Depending on the extent of damage to the nerve, it can heal on its own or become permanent, even with treatment. If you suffer from a condition that causes nerve damage that is so severe that it impacts your ability to work for at least a year, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
Dayes Law Firm is here to help you with your disability claim. We know what it takes to gather the medical documentation needed to increase your chances of approval. If your claim has been denied, we are also prepared to guide you through the appeals process. An initial consultation with a member of our legal team is free and confidential. We also charge no upfront fees if you decide to move forward.
Main Nerves of the Upper Limbs
When people suffer from nerve damage, it is often accompanied by extreme pain and an inability to perform basic everyday tasks. The arms are made up of a network of nerves that extend from the shoulder down to the fingers. These nerves control movement and sensations. An injury to any nerve can impact the ability to bend the elbow, raise your arm or use your hands and fingers to pick up items.
The main nerves that supply the upper limbs of the body include:
- Axillary nerve – Provides movement and sensation in the shoulder and helps raise the arm
- Median nerve – Main nerve in the forearm responsible for sensation and feeling in the hands
- Musculocutaneous nerve – Provides sensation in the forearm and helps bend the elbow
- Radial nerve – Provides sensation to the back of the hand and thumb, and bending and flexibility of the elbow, fingers and wrist
- Ulnar nerve – One of the arm’s major nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the hands and fingers, and flexibility of the wrist
Nerve Injuries in the Hands and Wrists
Injury to a nerve can happen due to an accident or trauma or as the result of strain or repetitive motion over time. Since the nerves are responsible for carrying signals to and from the brain, a damaged nerve can impair movement and sensation throughout the body, including in the hands and wrists.
Two conditions that cause injury to the nerves in these areas include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand. It happens when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, can aggravate the median nerve in the wrist and cause it to become inflamed.
Other symptoms may include pain in the hand and wrist, a burning sensation in the middle and index fingers and numbness in the thumb and finger. Although this condition is not actually in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) list of impairments, you may quality under listing 11.4 for peripheral neuropathy.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition involving pressure on the ulnar nerve, which controls muscle movements in the hands. It can cause numbness and loss of coordination in the fingers and hand weakness. Since this condition can sometimes be corrected and treated, getting approved for disability benefits will be difficult without other underlying conditions.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nerves help control movement and feeling throughout the body and also send sensory information to the central nervous system. When these nerves are damaged, it can cause weakness, numbness and pain, most often in the hands and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of different conditions. Diabetes is the most common, but it can also happen due to traumatic injuries, infections or exposure to toxins. In many cases, symptoms may improve if it is caused by a treatable condition.
To Receive Disability for Nerve Damage
If nerve damage has impacted your ability to work or carry out daily tasks, you may quality for disability. A Phoenix-based Social Security Disability lawyer from our firm is prepared to help you fulfill the criteria of a listing in the SSA’s blue book or gather enough evidence to show the severity of your nerve damage.
Medical Tests Must Reflect Diagnosis
All of your motor function or nerve tests must adequately reflect your current diagnosis to help show the SSA that you are in need of disability benefits. A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can help assess nerve damage while an electromyography (EMG) test can help check the health of your nerves.
An RFC Assessment from Treating Doctor
It is also important for the SSA to understand your ability to perform normal daily functions. A residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment completed by your treating doctor will be able to show how well you can complete common tasks, such as lifting, reaching, pulling and grasping items. The lower your scores on a RFC assessment, the more likely you may obtain disability payments for your nerve damage.
Our Firm Offers Free Case Reviews
Let our lawyers at Dayes Law Firm help you get the benefits you need. A free case review will allow us assess your claim. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the claims or appeals process. Contact our firm anytime, day or night. We charge nothing up front for our services.
No obligations involved. Call us toll free at 1-800-503-2000.