Michigan Degenerative Joint Disease Lawyer
SSDI Benefits for Joint Disease Patients
For many people who have suffered an illness or an injury that prevents them from working, the prospect of going through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) process can be daunting. The legal and medical processes are filled with technical language and requirements that are difficult to understand. It is essential to have experienced, reputable legal counsel to represent you and help you through this process.
At Adler Firm, PLLC we have a wealth of experience helping clients who are disabled with joint problems like degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. Our joint disability benefits attorney in Michigan has more than 30 years of experience with the medical and legal intricacies of the Social Security Disability process. Let us help you get the benefits you need. We represent disabled individuals in Detroit, Traverse City, and across Michigan.
Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation at (888) 966-9524. We can walk you through the steps of your application and help you achieve your legal goals.
Qualifying for Social Security with Joint Disease
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of “disability,” and only those who are considered disabled under the SSA’s definition will be eligible to receive benefits.
For the case of joint degeneration, the SSA will consider cases where people suffer “major dysfunction of a joint(s) (due to any cause),” which must be characterized by:
- Gross anatomical deformity
- Chronic joint pain and stiffness
- Limitations of motion or other abnormal motion that affects the joint(s)
This dysfunction of the joint, or joints, needs to be founded on appropriate medically acceptable imaging of joint space narrowing, bony destruction, or ankylosis of the affected joint(s). Further, to qualify you for benefits, these symptoms must be accompanied by either involvement of one major peripheral weight-bearing joint that renders you unable to walk effectively or involvement of a major peripheral joint that makes it impossible to perform fine and gross motor functions effectively.
What Are the Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease?
Degenerative Joint Disease occurs when the cartilage at the end of a bone gradually deteriorates, allowing bones to rub directly against each other. According to the Mayo Clinic, Degenerative Joint Disease (also know as "Osteoarthritis") can be caused by a variety of things in the workplace:
- Repetitive stress being placed on the joint
- Joint injuries (even injuries that occurred some time ago and appeared to have healed)
How Serious Is Degenerative Joint Disease?
Because Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, that means that it typically worsens over time. Bones that rub against each other with no cartilage in between will eventually wear down both the bones and the connective tissues holding the joints together. While steps can be taken to prevent further deterioration, the damage done to the joints cannot be reversed.
This particular disease typically affects the joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine, all of which can lead to disability and prevent the individual from being able to work.
Helping You Through the Process
When it comes to giving out benefits for joint issues, the demands of the SSA are complicated and severe. We have the experience with the medical and legal aspects of Social Security to make sure your initial application is filled out and timely filed exactly according to SSA specifications. We can handle the application, the filing, the hearings, and any appeals that are necessary. Let us help you obtain the benefits you need.
Put our experience to work for you. We can help you make your case. To talk to a disease benefits lawyer at our Detroit or Traverse City office, call or contact us online.
Degenerative joint disease can be painful, but our Michigan attorney can help you by seeking disability benefits when you call us at (888) 966-9524.
