Injuries and problems with your hands severely limit your ability to perform many jobs.
Social Security Vocational consultants will testify that are only very few sit down jobs that will allow you to work with only occasional use of your hands for handling and fingering. There may be a few more jobs in the light category that require only occasional handling and fingering.
This is important in Social Security Disability cases because if you can prove that you are limited to occasional handling and fingering and there are no jobs or very limited jobs available, then you will be found disabled.
The important aspect of these cases is being able to prove you are severely restricted in the use of your hands.
It helps to have xrays of your hands showing advanced arthritis.
It also helps to have an EMG/NCV test showing severe neuropathy or carpal tunnel syndrome that is not operable.
Any type of diagnostic testing that explains why your hands are burning, numb, tingling, or crippled will help you.
Sometimes you can get functional testing of your hands to detail the limits of grasping, handling and fingering.
Your doctor may also examine your hands and describe their findings and come up with her opinion regarding your limitations.
Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May with Williams and Swee at 309-827-4371.