We met with Ken and analyzed his prior decisions and evidence, which allowed us to formulate a new plan that would award Ken benefits. Ken testified at his Social Security Disability hearing that he had not worked for many years because of his severe disabilities.
Ken stated that his debilitating bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, and anxiety made “every day living impossible.” Ken reported that he had already had two surgeries on each of his hands for his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, but they “didn’t take.” Ken told the Administrative Law Judge that he is now forced to live with his son because he is no longer able to fix his own meals, do basic household chores, or drive. Lastly, Ken said that his decline in functioning has caused him serious depression. At the conclusion of Ken’s testimony, the Administrative Law Judge asked the vocational expert, who was also present at the hearing, if someone with Ken’s severe hand limitations could perform any jobs in the national economy.
The vocational expert testified that Ken’s inability to use both hands more than just occasionally made working full-time improbable. The Administrative Law Judge, in his decision, concurred with the vocational expert.
The Administrative Law Judge found that Ken’s testimony, along with the medical records and physician opinion obtained by our office from the Oregon Medical Group of Eugene, was compelling in Ken’s favor. The Administrative Law Judge approved Ken’s case.