Living in Western New York can be physically demanding, and the daily grind can take a toll on your body over time. When you add injuries to the mix, you might find yourself dealing with severe joint pain that hinders your ability to perform your job and even carry out everyday tasks. Some people might underestimate the seriousness of joint pain and assume you should tough it out, making you question whether you should seek Social Security disability benefits. However, it’s important to remember that you are the one who truly understands the extent of your pain, and you should not be discouraged by the opinions of others when seeking the help you need.
The opinion that truly matters in this context is that of the Social Security Administration, which has provided clarity on whether your joint issues qualify you for disability benefits through its Listing of Impairments. According to this list, disability benefits can be awarded if your case meets specific criteria.
According to these criteria, you should be experiencing problems with a major peripheral joint in the upper extremities, such as the shoulders, hands, or wrists. These joint issues must result in your inability to consistently and effectively perform both fine and gross movements.
If your joint pain affects areas other than the upper extremities, you must demonstrate chronic pain and stiffness in a major peripheral weight-bearing joint, accompanied by a significant anatomical deformity. This deformity may include subluxation, contracture, ankylosis (bony or fibrous), or instability. Additionally, these lower extremity issues must impair your ability to walk for extended periods to qualify for benefits.