Can Peripheral Neuropathy qualify for Social Security disability?

What exactly is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, the nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord and brain from the rest of the body. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes mellitus (a common cause), it is called diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by other metabolic disorders, herpes zoster, HIV, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, cancer (directly or indirectly as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation), immune disorders, or genetic disorders. Whatever the cause, peripheral neuropathy can be a very debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of an individual's life.

Is it possible to get Social Security disability on the basis of neuropathy? Yes, when your neuropathy has been severely limiting, there are a couple of ways you can be approved for Social Security disability on the basis of neuropathy.

First, Social Security has a disability listing for peripheral neuropathies in its disability evaluation handbook. If you meet this Listing, your disability claim will be approved.

11.14 Peripheral neuropathies; with disorganization of motor function as described as significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station, in spite of prescribed treatment.

Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve dysfunction) which occur singly or in various combinations, frequently provides the sole or partial basis for decision in cases of neurological impairment. The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands and arms.

Second, if you don't meet the criteria of the disability listing, you may still be approved for Social Security disability if your peripheral neuropathies severely limit you in other ways. In fact, the majority of claims are approved not by meeting the requirements of a listing but because of symptoms and limitations caused by the neuropathy (see symptoms and limitations). Social Security will examine a claimant's medical history and work history and may conclude that, based on functional limitations, age, education, and work skills, the claimant doesn't possess the ability to return to their past work and can't transition to less demanding work.

Symptoms and limitations of Peripheral Neuropathy

An individual's symptoms depend upon the affected nerves: autonomic, motor, or sensory, and where they are located within the body. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy that involve the motor nerves might include muscle weakness, loss of coordination, or loss of balance. If an individual's neuropathy involves sensory nerve damage, he or she might experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning, sensitivity to touch, or pain.

Neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus affects all peripheral nerves. Diabetic neuropathy symptoms might include numbness and tingling of extremities, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, burning or electric pain sensations, and a variety of other symptoms that can affect nearly every body system.

Limitations caused by peripheral neuropathy include a lessened ability to walk or stand and control muscle movements. In addition, many individuals who suffer from severe peripheral neuropathy injure themselves without knowing it, and this can lead to infections and amputations. Chronic pain is also an issue for many people with peripheral neuropathy, and this can have an effect on their ability to work.

For disability applicants whose peripheral neuropathy has affected their balance, coordination, muscle strength, muscle control, ability to walk or ability to stand effectively, Social Security will likely find them very limited in their ability to work. Whether Social Security will expect them to adjust to less demanding work depends on the skill level of their prior jobs and their age and education.

An Accredited Disability Representative with more than 20 years experience, Diana Wade believes her clientele can be comfortable knowing that she is recognized by SSA and a charter member of NADR. To contact Ms. Wade call (661) 821-0494, email [email protected] or visit http://www.CaliforniaDisability.net.