Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Social Security Disability Benefits
In my experience as a disability attorney that also handles cases for carpal tunnel syndrome, my clients who suffer from conditions that cause the loss or limited use of their upper extremities (i.e., their shoulders, arms, and/or hands) have great difficulty finding and maintaining employment.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally recognizes that a person with this type of disability finds greatly reduced numbers of jobs available to them in the national and local economy.
When I represent clients at Social Security disability hearings, Vocational Experts (VEs) often appear at the hearings to testify about the availability of jobs for people with specific limitations. If a claimant is found to be unable to use his dominant hand to perform its full range of movements, the VE usually testifies that there are few, if any, jobs available that will accommodate such limitations.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, particularly in jobs that require repetitive hand movements.
Many of my clients ask if carpal tunnel syndrome is considered a disability by the SSA. The answer isn’t always straightforward, but in many cases, it can be.
Do I qualify for disability benefits with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
To qualify for disability benefits, you need to show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. This means demonstrating that your symptoms interfere with your ability to perform basic work activities, such as typing, gripping, or lifting objects.
Can you get social security disability for carpal tunnel syndrome? – the answer is yes – but it’s not automatic. The SSA will look at your medical records, work history, and other factors to determine if you’re eligible.
This is where having a carpal tunnel syndrome lawyer can be invaluable. We can help you gather the necessary evidence and present your case effectively.
When it comes to preparing for a carpal tunnel syndrome disability hearing, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll need to provide detailed medical records, including diagnoses, treatments, and how the condition affects your daily life. It’s also helpful to have statements from your doctors about your limitations.
As your attorney, I can guide you through this process and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
Carpal Tunnel Preventing You From Working?
Contact us now for a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll assess your case, help you understand your situation and explain your options.
While the cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may not be known, it is believed that using or overusing one’s hands in work-related situations may be a dominant factor in causing the symptoms. Many of my clients with CTS have spent significant time performing occupations in which they used their hands extensively working on assembly lines, performing data entry, or using tools.
In my experience, some people get temporary relief with treatments including wearing splints and receiving injections, but they only seem to be short-term fixes. Some people require surgery to help alleviate the pain and numbness.
This surgery, commonly known as a “carpal tunnel release,” does work for some individuals, but many others have symptoms that persist even after they have surgery. I have found that the SSA and the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who preside at hearings want to know whether claimants with CTS have followed prescribed treatment.
They tend to give more weight to the testimony of claimants whose symptoms have persisted in spite of faithful adherence to prescribed treatment than they give to claimants who persistently fail to follow their doctor’s instructions.
I have found that the loss of fine manipulation abilities caused by CTS can leave people without the ability to write, type, work zippers on their clothes, tie their shoes, or fasten buttons. Since many jobs involve the frequent use of the workers’ hands and fingers, these limitations decrease the work-like activities claimants can perform, and therefore erode the job base available to them.
If you suffer from these limitations you are probably familiar with how hard it can be to complete even the simplest of tasks.
It is not enough, though, to simply explain to the SSA the difficulties you face in your daily activities. You need to be able to provide objective evidence, such as test results and doctors’ diagnoses, to show that your symptoms are caused by a severe medical impairment.
Comprehensive medical records showing that you have received long-term, consistent treatment and have followed your doctors’ instructions can be the key to a successful outcome in your Social Security disability claim.
What Are my Chances to Get My Disability Claim Approved for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Determining your chances of getting disability benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on several factors. The severity of your condition, your age, education level, and work history all play a role in the SSA’s decision.
One question I often hear is, “Can I get SSDI for carpal tunnel syndrome with the help of a lawyer?” While having an attorney doesn’t guarantee approval, it can significantly improve your chances. We understand the SSAs criteria and can help present your case in the most favorable light.
Carpal Tunnel Preventing You From Working?
Contact us now for a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll assess your case, help you understand your situation and explain your options.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disability Benefits, Compensation and Payouts
When it comes to disability benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, many clients have questions about the potential payouts. While I cant provide specific amounts, as each case is unique, I can say that having legal representation often leads to higher compensation.
A common question is whether a lawyer can help increase a carpal tunnel syndrome disability payout. In many cases, we can. We know how to properly value your claim and negotiate with the SSA to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Another frequent inquiry is whether you can get both workers compensation and disability for carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases, you can receive both types of benefits, although there may be some offset. It’s a complex area of law, and having an experienced attorney can help you navigate these waters.
If you’re considering your legal options for carpal tunnel syndrome disability benefits, it’s important to act quickly. There’s a limited time frame to appeal denied claims, and the earlier you start the process, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
For those needing more information about the evidence required for a successful claim, our page on evidence and documentation for proving carpal tunnel syndrome can be a helpful resource.
If your initial claim has been denied, don’t lose hope. Many claims are approved on appeal. Our page on carpal tunnel syndrome disability appeal provides valuable information on the appeals process.
Remember, every case is unique. If you’re struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome and are considering applying for disability benefits, or if you’ve already applied and been denied, reach out to us.
We can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you get the benefits you deserve.
Hiring a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lawyer
Lets answer some questions you may have for hiring a lawyer that can help with your CTS claim.
Starting Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Disability Appeal
Your claim was denied, what are your options to still get the benefits you deserve?
How to Prove Carpal Tunnel Syndrome for Disability Benefits?
Find out more why evidence and documentation is extremely important for your claim.
