Eligibility for SSDI with Knee Pain

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. First, you need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a sufficient number of years, typically through payroll taxes. SSDI is designed for individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition, including knee pain.

The key to qualifying for SSDI with knee pain is demonstrating that the condition is severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If your knee pain limits your ability to walk, stand, sit, or perform other necessary tasks, you may be eligible for benefits.

How the SSA Evaluates Knee Pain for SSDI

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates claims based on its Listing of Impairments, which contains specific criteria for various medical conditions. Although knee pain may not be listed specifically, it may still qualify under certain conditions if it limits your mobility and ability to work.

The SSA will assess your knee pain using the five-step sequential process:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• If you are working and earning above a certain threshold ($1,470 per month in 2025), you may be disqualified from SSDI, even if you have knee pain. If your earnings exceed this amount, the SSA may determine that your condition doesn’t prevent you from working.
• Step 2: Severe Impairment
• Your knee pain must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as standing, walking, lifting, and carrying. The SSA will look at how your knee pain impacts your daily functioning and assess whether it severely limits your ability to perform work tasks.
• Step 3: Meet a Listing or Medical Vocational Guidelines
• The SSA has specific criteria for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes knee injuries or pain. If your knee pain is caused by a condition like osteoarthritis, a joint replacement, or knee surgery, and you meet the SSA’s specific requirements for these conditions, you may qualify for SSDI under the Listing of Impairments.
• If your condition doesn’t meet the exact listing criteria, the SSA will look at medical vocational guidelines to determine if your pain prevents you from doing your past work or any other type of work.
• Step 4: Past Work
• The SSA will evaluate whether your knee pain prevents you from performing your previous job. If your knee pain makes it impossible to perform your prior work duties, the SSA will move on to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work
• If you can’t perform your past work, the SSA will assess whether there is any other type of work you can do, based on your age, education, and work experience. If your knee pain limits your ability to perform even basic tasks for other types of work, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.

What Documentation Do You Need to Apply for SSDI for Knee Pain?

To strengthen your SSDI claim, you will need to provide comprehensive documentation about your knee pain, including medical evidence that shows how the condition prevents you from working. Here are the key documents and evidence you’ll need:

• Medical Records: Provide detailed records from your doctor, orthopedic specialist, or physical therapist, including diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) and treatment plans.
• Doctor’s Opinion: A statement from your treating physician describing how your knee pain limits your ability to work can be extremely helpful. The more specific the doctor is about how your pain affects your daily activities and ability to perform job tasks, the better.
• Surgical or Treatment History: If you have undergone surgery (e.g., knee replacement) or other treatments (e.g., physical therapy, injections), include records of these procedures and their outcomes.
• Functional Limitations: Documentation should explain how your knee pain affects your ability to stand, walk, sit, or perform manual tasks required in most jobs. Include a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form that assesses your ability to perform physical tasks.
• Pain Management Records: Include evidence of any medications, therapies, or assistive devices (e.g., braces, walkers) you use to manage your knee pain.