It is possible to get social security disability benefits for this condition if you meet certain social security requirements.
It cannot be stressed enough that when you apply for benefits you should seek the services of a disability lawyer since the application process is complex and confusing. Your attorney will greatly help in guiding and explaining the entire process to you.
Dupuytren’s contracture causes deformities in the hand due to thickening of the tissues resulting in pulling the fingers toward your palm and making it difficult to open fingers. It can occur in one or both hands. Surgery can be performed, but may not improve the condition sufficiently to permit good use of your hands. If you find that you can no longer perform your job duties, then you should consider applying for disability benefits.
It is important to know the one year social security rule which means your impairment(condition) must last at least one year. It may be that at the beginning you may have great difficulty using your hands but with treatment your condition may improve enough so that you would be denied benefits. Another rule is that you must not be employed.
The state disability agency employs doctors and disability specialists who will review your entire medical record and determine whether you are granted or denied disability. The decision depends on the degree of loss of ability to use your hands: that is, the strength in your hands to grasp and hold objects as well as ability to perform fine fingering tasks such as writing, typing, and picking up small objects . over an 8 hour workday. Also, it is important to know if your problem affects one or both hands. Be sure you obtain all your medical records related to your hands. It is important to start early in this process since it can take a considerable time to obtain all records.
The final decision of determing whether you are allowed or denied benefits is somewhat complicated depending on your age and prior work history. Your lawyer can explain this in greater detail. In general, it may be that you are not able to perform your present job, but still would be able to do other jobs. It is important to know that if you have other problems such as a bad knee, shoulder or back you should include this information in your application since these additional problems may increase your chances of success.