Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits for Your Neuropathy?
Neuropathy can seriously impact your daily life and your ability to work. If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to receive Social Security Disability benefits due to neuropathy, this article will walk you through the key information the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for when evaluating these claims.
Understanding How Neuropathy Qualifies for Disability
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. In this video, we will discuss receiving Social Security Disability benefits for neuropathy.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits based on neuropathy, it’s important to provide comprehensive medical evidence. This includes:
- Medical records
- Diagnostic test results
- Treatment history
- Evaluations from your healthcare professionals
Severity and Duration of Neuropathy Symptoms
To potentially qualify for Social Security Disability benefits based on neuropathy, it must be severe and chronic. The symptoms should:
- Persist for an extended period of at least 12 months
- Significantly limit your ability to perform daily activities and work-related tasks
Functional Limitations the SSA Will Evaluate
The Social Security Administration will evaluate the functional limitations that are caused by your neuropathy. These limitations may include difficulties with:
- Standing
- Walking
- Using your hands or fingers
- Balance
- Coordination
- Other physical and sensory activities that are often required for employment
Objective Medical Evidence Required
The Social Security Administration will generally require objective medical evidence that supports your claim for disability based on neuropathy. This can include:
- Nerve conduction studies
- EMG studies
- Medical imaging results
- Clinical exams
- Treatment records
- Other reports from medical professionals that describe the severity and impact of your condition
Documenting the Impact on Daily Life
Documenting the ways in which the neuropathy affects your daily living is important. This can include difficulties with tasks like:
- Walking
- Grasping objects
- Using your fine motor skills
- Maintaining your balance
- Managing your pain and sensory issues
Treatment History and Its Importance
By providing documentation of the treatments that you have undergone for neuropathy, the Social Security Administration will be able to better understand the severity of your claim. This can include:
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Assistive devices
- Surgeries
- Any other interventions
Information about your response to those treatments can also support your claim.
Keeping Medical Records Consistent
It’s critical to ensure that your medical records consistently reflect the severity and the impact of your neuropathy. Regular visits to healthcare professionals and adherence to their recommended treatments can help establish a consistent record of your condition and treatment.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Working closely with your treating physicians and other healthcare professionals is also important. They can provide:
- Detailed medical documentation
- Opinions
- Support
—all of which strengthen your disability claim based on your neuropathy.
Thanks so much for watching!
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