Sunday, March 24, 2024

Is A Knee Replacement A Disability

Don't Miss

The Top Ssd Attorneys Want To Help You After Your Knee Replacement Surgery

Severe Knee Pain and Social Security Disability

We will use our skills to help you through the disability process. It is our goal to win your case. But, it also our goal to make it easier for you. We offer a free consultation. And, there is no obligation to become a client if you call. You can simply ask questions. That is what we are here for. We will try to help you, even if you dont become our client.

It also doesnt cost you money upfront to hire us. Why? Because we work on a contingency fee. It means if we win, you pay us out of your back benefits. If you do not win, you do not pay an attorney fee. But, how much is the fee? The fee is 25% of your back benefit. However, the fee is capped at $6000. You never pay more than the cap. And, the 25% fee is the more likely fee. You pay whatever is less. 25% of your back benefit is usually less than the $6000 cap on fees. Again, you pay the lesser of the two amounts.

If there are costs in your case, then you pay for those costs. Costs are minimal. And, they are usually less than $100. Typically, the only cost you will pay for is a copy of your medical records. We pay this fee to your doctor. And, we only charge you what the doctor charges us. You owe costs whether we win or lose. Again, attorney fees are paid from your back benefit. But, to hire most lawyers, you have to pay upfront. We dont work like that. You dont have a job. So how can we expect you to pay? We cant. That is why we work on a contingency fee basis.

Qualifying For Disability Benefits For Hip Replacement Complications

In deciding your claim, Social Security can find you disabled medically or vocationally. Social Security will find you are disabled medically when your medical records contain information, such as documented symptoms or test results, that the Administration has already determined is enough to find you disabled under its listings of disorders.

Which Disability Benefits Do I Qualify For

As a worker, you might be eligible for one of two types of disability benefits in Canada. These are the Canada Pension Plan disability benefits and the long-term disability insurance benefits.

CPP disability benefits for knee disorders

The CPP program, designed to support you after retirement, also covers disability benefits that start once you become disabled and last until you are 65. After that, these disability benefits are converted into regular pensions. In order to be eligible for the CPP disability benefits, you have to have worked for four out of the past six years and paid payroll taxes. The CPP requires you to prove that your disability is both prolonged and severe, leaving you unable to work.

Long-term disability insurance benefits for knee disorders

Group disability insurance policies are the most common type of disability insurances in Canada. If your employer has insured you as part of a group, you are receiving your disability insurance through your job. These group disability insurance policies provide both long-term ad short-term disability benefits. If you are suffering from a knee disorder, you can apply for the long-term disability benefits if eligible. If successful, these will provide you with monthly income payments during long absences from work to ease the financial pressure weighing you down.

Don’t Miss: Va Disability Rating For Stage 2 Kidney Disease

Types Of Knee Problems

Knee pain can arise from knee injury, overuse, osteonecrosis or arthritis. Common knee injuries are sprains, bursitis, meniscus tears, dislocations and fractures. Most minor knee injuries heal on their own while others require surgery . If you injured your knee while working, you may also have an injured worker claim .

Osteonecrosis has similar symptoms to arthritis but it causes bone disease and eventual collapse. In my clients with Avascular Necrosis there symptoms progress from no pain to excruciating pain and back to no pain when the bone itself has died.

Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cushioning between joints wears away. With the loss of cartilage eventually bones will rub resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis can be caused by age, heredity or gender. Via WebMed . I frequently meet clients who have sustained injuries to their knees in their youth who have now developed osteoarthritis with age.

Knee pain can also be caused by Rheumatoid arthritis . RA is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain in the knees and chronic pain in all joints of your body. RA is usually treated with immunosuppressants that have their own side affects.

Knee issues are diagnosed by x-ray or MRI. Treatment for knee issues includes weight loss, medications, physical therapy, injections , braces and finally surgery. Surgery can range from arthroscopic, partial knee replacement to total knee replacement.

Whether You Can Return To Your Prior Line Of Work

Is A Knee Replacement Painful?

If your prior job was sedentary , it’s more difficult to receive benefits, since it’s less likely that your knee problems prevent you from going back to sedentary work. However, even work that is labeled sedentary can require up to two hours a day of walking or standing, so you may not be able to go back to your prior job if your doctor says you can’t walk or stand for up to two hours every day. If Social Security agrees, it will grant you benefits.

On the other hand, if your past job required lifting 50 pounds or more, kneeling, squatting, crouching, and/or crawlingor standing for up to six hours a day Social Security is more likely to agree that your knee pain or instability will prevent you from returning to your former job. In that case, Social Security will consider your exact age, skills, and education to see if you could be retrained for a more sedentary jobthat is, if the agency thinks you can do sit-down work. For more information on this subject, see our article on how to prove you are too disabled to do a sedentary job.

You May Like: Va Disability Math Calculator

Getting Help From An Attorney

Knee replacement surgery has a high rate of success, so it is common for people who are applying for SSDI benefits after this procedure to run into problems. The process of applying for benefits and gathering the necessary proof of disability can be overwhelming and stressful.

Fortunately, there are legal professionals who are able to guide disabled individuals through the application process. These SSDI attorneys have the knowledge and skill needed when it comes to understanding the complex benefits application process. Legal representatives ensure that applicants are providing sufficient evidence and complete paperwork to boost their clientsâ chances of being approved for the benefits that are needed to pay for necessities like housing and food.

Indicators That You May Benefit From Knee Replacement Survey Include:

  • Your knees are swollen and stiff
  • Painful motion or weakness in your knees most of the day, even when you are resting
  • Climbing stairs, walking, and getting out of a chair can be consisting of severe painful results
  • Physical therapy and medicine are not providing enough relief
  • Your knee cartilage is damaged to the point that your bones are rubbing together in your knee

Knee Replacement Surgeryhas been perfected through the years and is now one of the most common procedures performed in the United States.

There are two types of surgeries partial knee replacement and full knee replacement. Knee replacements last around 25 years, but if youre especially hard on your knees it could be more like 15 or 20 years.

If youre a Veteran in your forties and contemplating knee replacements surgery, consider that if youre hard on your knees, you may need a second procedure in your sixties, which is sometimes harder to recover from.

During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the diseased compartments in the knee and replace them with a metal implant. You can anticipate spending a few days in the hospital following the surgery, where youll be recovering and working with physical therapy.

Within a few weeks, patients usually experience more mobility and less pain in their knees.

Read Also: Aflac Short Term Disability Pregnancy Bed Rest

Facilitating Disability Tax Credits Benefits And Incentives

A knee injury can make your life much more difficult. It can lead to surgery, supportive devices, and hours of arduous physical therapy. A knee disability impacts the whole family and can be very painful and frustrating, restricting the activities you enjoy.Disability Benefits Plus can help bring some relief in the form of a disability tax credit/benefit.If you have had a knee injury, knee fracture, dislocated knee or knee surgery including single or double knee replacement, you could be eligible for a substantial tax credit from the government.

Applying for the disability tax credit can be confusing, technical and frustrating. Our job is to simplify the process. We are experts in how to file successfully for the Disability Tax Credit.Disability Benefits Plus offers all you need: great communication, constant updates and a simple process for getting your refund.

The Government of Canada gives the Disability Tax Credit to tax payers who have a disability or are the sole provider of someone with a disability. If your disability is one which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, and affects normal day-to-day function, you could be eligible for a tax credit.

Do You Need Workerscompensation For A Knee Replacement

Social Security Disability Benefits for a Knee Surgery

If you suffered a knee injury on the job and your doctor has determined you need a knee replacement, you may be concerned about whether workers compensation will cover such a serious surgery. Below, we answer some of our clients most frequently asked questions about knee replacement and workers compensation.

Read Also: Lamar Disability Resource Center

Working With A Disability Attorney

In difficult cases such as knee replacement cases, it is common to see your first application denied. After this, there is more paperwork and preparation required to present your case in front of an administrative law judge.

Whether youre in this appeal phase or still looking to apply, it may be wise to consider a free consultation with a disability attorney. His or her expertise in this area can help you organize paperwork, build a strong case, and give you the best chance of receiving the financial assistance you need.

Your disability claim can be denied twice and you can appeal those rulings. The final step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge who will rule on the findings presented in the case.

How To Apply For Disability Benefits For A Knee Replacement

Knee replacements are as common as they are difficult to deal with. Caused by anything from trauma to arthritis to the natural wear and tear of aging, knees are especially susceptible to damage. The resulting pain, surgery, medical costs, and recovery time can also be an added strain.

Luckily, if you or a loved one is currently coping with a knee replacement, disability benefits may be an option. Millions of Americans in need receive monthly Social Security benefits for severe medical conditions, including severe cases that result in surgery and elongated healing times. Continue below to see if your case may fit the requirements.

Don’t Miss: How To Apply For Disability In The State Of Missouri

Is Total Knee Replacement Considered A Disability

If knee replacement surgery has left you unable to work, you could get Social Security disability benefits. If you have had knee replacement surgery on a knee with degenerative joint disease or after a bad knee injury, you may be able to get Social Security disability benefitsif you are unable to work.

Read Also: Does Medicare Cover Knee Surgery

How To Get A Va Disability Rating For Knee Pain

VA Disability for Knee Replacement: What You Need to Know ...

The first option for obtaining a VA disability rating for knee pain is to establish a direct service connection. The stronger the connection between your military service and the injury you sustained, the more likely you are to have a successful disability claim. However, this process can be complicated.

Also Check: 2017 Ca Sdi Max

Do You Have To Pay For Knee Replacement Surgery

Unfortunately, knee replacement is an expensive surgery, giving insurers all the more reason to place the blame on your age or a previous condition. The bottom line is this: if your knee injury is work-related, our attorneys will do everything in their power to make sure you dont have to shoulder the cost of surgery.

S You Can Take To Win Your Disability Claim

If you havent applied yet, or if you have applied and were denied, remember that medical evidence listed in the Blue Book is arguably the most important factor in your Social Security disability claim for your knee replacement.

While you dont need to provide medical documentation to the SSA yourself, it is helpful to be as organized as possible. When you visit your doctor, it is a good idea to present a written list of symptoms and side-effects that you are experiencing.

There are several ways that your physician can help including:

  • Ensuring that your full medical history is up to date
  • Listing your past treatments and responses, as well as the plan for the future
  • Documenting all of your medications and experienced side effects
  • Carefully documenting your physical exam, including all limitations

    A Social Security disability attorney or advocate can assist you in ensuring that you claim for disability is thorough, thus increasing your chances for approval.

    Consider speaking with with a Social Security advocate or attorney in your area todayDisability lawyers are only paid if you win your knee replacement claim.

  • Read Also: Can You Get Disability For Degenerative Disc Disease

    Establishing A Service Connection For Your Knee Replacement

    One of the most important things to consider in relation to knee conditions and VA disability VA disability is showing a link or nexus between your condition and your service. If there is a longstanding history documented in your active-duty service treatment record this may strengthen the connection. If there is an extended period of time in between your service and the present you may need to be able to illustrate why there may be a gap in care. A strong personal statement can go a long way, but receiving an independent medical opinion from your treating provider or an expert medical company may be an option, although not typically a requirement.

    Are you in need of an independent medical opinion? If so, the team at Prestige World Medical Consulting can help you out.

    How It Is Performed

    How to Prove A Knee Disorder Disability Benefit Claim

    You will usually be admitted to hospital the day before your operation. The surgeon and anaesthetist will usually come and see you to discuss what will happen. Discuss any anxieties you have with them.

    What will happen?

    You will not be allowed to eat or drink for approximately six hours before your operation. The ward staff will help you take a bath or shower and put on a surgical gown. You will have to remove make-up, nail polish and jewellery, except wedding rings. If you wear glasses or false teeth, these can be removed in the anaesthetic room. You will then be escorted to theatre by a nurse.

    Who will do the operation?

    The operation will be performed by a senior-level surgeon, consultant or registrar. They may be helped by junior doctors. You should be told at your preoperative assessment who will be doing the operation. If you are not told, do not be afraid to ask.

    How is the operation carried out?

    Modern knee replacements involve removing the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint and replacing them with metal and plastic parts .

    You may have either a total or a half-knee replacement. This will depend on how damaged your knee is. Total knee replacements are the most common.

    Total knee replacement

    In a total knee replacement, both sides of your knee joint are replaced. The procedure takes one to three hours:

    Pros:

    • It is long lasting. Typically, a new knee lasts about 15 years.
    • It is a tried and tested treatment that has stood the test of time.

    Cons:

    Pros:

    Also Check: Concurrent Retirement And Disability Pay Crdp Calculator

    What Is A Knee Replacement Surgery

    Knee replacement, also called knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure toresurface a knee damaged by arthritis. Metal and plastic parts are used tocap the ends of the bones that form the knee joint, along with the kneecap.This surgery may be considered for someone who has severe arthritis or asevere knee injury.

    Various types of arthritis may affect the knee joint. Osteoarthritis, adegenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and olderadults, may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in theknees. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovialmembrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain andstiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, may cause damageto the cartilage of the knee.

    The goal of knee replacement surgery is to resurface the parts of the kneejoint that have been damaged and to relieve knee pain that cannot becontrolled by other treatments.

    How To Apply For Ssd Benefits For A Knee Replacement

    According to data from Ortho Info, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Of these, around 90% report improvement over the next few months of recovery.

    However, for the 10% who do not see improvement, pain can persist, recovery stretches on, and on rare occasions, symptoms can get even worse.

    If you are struggling to return to an independent lifestyle after knee surgery, you may qualify for financial assistance through Social Security disability insurance. Below, we will learn how to understand the qualification process, and how you can begin preparing for your application.

    You May Like: Supplementary Certificate (de 2525xx)

    More articles

    Popular Articles