{"id":1521,"date":"2020-03-10T19:48:26","date_gmt":"2020-03-10T19:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nolfinal.wpengine.com\/?page_id=1521"},"modified":"2023-07-20T14:51:09","modified_gmt":"2023-07-20T19:51:09","slug":"osteoarthritis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nickortizlaw.com\/practice-areas\/long-term-disability-insurance-erisa-lawyer\/medical-conditions\/osteoarthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Osteoarthritis and Long Term Disability Insurance Claims"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Individuals suffering from osteoarthritis may face difficulties in carrying out their job duties with their disease and its associated complications. If such patients are unable to work due to their osteoarthritis, they could be eligible for long term disability (LTD)<\/a> benefits. In order to determine if they meet the criteria outlined in the specific plan, the insurance company will assess their claim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What is Osteoarthritis?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis<\/a>, which causes pain and swelling of the joints that affects millions of Americans each year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The condition is sometimes referred to as noninflammatory arthritis or \u201cwear and tear arthritis,\u201d which is different than inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis<\/a>, the immune system mistakenly attacks a person\u2019s joints and cartilage resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and often disfiguration. On the other hand, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of one\u2019s bones wears down over time. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not considered to be an autoimmune disease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How Does Osteoarthritis Occur?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a result of age or physical \u201cwear and tear,\u201d a sufferer of osteoarthritis experiences a degenerative breakdown of their cartilage normally in the hands, knees<\/a>, hips, or spine<\/a>. Cartilage serves as a barrier that protects the ends of the bones from rubbing against one another and causing pain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When Osteoarthritis Arthritis is a Disability<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Osteoarthritis can be a debilitating condition that impacts one\u2019s quality of life and ability to work. Because osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, a person\u2019s condition is expected to worsen over time, often resulting in tremendous pain and limited mobility that prevents a person from engaging in work or even the activities of daily life (ADL).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis is not enough to justify paying disability benefits. Your symptoms must limit your abilities so severely that you are unable to work. For example, you may have trouble:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n