How Does Your Social Security Department View Your Neuropathy?

Today's post from nutrinerve.com (see link below) is an explanation of the rights of neuropathy patients when it comes to claiming social security. It's important to note that these are U.S. guidelines only, so for anybody living outside the USA, other rules may apply. That's the whole point of publishing this information. This blog has readers across the world but receives many messages from people who are confused as to what their rights are in respect of disability payments. What you may read in this article, will probably be different to what is set out in your own country. Nevertheless, reading this may give you something to compare with. All patients with severe neuropathy will know how debilitating it can be and how it can affect your ability to work drastically. I suggest that wherever you live, you Google the social service regulations in your own country/region to see if you qualify for disability benefits. Knowing what goes on in the US may at least give you something to aim for, or on the other hand, you may find that your own country's rules are far more generous than those described below (there are definite gaps in their information). One thing is certain, health authorities and social benefit organisations are only now beginning to wake up to the seriousness of neuropathy - you may have to nudge them in the right direction in order to get fair treatment.

Qualifying for Social Security with Neuropathy
By admin|September 26th, 2018
 
If you have neuropathy caused by diabetes, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes. While a neuropathy diagnosis alone will not always qualify for disability benefits, many people are eligible for financial assistance from the Social Security Administration. 

Neuropathy Symptoms and Causes

Neuropathy symptoms can include disorganization of motor function of two extremities, such as the hands, arms, wrists, shoulders, or legs, that result in an inability to stand from a seated position. It can also cause an inability to maintain balance while standing or walking without an assistive device or help from another person, or an inability to use both upper extremities that limits your ability to complete work-related activities.

Many types of neuropathy are “idiopathic,” which means the cause is unknown, but a number of conditions can trigger it. Diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy. High blood sugar levels can cause severe diabetic nerve pain. Other possible medical conditions include chronic kidney disease, Lyme disease, and some autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis. 

Medically Qualifying with Peripheral Neuropathy

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will use its own medical guide of qualifying criteria, known colloquially as the Blue Book, when determining whether an applicant is eligible for Social Security benefits.

Peripheral neuropathy is listed under Section 11.14 of the Blue Book. Under this listing, there are two ways to qualify:

1. At least two limbs are so severely affected by neuropathy that you’re no longer able to “ambulate effectively.” If you cannot do any one of the following activities, your neuropathy claim will qualify:
Stand from a seated position without assistance
Balance while standing
Walking without assistance from two crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair

2. You have some physical limitations that impact your ability to work, but they’re not so severe that you’re unable to stand from a chair or walk without assistance. In addition to these physical limitations, you have challenges with at least one of the following areas of mental function:
Understanding and remembering information
Interacting with others in a work setting, like giving and following direction by a superior
Concentrating and completing tasks
“Adapting” oneself, which essentially means controlling your emotions in a work environment

For all neurological disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, the SSA will want to receive a full medical history and physical examination from a neurologist.

Included in the reports should be descriptions of any prescribed neuropathy treatment, such as nerve pain medications, as well as your response to the treatment. The SSA will also want to see any relevant laboratory tests and imaging results, such as x-ray, CT scans, MRIs, or EEGs.

The entire Blue Book can be found online, so you can always review the neuropathy listings with your doctor to see where you may qualify. Other sections of the Blue Book that may be relevant to your claim are vision loss or amputation.

It’s important to note that while neuropathic pain can be very difficult to overcome, it is not a qualifying condition for the SSA due to the fact that pain is very challenging to measure. You’ll need to show that you’re physically unable to work to be approved for disability benefits. 

Starting Your Application

The easiest way to apply for disability benefits is online on the SSA’s website. If you’re unable to type due to your neuropathy, you can always ask a family member to fill out the application on your behalf. If you’d rather apply with the assistance from a Social Security representative, you can do so at your local SSA office. Call the SSA toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to apply in person today.

This article was written by the Outreach Team at Disability Benefits Help. They provide information about disability benefits and the application process. To learn more, please visit their website at http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/ or by emailing them at help@ssd-help.org. 

Helpful Resources

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_14


https://www.nutrinerve.com/qualifying-for-social-security-with-neuropathy/