Can I get disability benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, you can get disability for carpal tunnel if it's severe enough to prevent you from working for at least one year, although it's challenging because it's not on the official list of impairments. To qualify, you must provide medical evidence of the condition's severity, show how it limits your daily life and work, and demonstrate that it prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. You can also be approved if your carpal tunnel is a symptom of another disabling condition, or if you meet the criteria for a medical-vocational allowance.
How to qualify for disability
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Meet SSA guidelines:
Your condition must meet the criteria for a listed impairment or you must show how it prevents you from working.
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Provide medical evidence:
Submit documented symptoms, clinical findings, and results from tests like an electromyogram (EMG) or nerve conduction study (NCV).
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Assess your residual functional capacity (RFC):
This is a measure of how much you can do physically, including lifting, standing, and walking, and must be documented by your doctor.
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Provide details of your work history:
You will need to provide information about your past jobs, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine if you can perform any of them with your current limitations.
Other considerations
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It's often considered a symptom:
If carpal tunnel is caused by another condition like diabetes or lupus, the SSA will evaluate the underlying disease, which may qualify you for benefits.
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The process can be difficult, and many initial applications are denied. An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate the process and build a stronger case.
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Consider private disability insurance:
If you have private long-term disability insurance, the company will assess your claim based on similar factors, such as the severity of your symptoms and their impact on your ability to perform your job.