Sacramento Carpal Tunnel and Disability Attorney
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition characterized by hand and wrist pain resulting from repetitive movements, such as typing. CTS can significantly hinder one’s ability to work, causing discomfort and making various work settings challenging or even impossible to handle. If you have been diagnosed with CTS, rendering you unable to work, Attorney Jon Sipes can potentially assist you in securing Social Security Disability benefits. With his expertise in aiding individuals from South Texas who suffer from disabling conditions that permanently impact their work capacity, Jon Sipes has successfully represented numerous clients affected by carpal tunnel, ensuring they receive the financial benefits they are entitled to under the law.
“It is crucial to emphasize the importance of obtaining a hand/grip test conducted by your treating physician if you have CTS or any other hand or wrist impairment. This test assesses the strength and functional level, or lack thereof, of the impaired hand(s), providing valuable evidence for your disability claim.”
What Are Social Security Benefits?
There are two main types of Social Security benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits are designed to support individuals who are unable to work due to long-term conditions.
The eligibility for SSDI or SSI depends on your work history and payment of Social Security taxes. To qualify for SSDI, a formula takes into account factors such as your age, number of years worked, and payroll taxes paid. Generally, you need to have worked for a portion of the last ten years to meet SSDI eligibility requirements.
SSDI payments are based on the amount of Social Security payroll taxes you have paid throughout your employment history. On the other hand, the amount of SSI payments is determined by Congress. As a result, SSDI payments are typically higher than SSI payments on a monthly basis.
If you are not eligible for SSDI, you may still qualify for SSI. SSI is a need-based program that provides assistance to the elderly, the blind, and individuals with other disabilities.
Another distinction between the two programs relates to health insurance coverage. Individuals approved for SSDI must wait for two years to become eligible for Medicare. In contrast, individuals approved for SSI can receive Medicaid benefits immediately.
Who Is Entitled to Social Security Benefits?
To qualify for either SSDI or SSI benefits, individuals must undergo the application process with the Social Security Administration (SSA). As a federal agency responsible for administering disability benefits, the SSA carefully evaluates applications to determine if the applicant has a severe, long-term medical condition that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
In addition, the applicant’s medical condition must hinder them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). SGA refers to work that generates income exceeding a specified threshold. In 2020, SGA was defined as work resulting in earnings of more than $1,260 per month. It’s important to note that this amount is subject to annual adjustments.
Disabilities can arise from physical injuries, chronic medical conditions, or mental illnesses. The SSA assesses whether a disability significantly impairs an individual’s ability to work, warranting eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits. When submitting an application, it’s crucial to provide factual evidence that supports the presence of a disabling condition.
What is CTS?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when pressure is exerted on the main nerve in the wrist, leading to inflammation and swelling. This compressed nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the hand. Individuals with CTS commonly experience symptoms such as hand weakness, numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers, difficulty in finger movements, challenges with carrying objects, and pain in the arm, wrist, and hand.
CTS can stem from various factors and is not caused by a single issue. One common cause is a wrist fracture that alters the internal spacing, resulting in nerve compression. Additionally, conditions like arthritis, chronic illnesses, and inflammation can contribute to CTS. Repetitive actions, such as typing, using a mouse, or operating machinery, are also common triggers for CTS as they lead to wrist swelling.
Treatment for CTS depends on its severity and may involve wearing a splint, taking pain medication, engaging in hand and wrist exercises or stretching, or, in severe cases, undergoing surgery. It’s important to note that while treatments can alleviate symptoms, they may not completely eliminate them. For example, surgery to remove nerve protrusion may alleviate pain, but numbness, tingling, and weakness might persist post-surgery.
How Is CTS Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) involves a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes a thorough examination of symptoms, physical observations, and specialized medical tests like electromyography and, occasionally, imaging. It’s crucial to note that receiving a diagnosis of CTS does not automatically qualify an applicant as disabled. To establish disability, applicants must demonstrate that CTS significantly impairs their ability to perform work-related tasks.
Is Carpal Tunnel a Disability?
CTS, in and of itself, is not classified as a standalone disability by the Social Security Administration. Instead, it is often regarded as a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, since CTS is caused by nerve damage, individuals with CTS may also have peripheral neuropathy, which is recognized as a disability.
Furthermore, CTS can be a manifestation of other illnesses that impede an individual’s capacity to work, such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or kidney failure. If an applicant has one of these associated diseases along with CTS, they may be eligible to seek disability benefits based on the specific disease and its associated symptoms.
How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate Disability Claims Based on CTS?
In order to determine if an applicant has a disability, the Social Security Administration requires proof that the individual is unable to work. Simply describing the pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness associated with CTS is typically insufficient to establish an inability to work.
To assess an applicant’s ability to work, the Social Security Administration utilizes a tool called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This assessment measures the maximum level of activity an applicant can perform despite any physical or mental impairments. The RFC evaluation takes into account various pieces of evidence, including medical records, medical examinations, and the applicant’s own statements regarding their pain and limitations caused by CTS.
The RFC assessment examines the applicant’s physical abilities, mental abilities, and other abilities affected by their impairment, such as sensory functions. When it comes to CTS symptoms, disability evaluations typically focus on the applicant’s physical capabilities. The assessment considers the applicant’s capacity to perform work-related activities like sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and other physical functions, taking into account their specific physical limitations.
During the evaluation process, the Social Security Administration will compare the applicant’s physical limitations with the physical demands of various jobs. For instance, a job that involves repetitive pushing and pulling of heavy objects or the operation of manufacturing machinery may present significant challenges or be impossible for someone with CTS to perform on a daily basis.
What Happens if a Disability Claim Is Denied with Carpal Tunnel?
In the event that a disability claim based on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is denied by the Social Security Administration, the applicant has the option to appeal the decision before an Administrative Law Judge. During the appeal process, the applicant must present a strong case demonstrating that they are indeed disabled due to CTS. Seeking the guidance of a skilled disability attorney can greatly enhance the chances of success in appealing an initial denial of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. An experienced attorney can provide valuable support and expertise to help applicants navigate the appeals process and effectively advocate for their disability claim.
Discuss Your Claim for a Carpal Tunnel Based Disability with a Sacramento Social Security Attorney
CTS can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to work; however, proving the associated pain can be challenging. The Social Security Administration often exhibits skepticism regarding the impairment caused by CTS alone and frequently denies disability claims based on this condition. Attorney Jon Sipes has successfully assisted numerous disability applicants in overcoming initial denials of SSDI or SSI benefits by constructing compelling cases that accurately establish their inability to work. With a deep understanding of the complex eligibility criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration, Jon Sipes is prepared to support applicants in the Sacramento area in securing their rightful disability benefits. Contact Jon Sipes, Attorney at Law, today for expert assistance.
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