SSDI for Neuropathy
Neuropathy as a Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) qualifies neuropathy as a disability when the symptoms are expected to last for at least 12 months or longer and are so severe that they prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity. Neuropathy can also be a symptom of another recognized disability, including diabetes. This nerve damage can be genetic as well, or it may result from injuries, toxic exposures, or infections. Receiving SSDI for neuropathy will require more evidence beyond your diagnosis.
Understanding Neuropathy
Your peripheral nerve system carries signals from other parts of your body to your central nervous system, which includes your brain and spinal cord. Since these nerves run across your body, there are multiple types of peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms you might experience depend on the type or area where the damage occurred. However, common symptoms include the following:
- Weakness or numbness in the affected area of your body
- Pain in the affected area of your body
- Pain while walking if your motor nerves are affected
- Muscle twitches
- Painful cramps
- Pain with light contact when your sensory nerves are damaged
- Digestion, breathing, circulatory, or urination problems if your autonomic nerves are damaged
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition in those who are diagnosed with diabetes. It is also more common as people age. Some of the more common symptoms experienced by those with diabetes include neuropathy in the feet, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness.
Disability Benefits and Peripheral Neuropathy
While it’s possible to get approved for SSDI for neuropathy, you’ll need more than just a diagnosis. The Social Security Administration must receive strong evidence that your condition is so severe that you can’t work and will likely continue for 12 or more months. If you have other conditions together with your neuropathy, you might also qualify for SSDI based on them.
In its Blue Book, the SSA classifies peripheral neuropathy as a neurological disorder. To be approved for SSDI for neuropathy, you will need to submit both medical and non-medical evidence that your condition interferes with your ability to return to work and the activities of daily living.
Some types of evidence you might need to gather include the following:
- Your medical history
- Laboratory tests
- Diagnostic findings
- Imaging tests
- Doctor’s notes
- Nurses’ notes
- Doctor’s expert opinion about the severity of your condition
- Statement from your former employer about how your condition impacts your ability to work
- Statements from others about how your condition affects your ability to engage in routine daily activities
- Evidence that you have followed the prescribed course of treatment, including attending medical appointments and taking prescribed medications
Your attorney will help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim for SSDI. If you have applied and been denied, you have the right to appeal. However, you must ensure you meet the deadline for filing a request for reconsideration. If you miss this deadline, you must restart the application process.
Get Help from an Experienced SSDI Attorney
Do you suffer from peripheral neuropathy that interferes with your ability to work and engage in activities you previously enjoyed? If your condition prevents you from returning to your job or performing any type of work, you might qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Work with an experienced SSDI attorney at Ellis & Associates to increase your chances of recovering benefits. Our attorneys can review your case and help you strengthen your application. And if you’ve been denied, we can help you through the appeals process. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 800-MR-ELLIS or sending us a message online.