Grade 3 osteoarthritis – how to get disability?

Joint diseases often become grounds for disability, as due to joint deformation, a person may lose the ability to move normally and require long-term rehabilitation. Arthrosis is no exception, but it is worth remembering that the process of establishing disability has its own nuances. Without careful preparation and correctly executed documents, there is a risk of being refused.

What is arthrosis?

Arthrosis is a group of diseases characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cartilage tissue of the joints. The main process is the gradual destruction of cartilage, which leads to its thinning, exposure of bones, the formation of bone growths and disruption of the normal structure of the articular surfaces.

There are several stages in the development of the disease:

Grade 1 - slight discomfort is felt during movement or physical exertion. Changes in the cartilage tissue are minimal, but the process of destruction has already begun.

Grade 2 - joint mobility is significantly reduced, stiffness, crunching or other extraneous sounds appear. Degenerative processes intensify, which leads to the destruction of cartilage and a decrease in its shock-absorbing properties.

Grade 3 - the most severe stage of arthrosis development. The cartilage tissue of the joint is almost completely destroyed or disappears, due to which the joint loses its ability to function normally. The pain becomes constant, even at rest, and joint movement may be almost completely limited or impossible.

Disability in case of arthrosis of the 3rd degree

In case of arthrosis of the 3rd degree, one of three disability groups can be assigned depending on the degree of limitation of mobility and ability to self-care:

• First group

Main criteria: complete absence of movements in the joints due to ankylosis (fusion of articular surfaces); inability to perform physical work; the patient depends on outside help in everyday life.

• Second group

Assigned for significant, but partial impairment of mobility. Main conditions: preservation of limited movements in the joints with moderate pain; ankylosis or significant shortening of the limb; work only under conditions of light physical exertion.

• Third group

Arthrosis of the 2nd-3rd degree with partial damage to several joints; limited mobility, presence of pain and characteristic crunching; partial loss of ability to perform everyday tasks.

Stages of registration with new changes

In 2025, the establishment process underwent changes aimed at simplifying and digitizing procedures. The assessment is now carried out by expert teams formed from practicing physicians, based on cluster and supracluster hospitals and consists of the following stages:

Referral for assessment and preparation of documents

The doctor determines the patient's condition, conducts an examination and forms an electronic referral for assessment, after which the institution is selected for the procedure.

Appointment and conduct of assessment

In the medical institution, the administrator checks the information and documentation, after which the system automatically assigns the date and time of the assessment, which is recorded in the electronic system. The method of establishing disability can be in-person, in-person, remote or on-site.

Decision-making

The expert team considers the case and makes a decision (no more than 30 days). If necessary, a one-time referral for additional examination is possible. The patient can also independently make an audio or video recording of the assessment process.

If the disability is confirmed, the person receives a decision and an individual rehabilitation program.

Appealing the decision

If the patient does not agree with the conclusions, he can file a complaint through his family doctor or directly to the Center for the Assessment of the Functional State of the Person.

Common problems when obtaining disability for arthrosis

1. Incomplete package of documents, including the absence of certain medical certificates, inconsistency of information in medical reports, etc.
2. Underestimation by the commission of the degree of limitation of motor activity and working capacity.
3. Due to the transition to the new system, doctors and patients may not fully understand the procedure.
4. Problems with the digital system, such as technical failures or errors in electronic documents; inability to correct entered data after their submission.
5. The appeal procedure can be lengthy and require additional examinations.

Important! If you want to avoid these errors, seek advice from a medical lawyer "Prykhodko and Partners", who will explain the features of the procedure to you and help prepare documents.

How can we help?

Lawyers of the company "Prykhodko and Partners" can provide comprehensive legal support when registering disability due to arthrosis, so that the process goes quickly, without unnecessary complications and with your rights in mind.

A medical lawyer offers:

1. Document preparation and consultation;
2. Support during the assessment of functioning and the establishment of disability.
3. Appealing the decision if necessary.

If you would like to schedule a preliminary consultation, leave a request below and our lawyer will contact you!