Unfortunately SSA does not have a "partial" disability program, but your State may. I'm sorry to hear your knee is not doing well.
To receive disability, by law, Social Security has a very strict definition of disability. To be found disabled: • You must be unable to do any substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and • Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year, or be expected to result in your death. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_adult_factsheet.htm#disability
You may want to review http://www.socialsecurity.gov/hlp/radr/10/ent001-disb-info.htm regarding Social Security's Disability Programs, and http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/ and of course, SSA's website.
Answered on Jan 04th, 2012 at 9:46 PM