Get Social Security Disability & SSI: Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Winning Your Case

You can win a cubital tunnel syndrome case if you satisfy two criteria. First, Non-Medical Criteria. Second, Disability Criteria.

Satisfying the disability criteria entails that –

1. You know how Social Security reviews your cubital tunnel syndrome case (we go over that here),
2. You have disabling Functional Limitations (we go over that on the next page), and
3. You Submit Winning Evidence (we go over that after we go over functional limitations).

Your Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Disability And Medical Evidence

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a somewhat rare Social Security & SSI disability case. It is a nerve condition that occurs when there is abnormal pressure on, or stretching of, the ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel of the arm (elbow). You will need to submit to Social Security at least three aspects of your medical evidence.

First, you need to submit your medical records to provide evidence of your diagnosis which is made by EMG or nerve conduction tests.

Second, Social Security will review your medical records to read about the following symptoms and limitations:

1. Pain;
2. Numbness;
3. Tingling sensations; and
4. Reduced ability to reach, handle, and perform fine manipulation.

Third, Social Security will also expect to read in your medical records your treatment which is commonly pain medications; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen, muscle relaxers; and corticosteroids (Prednisone). Physical therapy is commonly prescribed.

You may have had a surgery which is a significant indicator to Social Security that you suffer a severe impairment. There are three surgeries that can be performed for cubital tunnel syndrome:

1. Ulnar nerve decompression wherein the ulnar nerve pressure is relieved in one of three ways –
   • Cutting a band of tissue at the elbow creating space for the ulnar nerve,
   • The ulnar nerve is moved, or
   • Removing part of the bone creating more space for the ulnar nerve;
2. Ulnar nerve transposition wherein a new tunnel is made for the ulnar nerve; or
3. Medial epicondylectomy wherein a wider tunnel is made for the ulnar nerve by removing part of the medial epicondyle which is a bony outgrowth on the inner side of the elbow.

There is no listing for cubital tunnel syndrome.