Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually start gradually and eventually worsen over time, starting with the dominant hand. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. A variety of factors can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, including repetitive or intense hand movements, underlying medical conditions, or even the anatomy of your wrist. There can be no single cause, but several contributing causes. Due to the controversial nature of carpal tunnel syndrome and the fact that it is often difficult to diagnose for specific reasons other than the victim`s word, many employers will likely attempt to deny responsibility for a carpal tunnel syndrome case or even deny that the employee has the condition in the first place. An accident at work occurs in the course of a person`s employment and is specifically caused by the type of work they have to perform in their job. This term can also apply to injuries that occur during working hours or while in the workplace. Since carpal tunnel is not listed, many assume that the SSA does not consider the condition itself to be disabling. However, that doesn`t mean your carpal tunnel injury isn`t severe enough to keep you from working for a living and therefore qualify for Social Security benefits. Insurance companies regularly question the disability diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome. Insurers can convince unsuspecting policyholders. Marc Whitehead & Associates has been working with insurance companies since 1992, and we know what it takes to prove your claim, overturn your rejection and receive your legitimate benefits.
People with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) most often report numbness, tingling and pain in the hand, wrist and forearm, especially at night. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may also experience clumsiness when handling objects, which is usually caused by decreased grip strength. At Bryant Legal Group, we know that carpal tunnel syndrome can put a strain on those who suffer from it. That`s why we approach your disability claim carefully, providing you with the tools you need to avoid pitfalls, communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, and handle unfair denials of claims. In this article, we`ll cover the basics of carpal tunnel syndrome, when you may qualify for short-term disability benefits, and when these short-term benefits can be converted to long-term disability benefits. To confirm your diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will need to perform a series of tests for your medical records. These tests may include a physical examination, nerve conduction study, ultrasound or electromyography (EMG). If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome: The VA will assess your symptoms based on the criteria specified in the VA Disability Assessment Schedule. You will examine the composite image in your case of carpal tunnel syndrome disability, taking into account any potentially applicable diagnostic code. Travis received his J.D. in 2017 from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.A. with honors from the University of Texas in 2014.
Travis has written on many legal topics, from articles that follow every Texas Supreme Court decision to the Virtual Reality Act. In his spare time from the legal world and seeking knowledge, this 3rd degree black belt and certified instructor strives to work with various charities focused on access to entertainment and games for all. The typical recovery period after carpal tunnel surgery is 1 to 3 months, so you are likely to qualify for disability benefits to cover some of that time minus your required wait time. If your doctor recommends carpal tunnel release surgery, your short-term benefits may cover your recovery, depending on your wait time and how much time you can`t work. Short-term disability does not cover all surgeries, so you will need to check your disability policy to see if carpal tunnel syndrome is an eligible condition or if it covers emergency surgery. Other common examples of industries or tasks that lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include: If you are unable to claim workers` compensation through your employer, you can file a civil lawsuit against your employer if they refuse to help you with compensation or other benefits. In some circumstances, you may need to file a complaint with a government agency before you can file a private lawsuit. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a person`s hand or wrist is subjected to repeated stress on a regular basis. Although the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is not necessarily limited to specific industries, CTS is more common among employees performing assembly line work.
In addition, as already mentioned, many employees who work with computers and other typewriters are increasingly suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. “Carpal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpal. Retrieved 12 November 2022. For example, a paralegal would likely not be eligible for workers` compensation if they were jogging every lunch break and suffered a repeated stress injury to his knee. Indeed, this exercise is not a necessary obligation for their professional position. However, if they injure their arm as a result of repetitive records, they may be entitled to compensation from the workers. If you are seeking compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, which is due to a work-related injury caused by repeated stress, you should work with an experienced and local workers` compensation lawyer. If carpal tunnel syndrome prevents you from working, you cannot afford to risk being denied short-term disability benefits. As Chicago`s leading disability firm, Bryant Legal Group is ready to listen to your story and fight for the benefits you deserve. We pride ourselves on achieving fair results for our clients and holding the insurance industry accountable.
Before you have tests to gather objective evidence of your carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis, you should confirm your symptoms with your doctor. Many of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome overlap with other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy. Any disorder that puts pressure on the median nerve in the wrist area can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Common causes include trauma, thyroid disease, arthritis and diabetes, as well as repetitive bending movements of the hands, wrists and fingers over long periods of time. It is likely that you could receive workers` compensation for work-related carpal tunnel syndrome. The U.S. Department of Labor recognized the STC as the “major occupational hazard of the `90s – worker disability on an epidemic scale.” It is important to note that you: Are you a veteran who was denied VA disability benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome? Unfortunately, it is normal to get your application rejected, especially the first time. Once you have received the first rejection from WHO/Europe, you have the right to be represented by a lawyer. Many of those who file disability claims for carpal ducts have other disabling conditions.
More than one disabling condition increases SSA`s assessment of loss of function and may therefore improve disability assessment. If you are disabled due to severe carpal tunnel syndrome and your disability claim has been rejected, you have the right to appeal. If you are considering filing a long-term disability claim, call an experienced disability lawyer for help to avoid potential pitfalls that could lead to a refusal. While many people with carpal tunnel syndrome may be eligible for short-term disability insurance, those whose symptoms last much longer than average can also apply for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. For those who have had debilitating symptoms for more than six months, LTD benefits can provide 50 to 60 percent of your income for 24 months until retirement age.