Carpal Tunnel and Chicago Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney

Illinois Lawyer Serving Clients with Carpal Tunnel

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pressure on the median nerve of the hand. The median nerve is responsible for both feeling and movement. Feeling and movement are essential to anyone. This is especially true for someone trying to hold down full-time gainful employment. It comes to no surprise then that so many people suffering from carpal tunnel end up applying for Social Security disability benefits.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very prevalent in today’s society. Unlike certain ailments with only one cause, carpal tunnel is so widespread because of the number of different ways someone can end up contracting the condition. Some of the causes of carpal tunnel include:

• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Obesity
• Lupus
• Arthritis
• Hypothyroidism
• Manual labor
• Sports activities
• Driving
• Significant computer use
• Sewing

Some of the more common symptoms of carpal tunnel include:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Shooting pain
• Sharp pain
• Weakness
• Problems with fine finger movement

If you or someone you know suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome and you want to see if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), feel free to fill out our no obligation online free consultation form.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is recognized by Social Security. If carpal tunnel is preventing you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), even if your application has already been denied. When you apply for disability benefits with carpal tunnel syndrome, the Administration will first determine whether the condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found to be medically disabled. If you do not meet a listing, Social Security will then evaluate your residual functional capacity.

Is There A Specific Listing For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The Social Security Administration recognizes carpal tunnel syndrome under Listing of Impairments 11.14: Peripheral Neuropathies. Listing 11.14 can be found on the Social Security Administration website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to know whether you will potentially meet the peripheral neuropathies listing. If you or a family member suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC at 312-999-0999.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you do not meet a listing and carpal tunnel is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits, especially if you suffer from the condition in both hands.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. Social Security will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. To do this, they divide “work” into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her Social Security disability benefits claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for SSI or SSDI disability benefits.

For a free initial case consultation, call us today at 312-999-0999. We serve clients throughout Illinois.