under Blue Book Listing 1.18 for abnormality of a major joint in any extremity.
To qualify, you must prove you are unable to perform fine or gross movements with your hands effectively. Key qualifying criteria for Blue Book Listing 1.18 include:
- Chronic joint pain or stiffness
- Abnormal motion, instability, or immobility of the affected joint
- Anatomical abnormality of the affected joint
- Physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning
Equaling Another SSA Blue Book Listing
Depending on your OA symptoms and if you’ve been diagnosed with any other medical conditions, you may also equal another SSA Blue Book listing. You must provide evidence indicating how your impairments are medically equivalent to a different listing.
Getting a Medical-Vocational Allowance
If you cannot meet strict Blue Book criteria, you may still qualify for SSDI with a medical-vocational allowance. The SSA will assess whether you are able to work any of your previous jobs or pivot to another type of work. The medical-vocational grids are more lenient for older adults, who are less likely to re-train for a different career.
Part of this evaluation typically requires a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment. A medical doctor assesses your physical and mental capabilities in the context of a work setting. If an employer can make reasonable accommodations that allow you to continue working, you will not qualify for SSDI.
Complete Your SSDI Application With Confidence
Applying for SSDI benefits involves a lot of paperwork. Keefe Disability Law specializes in supporting SSDI applicants through this complex process. We’ve successfully helped many people secure the financial stability they desperately need.
“This was a year of unknowns,” writes client Troy Young. “I was fortunate to have Patrick and his staff helping me with disability benefits. I feel they truly understand the stress that comes along with this process. They all listened to me and gave me comfort on every call.”
We helped another client who struggled with osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis. He struggled with constant pain, low energy, and disrupted sleep. With our help, this client received 30 months of retroactive payments. He was also approved for ongoing monthly payments and Medicare health insurance.
