Confirmed: Social Security is recognizing 100% permanent disability due to osteoarthritis in these specific cases.

As the University of Navarra Clinic points out, "osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease , characterized by the destruction of the hyaline cartilage that covers bone surfaces."

"Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a shock absorber , protecting the ends of bones and aiding joint movement. When osteoarthritis develops, this cartilage loses its properties. It can even disappear, causing the ends of the two bones to rub directly against each other, causing pain."

It is, therefore, a disease that can be quite debilitating for one's ability to perform work. It affects the hands , wrists , elbows , hips , knees , feet , ankles , shoulders , and/or spine. According to Campmany Abogados , it is possible to access a disability pension for osteoarthritis, although current mobility will first be evaluated, and it must be proven that various treatments and medications have been administered without showing improvement.

When is permanent total disability obtained?

Permanent total disability is granted when no work can be performed and represents 100% of the regulatory base . As Campmany Abogados points out, it depends on the affected location.

" Claudication while walking at short distances is a very common factor in the evaluation of a permanent disability due to osteoarthritis. This is particularly what can lead to this being granted in cases of osteoarthritis of the hip, spine, knee, foot, and/or ankle (if the claudication occurs at less than 100 meters)," they point out.

However, when it comes to wrists or hands , this disability would only be granted if there has been an amputation or the injuries are very severe.

Regarding the hip , the Medical Board will assess the severity or whether there is osteoarthritis in both hips.

With the spine , an essential aspect to assess will be whether the pathology is very serious and no improvement has been experienced with IQ prostheses and having to go to clinics due to pain.

Finally, with the knee , beyond claudication when walking, the use of crutches or BI supports can be a determining factor.

Typically, this level of disability is not granted for elbows and shoulders , unless there are other limiting illnesses.