Get Social Security Disability & SSI: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Winning Your Case
All that is necessary to win a carpal tunnel syndrome Social Security disability and SSI benefits case is to satisfy two Social Security criteria:
Satisfying the disability criteria requires -
- You know how Social Security evaluates carpal tunnel syndrome (addressed on this page);
- You have disabling Functional Limitations (addressed on the next page); and
- You Submit Winning Evidence (addressed on the next, next page).
Know To Win
- Non-Medical Criteria
- Disability Criteria
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Functional Limitations
- Submit Winning Evidence
Social Security's Mindset - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Medical Proof
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition that occurs when the tissues surrounding the flexor tendons swell putting pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the arm. Symptoms include -
- Pain;
- Numbness;
- Tingling sensation; and
- Reduced range of motion, reaching, handling, and fine manipulation.
There are two ways to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The best diagnosis is one made by EMG or nerve conduction testing (pad or needle type is sufficient). It is also common that a diagnosis is made by a doctor based on clinical evaluation - observation of your symptoms. However, this type of diagnosis is rarely sufficient to prove carpal tunnel syndrome.
Social Security will be concerned with your treatment which includes pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, corticosteroids (Prednisone), and in severe cases, a carpal tunnel release (the transverse carpal ligament is cut alleviating the pressure on the median nerve tendons). If you do not take medications, it will be difficult to prove to Social Security you have significant symptoms. If you have surgery and it is unsuccessful, it is very strong evidence you have very significant symptoms.
How To Prove Disability With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
First, you must have EMG or nerve conduction testing, and it must show marked or severe findings. Second, there is no Social Security listing for carpal tunnel syndrome, so you can only be found disabled by satisfying a Grid Rule. Third, once you show marked or severe carpal tunnel syndrome limitations, satisfying the Grid Rules depends primarily on your age and secondarily on your work history. If you are under age 50, you must show your bilateral upper extremity use is limited to about 15% or less; one upper extremity is not sufficient. If you are over age 50, the evaluation is more complicated, but you must show your carpal tunnel syndrome keeps you from doing your past work and other work. This issue is discussed in more detail on the next page about functional limitations.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Social Security & SSI Listings
There is no Social Security and SSI listing for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Do you suffer another medical condition? If so, visit our Site Menu-Home page to find that review. You may have another way to prove disability.
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