Bursitis is a common condition causing discomfort and functional limitations. This article examines whether bursitis qualifies as a disability, exploring its impact on daily life and work capacity. It also outlines legal definitions of disability, particularly for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Bursitis and Its Functional Limitations
Bursitis involves the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac acting as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. This inflammation can lead to pain, tenderness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected joint. Common locations for bursitis include the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.
Bursitis symptoms can significantly impact daily activities. Simple tasks like walking, typing, lifting, or reaching may become challenging and painful. Chronic bursitis, marked by repeated pain and swelling, can lead to persistent joint movement limitations.
Severe bursitis can make many job demands difficult. Occupations with repetitive motions or prolonged joint pressure, like plumbing or warehouse work, often increase the risk. When bursitis limits the ability to sit, stand, walk, or use arms, it can significantly hinder work capacity.
Understanding Disability Programs
The term “disability” has different meanings across U.S. legal frameworks and benefit programs. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability means the inability to perform “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This impairment must last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI is an insurance program requiring work history; SSI is needs-based for those with limited income.
In contrast, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines disability as a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities. This definition focuses on protecting against discrimination and ensuring reasonable accommodations in employment and public services. Major life activities include walking, standing, lifting, seeing, hearing, and working. Unlike SSDI/SSI, the ADA focuses on the impairment’s impact on these activities, not an inability to work.
Establishing Disability Due to Bursitis
Bursitis is not listed as a specific impairment in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) “Blue Book” of impairment listings. However, individuals with severe bursitis may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if their condition meets the criteria of a broader listing, such as “Major Joint Dysfunction.” This requires demonstrating that the bursitis causes chronic pain or stiffness that severely limits the ability to walk or use arms effectively.
Establishing a disability claim for bursitis requires comprehensive medical documentation. This includes a medical history of treatments, medications, and doctors’ notes detailing symptoms and functional limitations. Objective evidence from medical imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, is also important to show abnormalities.
The SSA also considers the individual’s “residual functional capacity” (RFC), which assesses their remaining physical and mental ability to perform work-related activities despite their impairment. This assessment evaluates limitations in activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and maintaining concentration. If the bursitis, combined with any other health conditions, prevents an individual from performing their past work and any other available work, they may be considered disabled.
Navigating the Application Process
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process. The initial step involves submitting an application online, by phone, or in person. Applicants should gather all necessary documents, including personal information, employment records, and comprehensive medical records detailing their condition and treatments.
After submission, the application is sent to a state agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS), which reviews the medical evidence. Most initial applications for SSDI are denied, often due to insufficient medical information. If denied, applicants have the right to appeal the decision through several levels, starting with a “reconsideration” by a different examiner.
If reconsideration is denied, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Further appeals can be made to the Appeals Council and, finally, to a federal court. The appeals process has specific deadlines for each stage, typically 60 days from receiving a denial notice. Updating medical records throughout this process is advised.