Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Social Security Disability Insurance – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is among the long list of conditions that can qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has become a much bigger issue in recent decades due to the expanded use of computers and keyboards, among other reasons.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused when the median nerve which provides feeling to parts of the hand, is pressured.

The most common causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are repetitive motions of the hand and wrist.

Diseases like arthritis and Lupus can also cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can include numbness, tingling in the thumb, weakness in the hand, and difficulty moving the fingers.

There are effective treatments that can alleviate effects of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, including surgery, but sometimes the symptoms persist even after treatment.  Applications for benefits for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are often denied initially but have been approved by applicants on appeal.

Obtaining SSDI for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is difficult to obtain because in general peripheral neuropathy is what the syndrome is classified as and has more challenging requirements to prove.  There are multiple ways to prove Carpal Tunnel Syndrome including: thumb strength test, Phalen’s test, and a nerve conduction study.