Disability insurance companies don’t always make it easy for policyholders who have carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to get the disability benefits they deserve.
The Common Reasons Disability Carriers Deny Carpal Tunnel Disability Claims
Many claims are denied because the disability insurance company says:
(1) There is no objective basis of the CTS diagnosis,
(2) There is no objective basis for the restrictions and limitations assigned by your physician, or
(3) There is no causal relationship between your CTS diagnosis and/or your restrictions and limitations, and your inability to do your own or any occupation.
Nancy Cavey, who has 35 years experience handling disability cases, has successfully represented many policyholders with CTS. She overcomes a claims denial by working closely with you and your physician.
She offers a free initial consultation and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your disability claim.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The median nerve in the wrist allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is excess pressure on the median nerve. CTS can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness and even muscle damage to the hand and fingers.
It can result from repetitive or strained hand movement, often from working on a computer, or working with instruments, like dental equipment. CTS also can be caused by vibration.
Other conditions that can cause CTS include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorder, menopause and even pregnancy.
What Are The Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
CTS can cause pain, numbness and tingling that prevents you from doing any activity with your hands. You may be unable to:
- Lift or grip without dropping something light as a coffee cup;
- Pick up something small as a penny;
- Unbutton a button; and
- Type.
The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person, and differs depending on the activity performed.
How Do I Get The Disability Insurance Benefits I Deserve?
CTS can make it difficult, if not impossible, to do things around your home and work. If you no longer can work or your doctor has told you to apply for disability, before you apply for benefits, you should:
- Obtain a copy of your disability policy. See how it defines “disability,” “occupation” and “self-reported conditions.” You’ll need to understand what you have to prove to get your benefits because of CTS.
Your policy can include a self-reported limitation. It limits how long you can get benefits that result from self-reported symptoms, including tingling, numbness, pain, weakness and wrist fatigue.
It’s not uncommon for those with CTS to have anxiety and depression. The policy might include a mental nervous condition clause that limits benefits to 24 months. You’ll want to know what’s in your policy before you apply for benefits.
- Obtain a copy of your medical records. Review them to see if there is an objective basis for your diagnosis, what your records say about your report of symptoms and your restrictions and limitations.
For objective proof of the diagnosis, the carrier will want results of an EMG/Nerve conduction study or other rule-out studies.
- Obtain a copy of your personnel file to see whether your CTS has affected your work performance.
- Obtain a copy of your job description. Create your own description of your physical duties with an explanation of how your symptoms impact your ability to do your occupation.
- Provide your doctor with the occupational description. Ask your doctor to prepare a report that explains the objective basis for your diagnosis, the objective basis of your restrictions and limitations, and the objective reasons you can’t perform some or all of the material and substantial duties of your occupation.
- Prepare a diary that explains your symptoms and the side effects of medication you are taking. Be sure to give examples of how your symptoms interfere with your ability to do things on a daily basis.
- Hire Nancy Cavey to help you file your initial application. The application process is confusing and designed so you and your physician make mistakes that can result in a delay or even a denial of your benefits. Ms. Cavey knows how to prepare and file a winning shock and awe disability application that leaves the carrier little reason to question your claim.
- Hire Nancy Cavey to help you appeal a wrongful denial or termination of your disability benefits. Disability carriers are in the business of collecting premiums and not paying disability benefits for CTS. They’ll use any reason to deny your claim. The odds of getting your benefits on appeal are greater when you are represented by an experienced ERISA/private ID policy disability attorney.
Contact Disability Attorney Nancy L. Cavey, Who Can Help You Regardless of Where You Live
CTS can make it difficult, if not impossible, to work. You owe it to yourself and your family to get help today! Nancy Cavey can review your policy and your medical records, and explain to you what your policy says and how to get your disability benefits. Call today for a free consultation at 727-894-3188.