Social Security Disability Benefits – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Social Security Disability Benefits – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Thousands of people are diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) yearly but do not know if they qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for administering SSDI. If you have any form of disability that prevents you from working, you may benefit from the social security disability program. Different disabilities can qualify a person for these benefits.
Unfortunately, most people who apply for SSDI benefits do not end up getting it even with their severe disability. It is possible to have a disability that qualifies for these benefits and still be denied the benefits. It is one thing to have a good disability case for SSDI and another to present it properly while applying.
The way you handle your application process goes a long way to determining the success of your application. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a special kind of disability. Consulting a qualified SSDI lawyer to help you with your CTS disability application is the best thing to do.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common type of disability amongst people in the United States. The median nerve of the body located in our hands is responsible for the sensitivity and feeling of other parts of the hand.
CTS occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve. Some of the common causes of CTS are putting the hands and wrists in repetitive action, and diseases like lupus or arthritis. Other possible causes of CTS are health challenges or wrist injuries.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke posits that the symptoms of CTS begin slowly and with time, become more unbearable. The following are the symptoms of CTS.
- Tickling and numbness of the palm.
- Weakness of the hands.
- Trouble moving your fingers.
- Trouble picking up objects.
- Trouble clasping and holding on to objects.
- Pain in the hands and your arms, etc.
The doctors must run several tests to successfully diagnose CTS. Most people wear a splint on the wonder wrist as a form of treatment. That works in some cases while some cases of CTS require surgery.
Sadly, one of the consequences of CTS is the inability to continue working. Sometimes, it may result in your total inability to work while in some other cases, you may still be able to work but not like you used to.
The endpoint is that the disability affects your working ability in one way or the other. If you or a loved one find yourselves in such a situation, you can receive SSDI benefits. With the help of an experienced social security disability lawyer, you can get monthly SSDI benefits from the government for your disability.
The Social Security Disability Administration’s Blue Book
The Social Security Disability Administration has a Blue Book where it lists the conditions that will be considered ‘totally and permanently disabled”. One of the first steps to qualifying for the SSDI benefit is to show that your disability falls under the Blue Book listing. Unfortunately, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not expressly listed in the Blue Book. However, this does not eliminate your likelihood of receiving SSDI benefits for CTS.
Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Even without the express listing of CTS in the Blue Book, it is possible to obtain your SSDI benefits for CTS. Several people diagnosed with CTS have received their benefits under the SSDI program. Here is how you can get disability benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Meet a Requirement in the Blue Book
Although CTS is not listed in the blue book, Peripheral Neuropathy is listed. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome involves pressure on the median nerve and can lead to damaged nerves. That can be referred to as “mononeuropathy”. Section 11.14 of the Blue Book provides a listing for damaged nerves.
The section provides conditions that an SSDI application must show to qualify for the benefits. These are not new to an experienced disability lawyer. All you need is the necessary medical evidence to establish it.
Inability to Continue Your Work
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must show that the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has left you disabled and unable to go about your normal activities. The SSA uses the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to examine whether you are physically and mentally able to carry out work. Because CTS can affect your bodily abilities, you may be unable to perform any physical work.
The pain resulting from CTS can also have an impact on your mental ability. In any of these cases, if they prevent you from returning to work, you can receive disability benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI Benefits For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Their Answers
Q: Can I get social security disabilities if I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Ans: Yes, you can. Do well to get in touch with an experienced disability lawyer to help you with the process.
Q: How much disability benefit will I get for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Ans: CTS cases vary and so does the amount of compensation received for it. Speak to a qualified disability lawyer to help assess your case.
Q: Is there government compensation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Ans: Yes, there is. The SSA provides SSDI benefits for people with CTS. You must however apply first. You stand a greater chance of receiving your benefits with the help of a disability lawyer.
