Knee pain can impact every aspect of your life, from your mobility and independence to your ability to work and provide for your family. Whether your condition stems from a sudden injury, chronic degeneration, or major surgery, your knee problems may qualify you for short-term or long-term disability insurance benefits.
At Bryant Legal Group, we help professionals and workers navigate disability insurance claims involving serious knee issues. We can answer common questions about disability for knee pain, outline what conditions may qualify, and explain when it’s time to speak with a disability attorney.
Note: Long-term disability insurance is not the same as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Bryant Legal Group does not handle standalone SSDI claims.
What Knee Conditions Can Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Many knee-related conditions—whether from injury, surgery, or chronic illness—can support a disability insurance claim. Here are common knee conditions that could make you eligible for disability benefits:
Chronic or Long-Term Knee Conditions
- Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
- Tendinitis or chronic inflammation
- Gout and related arthritic conditions
Acute or Short-Term Knee Injuries
- ACL, MCL, or meniscus tears
- Chondromalacia (runner’s knee)
- Post-traumatic injuries or fractures
Knee Replacement Surgeries
Partial and total knee replacements often result from years of chronic damage. After surgery, many individuals experience prolonged recovery times, limited mobility, and, in some cases, permanent restrictions that may qualify them for short-term or long-term disability benefits.
Do I Qualify for Short- or Long-Term Disability for Knee Pain?
Several factors will determine what specific type of disability insurance you may qualify for.
What is Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance?
STD policies typically provide wage replacement for temporary conditions that prevent you from working. Many policies pay benefits for 3 to 6 months and have short elimination periods (waiting times before benefits begin).
Knee injuries or post-surgical recovery often qualify for STD benefits, especially if they limit your ability to walk, stand, sit, or move safely at work.
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What is Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance?
LTD policies are designed for more extended absences and often begin after 3 to 12 months of disability. If your knee condition becomes chronic, results in complications, or fails to improve with treatment, you may qualify for LTD benefits.
Important: Long-term disability insurance is not the same as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Bryant Legal Group does not handle standalone SSDI claims. We focus on private and group disability insurance disputes and litigation.
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What Conditions Must Be Met to File a Disability Claim?
To qualify for short-term or long-term disability, you typically need to prove:
- You have a diagnosed medical condition that prevents you from performing the essential duties of your occupation.
- Your condition is supported by objective medical evidence, such as MRIs, X-rays, clinical exams, or surgery records.
- You are receiving consistent medical treatment and following your doctor’s treatment plan.
How Do I File a Disability Claim for Knee Pain?
1. Consult With Your Doctor
Work closely with your doctor to ensure your knee pain and limitations are thoroughly documented. Medical imaging, surgical reports, and functional assessments are essential.
2. Understand Your Disability Policy
Policies define “disability” in different ways:
- Own Occupation: You’re disabled if you can’t perform your specific job.
- Any Occupation: You’re disabled only if you can’t do any job for which you’re reasonably qualified.
Short-term policies often use “own occupation,” while long-term policies frequently switch to “any occupation” after 24 months.
Your policy may also have:
- Waiting periods (elimination periods) before benefits begin
- Benefit caps or limitations for certain conditions
- Requirements for ongoing treatment or evaluations
Reviewing your policy with a disability attorney can help you understand your eligibility and avoid missteps.
3. Prepare and File Your Claim
Your claim will require documentation such as:
- Attending Physician Statements (APS)
- Diagnostic imaging and surgical records
- Treatment plans and physical therapy notes
- Job description and employer statement
A disability attorney can help you collect, organize, and submit this documentation to maximize your chances of approval.
How Can I Strengthen My Disability Claim?
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Consistent treatment shows you’re doing your part to get better. Ignoring recommendations can be used by the insurer to question your credibility.
Consider a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
An FCE can objectively demonstrate how your knee condition limits your ability to work—especially in physically demanding roles.
Keep a Pain Journal
Record daily pain levels, swelling, medication side effects, and activity limitations. This contemporaneous real-world context can support your claim and reinforce medical findings.
Avoid Gaps in Treatment
Missed appointments or long gaps between doctor visits may cause the insurer to question whether your condition is truly disabling.
Does My Job Type Matter to My Disability Claim?
Absolutely. Your job’s physical and mental demands are central to your disability determination:
- Physically demanding jobs (construction, manufacturing, healthcare) often involve lifting, kneeling, and standing—all challenging for those with knee pain.
- Skilled professionals (surgeons, dentists, veterinarians) may be disabled if they cannot stand for long periods or maintain balance during procedures.
- Sedentary workers may still qualify if pain or medication interferes with focus or if sitting aggravates the condition.
The standard used to assess your disability will depend on your policy type, and how your job duties relate to your medical limitations.
When Should I Contact a Disability Attorney?
You should consult a disability insurance attorney:
- Before filing your initial claim, especially for long-term disability.
- If your claim is denied or your benefits are terminated.
- If you’re unsure whether your policy covers your knee condition.
- If your insurer delays, underpays, or requests excessive information.
Bryant Legal Group’s attorneys specialize in private and group disability insurance claims. We don’t represent clients in standalone Social Security disability cases, but we are here to guide you through every aspect of your disability insurance claim.
Bryant Legal Group: Chicago’s Trusted Disability Insurance Attorneys
Knee pain can halt your career and disrupt your life, but you don’t have to face the insurance process alone. Bryant Legal Group has decades of experience representing Illinois professionals in complex disability insurance claims, including those involving orthopedic and degenerative knee conditions.
Call us today at 312-561-3010 or complete our brief online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.