Social Security Disability for Nerve Damage

Nerve damage, also known as neuropathy, can be a profoundly debilitating condition that impacts every aspect of your life. If your nerve damage is so severe that it prevents you from working and earning a living, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. 

However, dealing with the complex application and appeals process while coping with a disabling neuropathic condition can be incredibly challenging, but a South Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you through the process. 

Let’s look at what it takes to qualify for Social Security Disability for Nerve Damage and how a lawyer may be able to help expedite the process.

Qualifying for SSDI With Nerve Damage

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has very specific criteria for evaluating whether nerve damage or neuropathy qualifies you for disability benefits. Your condition must meet the requirements outlined in the agency’s listed impairments or be deemed medically equivalent in severity.

Meeting the Peripheral Neuropathy Listing

Most claims involving significant nerve damage are evaluated under the SSA’s Listing 11.14 for peripheral neuropathy. To meet this listing, your medical evidence must document one or both of the following:

Your nerve damage must cause chronic neurological deficits and loss of motor function in at least two limbs – severely impacting your ability to use your arms/hands or walk normally.

OR

Notable physical function limitations include cognitive functioning limitations such as processing information, remembering things, concentrating, and interacting with other people.

Even if your specific condition doesn’t perfectly align with Listing 11.14, you may still qualify if your nerve damage results in a level of severity that medically equals the listed criteria based on the evidence provided.

Required Medical Evidence for Nerve Damage Claims

Properly documenting the full extent and severity of your nerve damage is critical for getting approved for SSDI benefits. The SSA requires extensive objective medical evidence, such as:

• Results from electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) studies
• MRI or CT scan reports showing any neural impingements or abnormalities
• Treatment notes from neurologists, pain management specialists, and therapists
• Records of any surgeries, injections, medications, or other interventions
• Clinical observations and testing revealing limitations (sensation, reflexes, strength, etc.)

Essentially, the SSA needs proof that your neuropathy or nerve damage has been definitively diagnosed, is severe and persistent, and causes significant functional limitations backed by objective clinical findings.

Detailed assessments from your treating doctors are also vital to fully explain issues like:

• Restrictions on your ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, carry, etc.
• Complications with using your arms/hands for gripping, handling
• Interference with cognitive functions (concentration, memory, etc.)
• Need for assistive devices, unscheduled rests, workplace modifications

Having this level of specific evidence is key to establishing your nerve damage prevents you from performing not just your previous job, but any substantial gainful work.

Common Pitfalls That Can Lead to Denials

Despite suffering debilitating nerve damage, many claims for SSDI are still denied – often due to:

• Lack of clear diagnostic evidence confirming severity
• Suggestion further treatment could provide significant relief
• Failure of medical evidence to fully outline functional restrictions
• Allegations you may still be capable of sedentary or light work
• Having gaps in treatment history or noncompliance issues
• Documenting daily activities that seem inconsistent with disability
• Appearing physically capable at SSA appointments or Social Security Disability hearings
• Leaving key forms, paperwork, or medical sources incomplete
• Not having supportive opinion from a treating, examining physician

Even compelling evidence of nerve damage does not automatically guarantee approval. The SSA must be convinced your condition is disabling by all accounts.

The Advantages of Legal Representation

Due to the complexity of SSDI claims involving neuropathy or nerve damage, having assistance from an experienced Social Security disability lawyer can be invaluable.

A skilled disability attorney can provide crucial assistance like:

• Evaluating whether your condition meets impairment listing criteria
• Identifying any additional testing or assessments needed to verify severity
• Ensuring your medical records thoroughly outline all symptoms and limitations
• Requesting supportive medical source statements from your physicians
• Properly completing paperwork and claims documentation
• Advocating persuasively on your behalf at any required hearings
• Handling denials and appeals with precise strategy and arguments

With an attorney’s in-depth knowledge of the SSA disability programs and evidentiary requirements, you’ll have significantly better chances of getting initially approved or winning on appeal if initially denied.

Get Started With a Free Consultation

Our team will take the time to:

• Listen to your experience with nerve damage and how it impacts your life
• Review your relevant medical records and assess your claim’s strengths
• Advise you honestly on eligibility and next steps for applying
• Explain how we can assist through each phase of the process

While no lawyer can guarantee an approval, having the experience and advocacy of our firm gives you a significant advantage in getting your nerve damage claim properly considered per SSA guidelines. 

Contact Us Today to Learn More About Social Security Disability for Nerve Damage

Whether caused by injury, illness, or an underlying medical disorder, damaged nerves can result in severe pain, numbness, loss of sensation and motor control, muscle weakness, and other disabling symptoms.

Dealing with the debilitating effects of chronic nerve damage while trying to navigate the complicated SSDI application process can quickly become overwhelming. Contact Pilzer Klein today to request a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your condition and options for securing benefits.