Peripheral neuropathy affects millions of Americans, causing significant discomfort and potentially limiting their ability to work. For those severely affected by this condition, Social Security Disability benefits could provide crucial financial support.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a neurological disorder that occurs when the peripheral nerves, which transmit information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, become damaged or diseased. This condition can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy) or multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) throughout the body.
Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Burning or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance and coordination
- Sensitivity to touch
- Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness
Peripheral neuropathy can result from various causes, including:
- Diabetes (diabetic neuropathy)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Infections
- Inherited disorders
- Exposure to toxins
- Traumatic injuries
- Certain medications
The impact of peripheral neuropathy on daily functioning can be severe. Many individuals experience difficulty with fine motor skills, balance, and mobility, significantly affecting their ability towork and perform routine tasks.
SSDI and Peripheral Neuropathy
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a 5-step process to determine a claimant’s eligibility for SSDI benefits. Those filing an SSDI claim for peripheral neuropathy must go through the following process:
- Determine if the claimant is working at or above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level as defined by the SSA in the year they file. The SGA level for the current year can be found on the SSA website.
- Determine if the claimant’s complications from peripheral neuropathy significantly limit their ability to perform basic work activities, such as:
- sitting
- standing
- reaching
- pulling or pushing
- lifting or carrying
- simple cognitive reasoning
- Determine if complications from the claimant’s peripheral neuropathy meet the criteria outlined in the SSA’s impairments list.The SSA evaluates peripheral neuropathy under Listing 11.14 in the Blue Book. To meet this listing, you must provide medical evidence showing:
- Impairment of motor capabilities in two limbs, causing severe restrictions in transitioning from seated to standing positions, maintaining stability while standing or walking, or using upper extremities.
OR
- Significant impairment in physical capabilities, accompanied by
- Comprehending, retaining, or implementing information
- Engaging with other individuals
- Sustaining focus, persistence, or work rhythm
- Managing self-regulation or change
- Determine if the claimant can still do any work they may have done in the past, despite the complications caused by their peripheral neuropathy.
- Determine if the claimant can do any other type of work based ontheir
- age
- education
- prior work experience
- mental and physical capabilities
Getting Help with Your Disability Claim
By working with a knowledgeable disability attorney, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving the SSDI benefits you need for your peripheral neuropathy. They can provide the legal expertise you need through this complex process, allowing you to focus on managing your condition and improving your quality of life.
Contact Brock and Stout for a free evaluation of your medical situation to see how our dedicated disability attorneys could help you get the benefits you need.