A variety of ailments can trigger neuropathy. Your nerves can be assaulted by many different medical conditions, ranging from diabetes to cancer. Daily activities that used to seem easy may become a chore as your symptoms worsen over time. No matter what caused your neuropathy, one thing is certain—if your condition has progressed and interferes with your daily activities you need help. You may need help moving forward both medically and financially because of the severity of your condition.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability
As you begin your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for neuropathy, it is important to consider what the person reviewing your case is looking for in your application. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits for peripheral neuropathy, the reviewer needs to see that you meet the requirements listed in the Listing of Impairments or that you otherwise qualify for benefits because of the severity of your symptoms.
Listing 11.14: Peripheral Neuropathy
You may qualify for Social Security disability pursuant to Section 11.14 of the Listing of Impairments if you can prove that one of the following is true:
-
You have disorganization of motor function in two extremities that results in an extreme limitation in your ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or to use your upper extremities.
-
You have a marked limitation in physical functioning and in understanding, remembering, or applying information, interacting with others, concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace, or adapting and managing yourself.
For example, you could qualify for Social Security disability if you have severe symptoms of neuropathy, such as tremors, paralysis, partial paralysis, or any involuntary movements that make it difficult for you to use your extremities.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Another Way
If you do not meet this standard, then there is also another way to potentially qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Your symptoms may not meet the specific requirements put in place by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but you are still unable to work.
In that case, the SSA will consider your functional limitations. Taking your functional limitations into consideration along with your age, education, work experience, specific skill-set, and more, the Social Security Administration might determine that you are unable to return to your job, and approve your application for Social Security disability benefits for neuropathy.
In order to get benefits in this way, you will need to prove that:
-
You have severe symptoms.
-
Your condition is permanent.
-
You are unable to do the job you once held.
-
You cannot transition into another role in your workplace.
To show this, you need to document the specific symptoms you experience from your neuropathy. This documentation may include:
-
The results of medical tests
-
Your medical records
-
A diary describing how your symptoms impact your activities of daily living and your ability to work
Additional documentation about your education and employment history will also be important to your application. Getting approved for Social Security disability benefits can be challenging if you are applying because of a condition that varies so greatly in severity, such as neuropathy.
It Is Important to Get Legal Help Before Submitting a Social Security Disability Application
An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, prepare a Social Security disability application, and submit an application for approval.
However, before you submit your application, we want you to be prepared. The majority of initial applications are denied by the SSA and many are denied because of mistakes that are made during the application process. We do not want this to happen to you. Accordingly, we encourage you to read our free guide, Five Most Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability, so that you can learn more about how to maximize your chances of getting the approval that you need. Then, we encourage you to contact us directly via this website or by phone to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
| Related Links: |
