Suffering from pain from carpal tunnel syndrome? If so, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if your pain prevents you from working. Pond Lehocky Disability can help. Our team of carpal tunnel syndrome Social Security disability lawyers have years of experience helping people get the benefits they need when they are unable to continue working.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? (22,200)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common hand/wrist-related injury. This syndrome involves pressure placed on the median nerve that is located in the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel houses this nerve and runs down the middle of the forearm and wrist on the palm side of the hand.

Over time, carpal tunnel syndrome usually gets worse, not better. Symptoms may start with moderate tingling sensations in the fingers and hands and progress into pain in the wrists.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can become debilitating and make it impossible for a person to continue work functions like typing. In severe cases, a person may lose the ability to use their hands without pain.

How Do You Prove You Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you have carpal tunnel syndrome and are unable to work, you’ll need to be able to prove you have this condition. There are several ways to prove you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

1. Physical examination. An orthopedic healthcare provider may be the best person to diagnose you with carpal tunnel syndrome. Through a series of physical movement tests, they will determine if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or if you have a different impairment.
2. Lab tests. Routine lab tests can check for conditions like diabetes, which may explain nerve pain. X-rays can also rule out whether or not your condition is caused by arthritis and not carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Nerve studies. In some cases, nerve studies may be performed to test the median nerve’s function and to detect whether or not it is inflamed.

You’ll need these examinations along with any other requested exams or tests required by your employers or the Social Security Administration. You may need to be seen by a different doctor if your employer requests it.

You’ll need to keep copies of your medical records and provide copies to the Social Security Administration to prove you have carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be difficult to prove that you have carpal tunnel syndrome and that the injury was related to your work.

How Do You Prove Your Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Work-Related?

Although carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common reasons for workers’ compensation claims, it can be difficult to prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related. In addition to proving that you have carpal tunnel syndrome and that you have a job that requires intensive hand/wrist movement, you’ll have to rule out other factors that can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome like:

• A family history of hand and wrist problems. If one or more of your relatives has carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have a genetically smaller carpal tunnel, which has led to your carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Gender. Unfortunately, gender plays a role in who will get carpal tunnel syndrome. Because women have smaller carpal tunnels than men, they are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Health conditions that lead to nerve pain. If you have an underlying health condition like type 2 diabetes, previous injuries to the hand and/or wrist, or obesity, your carpal tunnel syndrome could be blamed on these conditions.
• Arthritis. If it is determined that you have arthritis, you could have a harder time proving that your carpal tunnel syndrome is due to your occupation and not your arthritis. Arthritis affects the joints and may cause pressure on the carpal tunnel, which could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

For these reasons, it is essential to have an experienced Social Security disability attorney to help you establish your injury and prove that your carpal tunnel syndrome is work-related.

Is Carpal Tunnel a Disability for Social Security Disability? (40)

Yes, if your carpal tunnel syndrome prevents you from working full time, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Most of the time, carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms alone do not meet the qualifications for social security disability. However, if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working full time, or if they lead to other nerve-pain-related conditions, like peripheral neuropathy, you may be considered for disability benefits.

How Can a Lawyer Help with Your Carpal Tunnel Disability Claim?

Just because you report an injury and file a disability claim with your employer does not guarantee you’ll be awarded benefits. In many cases, disability is denied. Having a Social Security disability lawyer can:

• Ensure that your paperwork is filed timely and correctly to help you avoid delays and denials due to clerical errors.
• Gather evidence to support your case. Your attorney will meet with your medical team, obtain expert reports, and help you build your case for your claim.
• Negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
• Handle the appeals process and represent you in court if necessary.

Pond Lehocky Disability is acutely familiar with Social Security Disability claims and can offer assistance to anyone seeking compensation for their carpal tunnel disability claim. We handle disability claims for all types of injuries and understand the nuances of how to prove an injury is real and qualifies for benefits. We will put our knowledge to use fighting for your right to claim the compensation you need to take care of yourself.

What Should You Do if Your Insurance Company Offers a Settlement?

Not all people with carpal tunnel syndrome will receive a settlement offer. If your carpal tunnel syndrome becomes chronic, or if it is deemed that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). Whether or not you should accept a settlement depends on your case.

Discussing your case with a qualified attorney can give you insight into whether or not it’s a good idea to accept a settlement offer or move forward in another direction.

Let a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help with Your Carpal Tunnel Claim

Our legal team is dedicated to securing the maximum financial recovery for your medical costs, pain, and emotional distress. With over 250 years of combined experience and a track record of more than 100,000 victories, we have the knowledge and resources to take on even the toughest cases. Take the first step today—call 1-800-568-5700 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.