Tendonitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons of the forearm. In addition to pain, you may have muscle weakness, numbness, and a limited range of motion in the affected area.

If you have tendonitis, you probably know that typing, gardening, building, or other repetitive movements can result in painful flare-ups. In turn, these flare-ups can significantly reduce your ability to work and care for yourself.

Fortunately, Social Security disability benefits provide financial relief to many people with disabling conditions, including tendonitis. Keep reading to learn more about tendonitis and how to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Can I Work with Tendonitis?

Whether or not you’re able to work with tendonitis will depend on the severity of your condition and the type of work you do.

If your job involves typing or working with your hands, you may be unable to work while you have tendonitis. However, certain accommodations, like changing your seat height, wearing a wrist brace, and improving your posture, can make it possible to continue working.

If your symptoms are worsening while you work or have totally prevented you from working altogether, don’t wait to seek the support you need. Social Security Disability Insurance is in place to help individuals, such as yourself, secure the financial assistance they need.

Is Chronic Tendonitis a Disability?

Unfortunately, chronic tendonitis is not one of the conditions listed in the SSA’s official “Blue Book” of qualifying impairments. However, if your symptoms are severe enough, you may still qualify for benefits.

Although you can not file for tendonitis, you may be able to file for disability under Listing 1.02, which covers the major dysfunction of a joint. To prove joint dysfunction, you’ll need to undergo a residual functional capacity (RFC) test to determine your level of dysfunction in the affected joint.

Qualifying For Benefits with Tendonitis

In order to qualify for disability benefits, you must prove your tendonitis symptoms are serious enough to prevent you from working a full-time job. Your condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months. Thus, your benefits application should include objective medical evidence like medical records, test results, and physical exams.

You will also need to obtain a formal tendonitis diagnosis from your doctor as well as a statement explaining that your tendonitis is directly caused by your job duties.

It’s also important that you seek treatment for your tendonitis before and during the application process. Proof of treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and records of past doctor visits. This proof of continuous treatment will help add credibility to your case.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Unfortunately, applying for benefits can be complex and time-consuming. To make matters worse, mistakes on your application can lead to long processing delays and denied claims.

This is why it’s crucial to have an attorney to help guide you through the application process. Your attorney will take care of everything, from communicating with doctors, social workers, and employers, to filing your application and requests for hearings and reconsideration.

Fortunately, the SSA has fee provisions in place to ensure legal representation is affordable for anyone who needs assistance.

In most cases, you’ll owe nothing upfront until you secure benefits. Once your case is resolved, your attorney’s fees can be paid out directly through your backpay benefits, and these fees will never exceed 25% of your benefits. If you don’t receive benefits, you won’t owe anything.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’re struggling to work while dealing with tendonitis flare-ups, turn to the Social Security disability lawyers at Rebel Brown Law Group.

Our lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience helping people with disabling conditions secure the long-term disability benefits they deserve. We’re the most trusted Social Security attorneys in Camden, NJ.

Reach out today to set up your free case consultation!