Neuropathy is a serious medical condition that may limit your ability to walk, bend and perform other essential daily activities. It affects your quality of life, including the ability to work and earn a living.
You may qualify for neuropathy disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but it is not an easy process. The vast majority of people submitting applications are denied disability benefits upon initial review. However, neuropathy disability benefits lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC, gives you the ability to challenge a denial of claim through the disability appeals process.
Neuropathy refers to one or more health conditions causing damage to nerves. It usually affects the extremities and is frequently referred to as peripheral neuropathy, although it can affect nerves in other parts of the body. Symptoms may include:
Depending on the nerves that are affected, neuropathy may also cause impairment to sexual function and impair your ability to urinate.
Severe neuropathy, particularly peripheral neuropathy affecting your arms, hands, legs, and feet may prevent you from performing activities that are a normal part of your job. For example, if your job requires standing, lifting, and walking, a neuropathy disability may prevent you from performing them and other activities.
Even if you work at what may be classified as a sedentary job that involves long periods of sitting and typing at a keyboard, you may be unable to do the types of activities that your job requires if you suffer from peripheral neuropathy. If you suffer from neuropathy, see your doctor for an examination, nerve testing, and diagnosis of the condition.
You can qualify for neuropathy disability benefits with a medical condition that matches one found in the Listing of Impairments. The Social Security Administration maintains a listing of medical and mental health conditions along with qualifying criteria for each one. For example, neuropathy associated with diabetes is a listed impairment in section 9.00.B.5, and peripheral neuropathy is listed in section 11.14.
If your medical condition matches or equals a listed impairment, it is considered as being severe enough for you to meet the disability definition that Social Security uses in determining whether you are eligible for SSI or SSDI benefits. However, not matching or equaling the criteria of a listed impairment does not mean that you cannot qualify for benefits.
A neuropathy disability may qualify for disability benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. Using your medical records, work history, and other evidence to document the physical limitations imposed by your neuropathy disability, your neuropathy disability benefits lawyer can appeal a denial of your claim by showing that you cannot do the type of work you did in the past, and your disability prevents you from doing other types of jobs.
Learn more about neuropathy disability benefits by contacting Disability Partners, PLLC, today. A consultation with a neuropathy disability lawyer provides you with advice about how to pursue and win your claim for benefits.