KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SSD BENEFITS

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Knee replacement surgery can result in winning SSDI and SSI benefits if you can no longer work. Especially, if you have chronic pain and cannot work for longer than 12 months. Typically, over 600,000 knee replacement operations are done every year in the United States. Sometimes people undergo double knee replacement surgery. For example, many people have one knee operation and a few weeks later they have the second knee replaced.

Total knee replacement surgery involves replacing both sides of the knee joint. It is the most common operation. The surgery usually lasts between 1 and 3 hours. After surgery, you will have less pain and better mobility. But, you will have scar tissue. Knee scar tissue can make it difficult to move and bend your knees.

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful joint operations. According to research, more than 82 percent of total knee replacements are still fine 25 years later. However, for certain people, knee surgery may not work. Research suggests almost 20% of those who have a total knee replacement experience chronic pain. If you have chronic pain, then you may not be able to work.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR SSDI & SSI BENEFITS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

If you have ever had surgery, then you know pain doesn’t disappear after the operation. In fact, even with surgery, you may still have major problems with pain. For example, problems occur when the pain prevents you from working. It may also prevent normal activities, like standing or sitting.

The other thing that knee pain does is prevent you from walking up and down stairs. It also impacts your ability to squat, kneel, crouch, and crawl. These movements can be very important in certain jobs. Especially if you have a physical job. Think about trying to climb up into the large cab of a truck with knee pain. Or, pushing the pedals when you have knee pain. Knee pain would impact your ability to do almost any physical job.

Chronic pain may also keep you from walking. If you can’t walk or stand for long periods, then you may not be able to work. You knee might swell when sitting. Sedentary work requires sitting. If you cannot stand, then you can’t perform light work. Similarly, if you cannot sit, then you cannot work.

INFORMATION ABOUT KNEE IMPLANTS

Knee implants are artificial components used in knee replacement surgery. They replace damaged parts of the knee joint. These artificial parts duplicate the knee joint’s function and help the knee move normally. Thus, they relieve pain. The choice of implant type depends on factors such as your size and gender and the extent of knee joint damage. Your doctor will recommend  a knee implant based on those factors.

There are different types of materials used for knee implants. For example, some surgeons use metal components. Occasionally, surgeons will use ceramic parts because they are hard and can stand up to wear and tear. Plastic parts are also used to replace some parts of the knee. You should talk to your doctor about what type of knee surgery you need. Also, you should ask your doctor what type of parts will be in your knee replacement.

Knee implants can last 15-20 years. How long they last depends on your activity level, your weight, and the type of implant that you get. It is possible for the implant to wear out. If that happens, then you will need another knee surgery.

RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AFTER KNEE SURGERY

When your ability to perform activities like sitting and standing becomes limited, it is known as a limit in your “residual functional capacity.” If your RFC is limited, then the SSA may find you cannot sustain full time work. If you cannot do your old job or any other job, you should apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.

Knee surgery can also impact your ability to lift. Being unable to lift also prevent certain kinds of work, just like back pain does. Knee pain may not go away, even after surgery. Because arthritis is a life long condition.

If you have had an injury to a certain area of your body, then it can become arthritic. Likewise, arthritis can also be genetic. If you have knee arthritis, then there is a good chance you may have arthritis in other joints of your body. For example, knee replacement can also cause hip pain. It may even create hip pain to the point that you will need hip surgery.

WINNING SSD UNDER LISTING 1.17 AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

At Cannon Disability Law, we see clients who did not recover after knee surgery. Knee surgery results in being paid SSD benefits if you suffer from chronic pain and you need two canes or a walker to walk. The SSA applies Listing 1.17, to figure out if you should be paid SSD or SSI benefits. Listing 1.17 refers to reconstructive surgery of a major weight bearing joint. In other words, it applies to you if you have knee replacement surgery. Because, the knee is a major weight bearing joint.

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY  OF A WEIGHT BEARING JOINT

In order to win SSD and SSI benefits, your physical condition must meet or equal an SSA listing. Meeting a listing means having all the symptoms on the list. Equalling a listing means having a combination of symptoms that are as severe as those in the listing.

If you did not recover from knee replacement surgery, your knee condition may qualify for benefits under SSA’s rules. The phrase “major weight bearing joint” basically means a joint you need to stand and walk. Knees, hips, and ankles are all major weight bearing joints.

Most joint operations do not keep your from returning to work. The reason for that is most people recover after surgery in under one year. To receive SSD and SSI benefits, you must have at least one year off work to be paid benefits. This means that you cannot be working for over 12 months. If you do not have 12 months off work, then the SSA may not pay you.

SSA uses a certain rule to talk about knee surgery. Listing 1.17 for reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight bearing joint is below:

1.17 Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight bearing joint with A, B, and C:

A. History of reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight bearing joint.

AND

B. Impairment related physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

AND

C. A documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches or a wheeled and seated mobility device that involves the use of both hands.

WHAT DOES THE SSA MEAN BY “AMBULATE EFFECTIVELY”?

SSA’s rules discuss a very specific definition of effectively ambulating or walking.  The old SSA listing 1.02B states:

Inability to walk effectively means an extreme limitation of the ability to walk; i.e., a condition that interferes very seriously with the ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities. Ineffective walking is defined generally as having insufficient lower extremity functioning to permit independent ambulation without the use of a hand held assistive devices that limits the function of both upper extremities.

The law goes on to say:

To walk effectively, individuals must be capable of walking at a reasonable pace over a sufficient distance to be able to carry out activities of daily living. They must have the ability to travel without assistance to and from work or school. Therefore, examples of ineffective walking include, but are not limited to:

• • being unable to walk without the use of a walker,
  • unable to use standard public transportation,
  • two crutches or two canes,
  • unable to carry out common activities that require walking, like shopping and banking,
  • cannot walk a block at a reasonable pace on rough or uneven surfaces,
  • not being able to climb a few steps at a reasonable pace with the use of a single hand rail.

The ability to walk about one’s home without the use of a cane or walker does not, in and of itself, mean you have “effective ambulation.” However, the SSA focuses their rules on walking. Needing a cane or walker to walk is very important part of SSA’s rules. If you require a two canes or a walker in order to walk, then you meet SSA’s rules and should receive benefits.

WHAT DOES THE SSA MEAN BY “ASSISTIVE DEVICE”?

Now, the SSA’s new rules focus on whether you need a device to help you walk. An assistive device, under SSA’s rules, is any device that you use to improve your stability, dexterity, or mobility. A device, like a cane or a walker, can be worn or hand held. It can also be used in a seated position. Normally, SSA thinks you should be using a cane or a walker to help you walk. Learn what the SSA requires in order to find that you are using an assistive device.

When the SSA uses the phrase “documented medical need,” they mean that there is evidence from a medical source that supports your medical need for a device for a period of at least 12 months in a row. This evidence must describe any problems you have using your arms and legs.

Your records must also explain the symptoms that show you need to use a cane or walker. However, the SSA does not require that you have a prescription for the cane or walker.  Although every judge will ask if a doctor ordered you to have one. The SSA is concerned about your ability to work while using a device like a cane to stand and walk. It is common sense to note that if you are using your hands to support yourself, because you cannot use your legs to do so, then you cannot use your hands to work.

APPLY FOR SSD BENEFITS AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY 

If you have not returned to work after you knee surgery, the SSA may pay you SSD benefits. In order to prove you cannot return to work, you should hire a law firm with lawyers who are experts in SSD cases. Our firm, for example, has over 30 years of legal experience helping those who need SSDI and SSI benefits. In that time we have won over 20,000 SSD and SSI cases for our clients. Therefore, we know what it takes to prove your case to the SSA.  We want to help you win. Also, we have won over $100 million in ongoing SSDI benefits for our clients.

You do not want to go to court alone. Those who go without an attorney rarely win benefits.

It is our job to help you obtain the medical evidence you need to win benefits. At our law firm, for example, we help you apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. We also help you appeal an SSA denial. You only have 60 days to appeal a denial from the SSA. So, don’t delay. You do not want to miss the 60 day time frame. Call our office. We will help you appeal. In fact, we can answer your questions over the phone at no cost to you.

CONTACT US FOR HELP WITH YOUR SSD BENEFITS

An SSD attorney can help you learn more about filing for SSDI and SSI benefits. Working with an attorney will help you make sure you have a strong case. If you hire our SSD law firm, then we will make sure your application for benefits is complete.

Likewise, we will appeal any SSA denial. We will also help you collect your medical records. Also, we will prepare you to be a better witness at your hearing. At your hearing, we also question the experts. The judge may hire a medical expert and vocational expert (VE) to the hearing.

Normally, the medical expert comes to the hearing to testify that is about your mental condition. You will need an attorney to question the medical expert or object to testimony from the expert. The judge can also call a VE. The VE’s testimony will be about the kind of jobs you might be able to do with your physical and mental conditions. Learn why a VE attends your hearing.

Applying for benefits can be a difficult process. Hiring a legal team with experience to help you through the process is a great choice. This will make the application process easier for you. It will also help you win at the hearing. If you think you need the assistance of a law firm, then let us help you. Additionally, we offer a free review of your case. It costs nothing to call and ask your questions.

WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD & SSI BENEFITS 

You do not need to try to win benefits for knee surgery on your own. We can help file your application for SSD benefits. Also, we can help you file an appeal after every SSA denial. That way, you can focus on your health and spending time with your family. Our attorneys and staff can:

• Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
• Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
• Inform the SSA they should pay you under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
• File an appeal if you receive a denial
• Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
• Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Prepare you to testify at your SSA hearing
• Represent you at your hearing
• Question the expert witnesses
• Read about job expert testimony
• Learn about medical expert testimony
• Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
• Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court

If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete the application. However, if you have a medical condition that automatically wins SSD benefits, you should not wait to finish your application. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. Otherwise, they will not process your application.

CONTACT US AFTER KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

It is always our goal to win benefits for our clients. Your future ability to pay your bills, for yourself and your family, relies upon the results of your SSD case. Additionally, your ability to receive Medicaid and also Medicare depends upon whether you win your case. Learn how to obtain Medicaid benefits.

You can also learn about Medicare benefits. Medicare benefits are a form of health insurance that helps pay your medical bills.

You need to hire an SSD attorney with experience. We bring 30 years of legal experience to your benefit case. For example, Dianna Cannon has been helping people win their benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall and Andria Summers also have many years of legal experience. Additionally, our staff also has years of legal experience helping clients collect their records and win benefits.

One thing you may not know is that we are able to help you with your case no matter where you live. For example, we represent clients in Utah and Nevada. Learn how to win Utah SSDI benefits.

Likewise, learn about Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits. We also have clients in Idaho, Colorado, and California. Learn about California SSD benefits. You can trust that our lawyers will do the job to win your SSD and SSI benefits. We want to be your legal team. Contact us now.

THE TOP SSD ATTORNEYS CAN HELP YOU AFTER YOUR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

We will use our legal skills to help you through the Social Security benefits process. It is our goal to win your case and to make it easier for you. We offer a free review of your case. And, there is no pressure to become a client. You can simply ask questions. We will try to help you, even if you don’t become our client.

It also doesn’t cost you money upfront to hire us. Why? Because we are only paid if we win your benefits. If we do not win, then 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 by the SSA. You pay whatever amount is less. And, the 25% fee is the more likely fee. Because 25% of your back benefit is usually less than the 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. They are usually less than $100. Typically, the only cost you will pay for is a copy of your medical records. And, we only charge you what the doctor charges us. You will owe costs whether we win or lose. In order to hire most lawyers, you have to pay an upfront fee. We don’t work like that. You don’t have a job. So how can we expect you to pay? We can’t. That is why you only pay if you win benefits. Contact us today if you need help with your benefits after knee replacement surgery.