Understanding Social Security Disability Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet specific criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• Medical Condition: Your knee injury must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you must be unable to work or perform normal work duties for at least 12 months or have a condition that is expected to result in death.
• Work History (for SSDI): If you're applying for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system through FICA taxes for a sufficient amount of time.
• Income and Resources (for SSI): If you're applying for SSI, your household income and assets must be below the SSA’s limits. SSI is typically for individuals with limited financial resources.

Can a Knee Injury Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The SSA evaluates claims based on whether your condition is severe enough to meet their definition of disability. A knee injury can potentially qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits, but it will depend on the severity and the impact it has on your ability to function.

Factors that Affect Eligibility:

• Severity of the Injury: The more severe the knee injury, the greater the likelihood it will meet the SSA’s requirements. Conditions such as total knee replacement, severe arthritis, or fractures that prevent you from walking or performing basic work activities may qualify.
• Medical Evidence: You will need to provide extensive medical documentation to prove the severity of your knee injury. This includes records from doctors, specialists, diagnostic tests (such as X-rays or MRIs), and detailed descriptions of how the injury limits your ability to work.
• Functional Limitations: The SSA will assess how your knee injury affects your ability to perform work-related tasks. For example, if your injury prevents you from standing or walking for extended periods, or if it limits your ability to lift, carry, or move objects, it may significantly impact your ability to do your past job or any other work.

The SSA’s Disability Criteria for Musculoskeletal Disorders

The SSA uses a Listing of Impairments to evaluate whether certain conditions automatically qualify you for benefits. Knee injuries, particularly those affecting the musculoskeletal system, may qualify under the musculoskeletal disorder category if they meet specific criteria.

Some common knee-related conditions that may qualify for benefits include:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that affects the knee joint and causes severe pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Knee replacement surgery that results in continued limitations in function.
• Chronic knee instability or ligament damage that affects your ability to walk or stand.
• Fractures or dislocations that result in ongoing pain or disability.
• Bursitis or tendinitis that causes significant pain and limits movement.

To qualify, your injury must significantly restrict your ability to do basic tasks, such as walking, standing, lifting, or carrying items, for 12 months or longer.

The SSA’s Evaluation Process for Knee Injuries

The SSA evaluates knee injuries through a five-step process. Here's how they will assess your claim:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are currently earning above the SGA threshold (which changes annually), the SSA may determine that you are not eligible for disability benefits. In 2025, the monthly earnings limit for SGA is $1,470 (for non-blind individuals).
• Step 2: Severity of Your Condition: Your knee injury must be severe enough to interfere with basic work functions, like walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
• Step 3: Listed Impairment: If your knee injury is listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, such as under musculoskeletal disorders, you may automatically qualify. If your condition doesn’t match a specific listing, they will proceed to the next steps.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will assess whether you can still perform your previous job. If you can’t perform your past work due to your knee injury, they move to Step 5.
• Step 5: Other Work: The SSA will determine whether you can perform any other type of work based on your skills, education, and work experience. If the SSA finds that your knee injury prevents you from doing any type of work, you may qualify for benefits.

Tips for Strengthening Your Claim

To improve your chances of approval for Social Security Disability benefits based on a knee injury, consider the following tips:

• Gather Thorough Medical Evidence: Ensure that you have complete medical records from all doctors, specialists, and hospitals that have treated your knee injury. This should include imaging results (X-rays, MRIs), doctor’s notes, and any other diagnostic reports.
• Obtain a Detailed Opinion from Your Doctor: A statement from your treating physician explaining the severity of your knee injury and how it limits your ability to work is crucial.
• Document Your Functional Limitations: Keep a record of how your knee injury affects your daily life. This includes activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting for long periods, or lifting heavy objects.