Peripheral neuropathy can severely limit mobility and other physical activities. This makes it very difficult or impossible to be independent, which makes it tough to hold down a job and support yourself. However, if your condition meets certain criteria, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Below, learn more about peripheral neuropathy and qualifying for disability benefits due to your condition. Our Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyers can assist you throughout the Social Security Disability claims process. Contact us today and schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation.
Types of Neuropathy
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a type of inherited peripheral neuropathy. Affected patients typically experience their first symptoms of the disease in childhood or in the early adult years.
CMT is one of the most common types of inherited neuromuscular conditions. Common symptoms of CMT include:
- Loss of muscle control and progressive weakness in the legs, feet, arms and hands
- Hip dysplasia
- Foot deformity (hammer toes or high arch)
- Progressive leg deformity
- Decreased sensation or numbness in the leg or foot
- Fatigue
- Gait and balance issues
- Nerve and/or musculoskeletal pain
People who suffer from CMT may find it difficult to maintain employment due to the symptoms of the disease. In such cases, applying for disability benefits for peripheral neuropathy may be appropriate.
Qualifying for the Disability Listing
To qualify for disability benefits for peripheral neuropathy, you must meet the criteria in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Blue Book:
- Experience disorganization of motor function in two extremities which causes extreme limitation in either standing up from being seated, balancing while walking or standing or using upper extremities
- Experience marked limitation in physical functioning in one of these areas:
- Remembering, understanding or applying information
- Interacting with other people
- Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing yourself
If you do not meet the criteria in the Blue Book’s disability listing, you may be able to prove you are entitled to benefits by having the SSA conduct a residual functional capacity (RFC) evaluation.
For an RFC evaluation, you and your treating physician will submit questionnaires that cover details of your everyday activities and how they are affected by your condition. This information gives the SSA details that help determine if you are unable to do essential job duties or what limits you suffer that would prevent you from performing certain types of work.
Medical documentation must be provided to support your claim that you qualify for disability benefits based on the above definitions. The following types of medical records may be used to support your claim:
- Physician reports from your primary doctor or specialists who treat your condition that detail the progression of symptoms
- Documentation of past and current treatments
- Symptom management records
- A definitive diagnosis of CMT through muscle or nerve biopsy, genetic testing or other acceptable means
- Diagnostic, lab and imaging reports including EMG and neurological test results
It is wise to keep a journal of your symptoms. Detail the symptoms you experience, their severity, when they occur, how long they last, their intensity and how they impact your life on a day-to-day basis.
Contact Our Disability Attorneys for Help
For assistance with your disability claim for peripheral neuropathy, contact our Phoenix disability attorneys today. We will review your claim and help you move forward to secure the benefits you may be entitled to.
Request a free, no obligation consultation now. There are no upfront fees to pay so there is no risk to you. We only get paid if we recover compensation for your claim.
Call 1-800-503-2000 or fill out our Free Case Review form now.