Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition characterized by pressure on a nerve in the wrist that is caused by swelling. This condition is caused by repetitive motions of the hands and wrists, such as typing. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by injuries to the wrist or by diseases like lupus or arthritis. Sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome who are unable to work due to this condition may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms
Common carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Weakness in the hand
- Tingling in the fingers
- Difficulty moving the fingers
- Difficulty carrying or gripping items
- Pain in the arm, hand, and wrist
Applying for Social Security disability benefit
In order to obtain Social Security disability benefits, you must do one of the following:
- Demonstrate that you meet the criteria of one of Social Security’s impairment listings.
- Demonstrate that your symptoms are substantially equal to the criteria in one of the impairment listings.
- Demonstrate that you are unable to work due to your condition.
Meeting an impairment listing
Although there is no impairment listing for carpal tunnel syndrome, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if you meet an alternative impairment listing or can demonstrate that your symptoms are substantially equal to the criteria in an impairment listing. For example, as a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may meet the requirements for the listing of peripheral neuropathy. In addition, your condition may qualify under the soft tissue injury listing. Alternatively, carpal tunnel is sometimes a symptom of a disease that has an impairment listing.
Evidence required
A diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is the first type of evidence necessary to obtain Social Security disability benefits. Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome involves the following elements:
- Classic symptoms
- Physical findings
- Abnormal test results
However, a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome alone is not enough to obtain Social Security disability benefits. In addition, you must prove that you are unable to work. Tests such as dexterity tests and grip strength tests can be helpful in demonstrating a decrease in your abilities to effectively use your fingers and hands.
Contact Our El Paso SSDI and SSI Attorney
If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you should contact a Texas SSDI and SSI attorney for assistance. When you choose attorney Jon Sipes to handle your SSDI or SSI claim for carpal tunnel syndrome, he will walk you through the Social Security disability benefits application process and do everything in his power to ensure that your Social Security disability benefits claim is a success. Jon Sipes regularly helps people in Texas obtain SSDI and SSI, and he understands what it takes to obtain benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome under the SSDI and SSI programs. If you’re ready to get started, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.