THE MOST COMMON DISABILITY APPROVED BY SOCIAL SECURITY

Over 3 million Americans are diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (DJD) each year.  This, along with degenerative disc disease (DDD), is the single largest cause for Social Security disability payments.

DJD, also called osteoarthritis, causes inflammation and breakdown of the cartilage of the joints. This most often affects the spine, hands, feet, knees and hips.

When the spinal vertebrae are afflicted with this same type of condition, it is referred to as degenerative disc disease (DDD).  In severe cases, there may be a bulge or herniation in one or more of the spinal discs.

Social Security lists the criteria for an automatic award of DJD or DDD in Listing 1.02.  Even if you don't meet all the criteria of the Listing, you may still qualify for disability benefits.  Your age will play a major role in the decision about getting benefits.

If you are under age 50, you must show that your symptoms are so severe that you cannot perform any work that exists in large numbers in the US economy.  If you are 50 or over, you may meet one of the Medical-Vocational Guidelines (also called grid rules) which make it easier to qualify for benefits.

It will help you get benefits if your doctor will explain the specific limitations caused by your disease.  Get your doctor to state how such work related activities as sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting and kneeling are affected by your DJD or DDD.  Routine medical records usually do not get this specific, so a special form is required from your doctor.  I don't like letters from doctors because they never answer all the essential questions.  I much prefer to use a form approved by Social Security which will answer all the questions in sufficient detail.

I frequently hear people refer to Social Security disability as "impossible" and "a nightmare."  It can be but it doesn't have to be.  Knowing what the battle is and how to prepare for it can make the journey to getting approved less frustrating.  The person who can probably take the greatest burden off your shoulders is a Social Security disability advocate--trained to get the evidence, build the case and give you the best chance at approval.

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PHONE US (256) 431-1599    (256) 799-0297

*Not a Social Security office; not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration.  The Forsythe Firm is a private professional legal firm, representing disabled persons seeking Social Security benefits.