Repetitive Stress Injuries Can Affect Your Ability to Work and Qualify You for SSDI Benefits

 Posted on November 04, 2022 in Social Security Disability

When most people think about health conditions for which Social Security Disability benefits might be available, they often envision life-changing conditions such as cancer, auto-immune diseases, and severe, obvious injuries. In reality, however, nearly any condition that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment could potentially make you eligible for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. This includes repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and more.

Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) are a type of condition that is caused by performing the same motions over and over again. This can happen at work if you have a job that requires you to perform the same task day in and day out. It can also occur during leisure activities, such as playing a musical instrument or participating in a sport.

These injuries generally affect muscles, tendons, or nerves and can lead to pain, inflammation, and even numbness or tingling. In some cases, RSIs can be so severe that they cause permanent damage. While RSIs can occur in any part of the body, they are most commonly seen in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most well-known RSIs. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. Such compression can happen when the tissues surrounding the nerve become swollen or inflamed.

RSIs and Social Security Disability

RSIs can make it difficult or even impossible to perform the tasks required by your job. For instance, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may not be able to type or use a computer for extended periods of time without pain. If you have a job that requires you to do these things, you may find it necessary to reduce your hours or take time off from work altogether.

In some cases, RSIs can be effectively treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, in other cases, surgery may be necessary. In either case, it is likely that you will need to take some time off from work to recover. This can make it difficult to maintain gainful employment and support yourself and your family.

If you have a RSI that is preventing you from working, you may be eligible for SSDI benefits. To qualify for benefits, you must be able to show that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). Additionally, you must have a work history that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) requirements. If you think you may be eligible for SSDI benefits, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the claims process.

Work With a Dallas SSDI Benefits Attorney

To get help with applying for Social Security disability benefits for a repetitive stress injury, contact a Texas disability lawyer at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd today. Call 972-671-9922 for a free case evaluation with a member of our experienced and compassionate team. Let us provide the assistance you need in getting the benefits you deserve.

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury