If you've recently had hip replacement surgery, you're far from alone. Those who have recently had a hip replacement may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for disability benefits after hip replacement, you must meet the SSA Blue Book list, which outlines specific medical qualifications.
If you've had hip replacement surgery, you're not alone. According to HealthDay Reporter data, hip replacements are more common now than ever.
In fact, hip replacements in people ages 45 to 54 have increased by 205% in recent years. Part of the reason for this increase is the ever-improving technology that makes hip replacements faster and less painful than before.
Unfortunately, even modern medicine cannot make hip replacements painless. While many recipients see improvement within 4 to 6 months, others may still experience complications from surgery for up to a year or even longer.
If you have difficulty living your daily life due to ongoing pain and complications after hip replacement surgery, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Social Security Disability Benefit Program.
Is hip replacement a permanent disability?
So is a hip replacement a permanent disability? While
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes hip replacements as a disabling disability under Section 1.03 of the Blue Book, there is no mention that a hip replacement is a permanent disability. However, you may still be able to receive disability benefits for hip replacement – whether or not it is considered a permanent disability – if you meet certain requirements. One of the most important requirements to meet in order to have the best chance of qualifying for hip replacement disability benefits through the SSA is the condition of your hip that interferes with and prohibits your ability to perform your essential job functions, as well as other . duties of your job. everyday life.
Disability benefits for hip replacement
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which an artificial joint is inserted into a person's hip to replace the damaged part(s) of the hip that has been removed. Arthritis is one of the main causes responsible for hip replacements if not.
Typically, hip replacement surgery is performed on patients who have severe chronic pain and reduced hip mobility. This surgery is usually a last resort, after these patients have exhausted all other treatment options available to help improve their hip pain (eg, medications, physical therapy (TP) and steroids).
If you have had this surgery and therefore cannot continue to work for at least 12 months after the operation, financial assistance may be available through a hip replacement pension.
Compared to other surgical operations, the hip replacement procedure is seen as one of the most successful. This is because in most cases of hip replacement surgery, the procedure results in reduced hip pain as well as improved hip mobility. In general, people who undergo hip replacement surgery report improvements in their daily activities and quality of life, increased mobility and reduced pain. And up to 90 percent of patients who undergo hip replacements and adhere to their post-operative rehabilitation plans report that they experience improvements in their health.
However, the hip replacement procedure still carries its risks, and unfortunately, not all recipients of this surgery have the experience or reap the benefits of a complete hip replacement recovery. Therefore, if you have had hip replacement surgery, you are in a situation where you will not experience the benefits of a full recovery and, more importantly, are unable to work because of the hip replacement, you may be able to receive disability benefits. hip replacement through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Disability benefit for hip replacement
usually given to people who are having long-term difficulties with hip replacement surgery. When the SSA evaluates hip replacement disability claims, they use their handbook called "Blue Book”To determine eligibility for these benefits.
There isfor the Blue Booklisterthat can help you qualify for a disability pension for a hip replacement. These two lists fall under section 1.00 – Musculoskeletal Disorders. Some signs that you may qualify for hip replacement disability are explained below.
Use of the social security “blue book”
Social Security disability benefits are for those whose conditions make them unable to work or care for themselves for 12 months or more. This is how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines “total and permanent disability”. You can review how SSA classifies each condition in its compiled guidelines, known asBlue Book.
Of course, depending on your condition, there are different requirements for determining whether your symptoms can help you qualify. Thoserequirements are organized and listedin the Blue Book of the Norwegian Social Security Agency.
Hip prostheses are listed in the blue book belowSection 1.03:"Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a large weight-bearing joint." It says here that hip replacements can help you qualify fordisabled benefitsif you cannot walk effectively (and are not expected to) within 12 months of the operation.
One"inability to move"is defined by the SSA as an extreme limitation of a person's ability to walk, use the legs, or get around without the use of both arms.
If it has been more than a year since your surgery and you still cannot walk reliably without assistance, you may be eligible for benefits.
Potentially qualified before surgery
SSA assessment and medical qualifications
One thing some applicants don't realize is that they may qualify for benefits before surgery. By providing documentation of your medical condition prior to surgery, you may be eligible for a retroactive disability pension to also cover a period prior to your hip replacement.
SobSection 1.02The Blue Book, "Severe Dysfunction of a Joint from Any Cause," states that an applicant with hip problems may qualify for benefits if they have:
- a severe anatomical deformity (subluxation, contracture, bone or fibrous ankylosis, etc.) and chronic joint pain and stiffness,
- signs of restriction of movement or other abnormal movement of the affected joint(s),
- medical imaging to demonstrate narrowed joint space, bone destruction, or ankylosis of the hip and
- an inability to move efficiently (as explained earlier)
This list is much more complex than that.Section 1.03, so it's understandable to be unsure of your qualifications here. The best way to know if your hip problem has qualified since before surgery is to talk to your doctor and receive/repeat tests to better understand your diagnosis.
Preparation for application
Most of the work required with the disability claim comespreparation in advance. Once you have the necessary paperwork ready, all that's left is to start accessing the SSA website. Below are the most important medical information you must prepare before starting your application:
- MRI/CT scans:Imaging is arguably the most important test you can perform to demonstrate the severity of your hip problem, both before and after surgery. Include all imaging tests performed since the onset of hip problems.
- Remaining functional capacity test:This test measures your current ability to perform many of the physical functions necessary for daily living, such as walking, sitting, standing or getting up after sitting, pushing, lifting or bending over.
- Current and past treatment attempts:SSA wants to know everything you've tried before and after surgery to resolve hip complications. Those with a treatment-resistant condition are more likely to qualify for benefits before surgery.
- Physiotherapy records:This will also help the SSA to see how, despite trying the treatment, you have not been able to get positive results.
- General medical history:This even includes regular medical checkup notes, as long as you've gotten them. The better the SSA understands your medical history, the more likely you are to receive benefits.
Use your disability for a hip replacement
If you are a veteran, you may have received a disability rating for a hip replacement. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not refer to a disability assessment to determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD), the assessment can help you get approved for financial assistance.
The Veterans Administration (VA) initially sets the disability rating for a hip replacement at 100 percent. This allows a veteran battling an ailing hip to receive some form of financial assistance to address the potentially debilitating medical condition.
Receiving an initial 100 percent disability rating for a hip replacement is one of the few circumstances in which a veteran receives financial assistance for a medical condition from which the veteran fully recovers.
An initial disability rating of 100 percent for a hip replacement expires after one year. After the expiration date of the 100 percent disability rating, a veteran can apply for a disability rating that combines a hip replacement with another medical condition, such as a damaged knee, to restore 100 percent disability.
The VA does not require you to have hip replacement surgery at a VA-sanctioned hospital in order for you to be eligible for disability benefits.
If you decide to have hip replacement surgery outside of the VA health care system, you must file a disability claim within 12 months to receive the original 100 percent disability rating for the hip replacement.
In any scenario where a veteran receives an initial 100% disability rating, the veteran will receive a new rating after the 12 months expire.
You can refer to your original 100 percent disability rating to expedite your claim, as well as use your disability rating to demonstrate eligibility for SSD benefits.
Cooperation with a disability lawyer
Even if you feel confident that you will receive benefits, you never know what will happen until you see results. Regardless of your situation, it may be wise to play it safe and consider consulting a lawyer before applying.
Not only do most offer free consultations, but most are legally obligated not to accept payments unless they help you win your case. For help filling out paperwork, updating the SSA, and potentially building your court case, there's nothing better.resource than a disability attorney.
additional resources
- Medical Criteria Required to Qualify for Disability with Hip Replacement
- Hip problems that qualify for Social Security benefits