Carpal tunnel syndrome can be extremely painful and limit your ability to work and perform daily tasks. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, our Social Security Disability lawyers help workers in the greater New York City area understand their rights and options for obtaining SSDI benefits and workers’ compensation.
Here, we explain how you may be able to get disability for carpal tunnel syndrome and what’s involved in qualifying.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist within a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. CTS can cause pain in the hand, wrist, and up to the shoulder. Common symptoms of carpal tunnel include:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, hands, and arms
- Weakness when gripping objects
- Pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm, which may radiate up the arm toward the shoulder
- Burning or itchy palms
- Reduced fine motor skills
- Fingers that feel swollen
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome develop over time and may flare up at night. Repetitive hand motion, wrist position, and underlying health conditions can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Because women have smaller carpal tunnels than men, they are more likely to develop CTS.
Many jobs can cause repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome. IT workers, hairstylists, assembly line workers, construction workers, and administrative professionals are just a few examples of workers who may suffer from the debilitating symptoms of CTS and other repetitive stress injuries.
Can I Get Disability for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Although it’s possible to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it can be challenging to obtain benefits. To qualify for SSDI, your condition must meet the eligibility criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 continuous months. You also must have the required amount of work credits to get disability for carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is no specific listing for carpal tunnel syndrome in SSA’s Blue Book of qualifying disabilities. However, you may be approved if your CTS meets the SSA criteria of a listed condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions that cause inflammation in the joints.
The SSA evaluates disabilities based on medical evidence, work history, and your ability to perform work-related activities. It’s vital to gather information that clearly documents your condition, such as diagnoses from health care professionals, test results, and other relevant medical records to support your SSDI claim.
Providing specific details about how your carpal tunnel syndrome affects your ability to work also is essential to strengthen your case. Completing a Social Security Disability application can be daunting and overwhelming. Having an experienced SSDI lawyer in your corner can help take some of the weight off your shoulders.
If you’re thinking of submitting an SSDI application due to carpal tunnel, seeking the counsel of a Social Security Disability attorney beforehand can give you a better idea of how much SSDI payments may be, what’s involved in the application process, and whether you meet eligibility requirements.
SSDI Denials and Appeals
Most Social Security Disability claims for carpal tunnel syndrome are initially denied. However, an experienced SSDI lawyer can help you appeal the decision and give you a better chance of obtaining Social Security Disability benefits.
Carpal Tunnel and Workers’ Compensation in New York
Another way you may be able to receive financial assistance if you’re unable to work due to CTS is to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. However, because carpal tunnel syndrome can be a result of common activities you may perform outside of work, proving it was caused by your job duties can be challenging. If you’re considering filing a claim for CTS with your New York City area employer, a workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you on the best way to approach your claim.
Contact Our SSDI Lawyers in the Greater NYC Area
At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP, we’re committed to helping injured workers in Staten Island and throughout the greater New York City area get the SSDI and workers’ compensation benefits they need. To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome and Social Security Disability benefits, call us at 718-273-9000 or contact us to schedule a free consultation with an SSDI lawyer in New York. Attorney and partner Rolando Cubela is proud to offer legal representation to our Spanish-speaking clients.
