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.
The nerve damage that results in peripheral neuropathy can be caused by physical trauma such as car accidents, botched surgical procedures, or repetitive stress injuries. It can also be caused by diseases, disorders, cancers, infections, or exposure to toxins, as well as genetic disorders and nutritional deficiencies. Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels, is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. As many as 70 percent of diabetics in the United States have some form of nervous system damage, according to the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 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.
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.
Talk to a Virginia Social Security Disability Attorney
The lawyers from Kalfus & Nachman know what it takes to get you approved for Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits. We can file your initial claim, attempt to get it marked for the Compassionate Allowance program, and file an appeal, if necessary.
We may also be able to pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim on your behalf. If your injuries and impairments occurred because of an accident, let us review the case and determine if we can pursue compensation for your injuries.
Whether you’re preparing your first SSDI application, submitting your claim for Reconsideration or appealing a rejected claim, you have a greater chance of success with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer.
If you live in the Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach or Roanoke, Virginia, areas and need assistance filing your SSDI application or making an appeal, please contact Kalfus & Nachman PC by phone at (855) 880-8163 or through the form on this page to schedule a free consultation.