Social Security Disability and Arthrogripois

Arthrogripois is a congenital condition causing a dysfunction involving the fixation of the joints in an extended or flexed position.  It can also involve any one of a group of congenital conditions involving reduced mobility of multiple joints due to contractures resulting in fixation of the joint in an extended or flexed position.  Arthrogripois is generally going to result in a disabling condition for an adult and for a child that would likely render that individual eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program and under the Supplemental Security Income program. 

Musculoskeletal Impairments

Arthrogripois would be a medical condition recognized by the Social Security under the musculoskeletal impairment category.  Any loss of function due to a joint deformity or destruction which results in prolonged periods of immobility or convalescence is a condition that would be eligible for benefits under the Social Security programs.  This category can even include persons suffering from inflammatory arthritis.  An individual applying for disability benefits based on arthrogripois would need to be able to provide medical evidence of the diagnosis and the severity of the condition to show that, if an adult, the applicant is unable to engage in gainful employment and, if a child, the applicant is unable to perform daily tasks on a level commensurate with non-disabled children his same age.  The loss of function must involve the inability to ambulate effectively on a sustained basis for any reason, such as severe pain, or simply due to joint fixation that can’t be surgically repaired or improved with rehabilitation treatments.  Arthrogripois can profoundly impair physical activity due to orthopedic problems and may are challenged in walking due to flexion contractures of the lower extremities especially if the condition involves the hips.  Even the use of crutches may be unhelpful if the arthrogripois has affected the spine.  This sort of severe medical condition may be eligible for immediate approval for Social Security disability benefits without waiting months for the case to be reviewed. 

Getting Legal Help

If you or a member of your family is suffering from a severe form of arthrogripois and would like to investigate the possibility of being eligible for benefits with a Social Security administration program it may be helpful to discuss the arthrogripois condition and resulting disability with a disability lawyer.  An attorney can be helpful in completing the program application process and in assembling the necessary medical documentation to evidence the severity of the condition and to possibly be immediately approved for disability benefits.