Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, can significantly impact your ability to work and perform daily activities. If you’re unable to maintain employment due to this condition, filing a disability claim may provide the financial support you need.
However, proving the severity of your condition and its impact on your work requires strong evidence, including medical records and specialist opinions. Here’s what you need to know about filing a successful disability claim for degenerative joint disease. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free legal consultation.
Key Medical Records for Your Disability Claim
Your medical records are the foundation of your disability claim. These documents demonstrate the extent of your degenerative joint disease and its impact on your ability to work. Below are the key records you’ll need to gather:
Diagnosis and Imaging Reports
- X-rays and MRI Results: These imaging studies are critical for documenting joint damage, cartilage loss, and bone changes associated with degenerative joint disease.
- Physician’s Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis from your treating physician establishes the existence of your condition and its severity.
Treatment History
- Medication Records: Documentation of prescribed pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other treatments shows the steps you’ve taken to manage your condition.
- Physical Therapy Records: If you’ve undergone physical therapy, include records of your progress and any limitations that persist despite treatment.
- Surgical Records: If you’ve had joint replacement or other surgeries, these records help demonstrate the advanced nature of your condition.
Functional Limitation Documentation
- Work Restrictions: Notes from your doctor outlining physical limitations, such as the inability to lift heavy objects or stand for extended periods, are essential.
- Daily Living Challenges: Medical records that describe how your condition affects basic activities, like walking, sitting, or dressing, can support your claim.
Why Specialist Opinions Matter
While records from your primary care physician are important, obtaining opinions from specialists can significantly strengthen your disability claim. Specialists provide detailed insights into the specific challenges posed by degenerative joint disease.
Orthopedic Specialists
Orthopedic doctors focus on bone and joint health. Their expertise can provide a more comprehensive analysis of your condition, including:
- Detailed assessments of joint damage.
- Prognoses for disease progression.
- Recommendations for treatment plans that have failed to restore functionality.
Rheumatologists
Rheumatologists specialize in arthritis and joint-related conditions. Their input is particularly valuable if your degenerative joint disease is linked to inflammatory arthritis or other underlying medical conditions.
Vocational Experts
While not a medical specialist, a vocational expert can evaluate how your joint disease impacts your ability to perform job-specific tasks. Their input can connect your medical limitations to your work restrictions.
Additional Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim
In addition to medical records and specialist opinions, other types of evidence can further support your disability claim for degenerative joint disease:
- Pain Journal: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, pain levels, and how they affect your ability to work and complete everyday tasks.
- Statements from Colleagues or Supervisors: Letters describing how your condition affected your job performance can provide valuable context.
- Assistive Device Records: If you use a cane, brace, or other mobility aid, include this information as evidence of your physical limitations.
Steps to Take When Filing Your Disability Claim
1. Gather Comprehensive Medical Documentation
Start by collecting all relevant medical records, imaging results, and treatment notes. These documents establish the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.
2. Obtain Specialist Evaluations
Schedule appointments with orthopedic specialists or rheumatologists to obtain detailed opinions on your joint disease. Their input can provide the expert validation your claim needs.
3. Work with an Experienced Attorney
Navigating the disability claims process can be overwhelming. An experienced employment law attorney can help you gather evidence, complete paperwork, and build a compelling case for approval.
4. Submit Your Claim Promptly
Disability claims often involve strict deadlines, so filing your claim as soon as possible is crucial. Missing deadlines can result in delays or denial of benefits.
Why Strong Evidence Is Critical
Proving the disabling effects of degenerative joint disease requires more than a diagnosis. You must demonstrate how the condition limits your ability to work and maintain employment. Comprehensive medical records, detailed specialist evaluations, and additional evidence help ensure your claim meets the strict requirements set by disability programs.
Filing a disability claim can be a challenging process, but you don’t have to face it alone. Call (800) 435-7542 today to schedule a consultation with PLBH and get the support you need to secure the benefits you deserve.