Left Wrist Median Nerve Schwannoma Tumor, Claw Hand, Chronic Pain, Insomnia, Depression – Manicurist, 45 years old

Our client suffered from a “lump” in her left wrist that gradually grew more and more painful over a period of 10 years. A biopsy revealed the lump was a median nerve schwannoma. The tumor was surgically removed and she underwent physical therapy. Despite surgery and physical therapy, the client continued to experience chronic severe pain symptoms. The client underwent another surgery and additional physical therapy, neither of which relieved her pain symptoms. The client began to experience progressively worsening clawing of her left hand. She eventually lost all use of her left hand and arm. She developed insomnia and severe depression and was unable to work.

The client filed an original claim and a request for reconsideration on her own with help from her family. Both claims were denied, Disability Determination Services determined that she was able to perform light duty work. She contacted our office to represent her regarding a hearing request. At the hearing, we argued she did not have the residual functional capacity to perform light duty or sedentary work and the vocational expert agreed, a fully favorable decision was issued by the judge.