Applying for Social Security disability benefits for neuropathy can be confusing and stressful. But you don’t have to take on the task alone. Our local disability benefits law firm can help you get the medical evidence you need and walk you through the application process to increase your chances of approval.
At Pilzer Klein, our teams of Social Security disability attorneys in upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina are ready to help you understand what you need to qualify for disability benefits. Our team can review your case and tell you if you’re eligible for Social Security disability.
What Neuropathy Conditions Qualify for Social Security?
The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) blue book that lists medical conditions eligible for Social Security disability benefits lists peripheral neuropathy as the only qualifying form of the condition. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that primarily affects physical functioning in body parts such as the arms, hands, feet, and legs by making them numb, which causes severe limitations in everyday life.
The Administration lists two requirements to qualify for benefits for peripheral neuropathy, which are:
- Disorganization of motor function due to the condition in two body parts of the same type of extremity (lower or upper) makes it difficult for a person to stand, balance while walking, or use the upper extremities; OR
- Have significant difficulty performing physical functions and one of the following: applying information, interacting with other people, concentrating, or adapting to new situations.
All of these requirements can be difficult to remember or even understand. That’s why our Social Security disability attorneys can help explain and determine if you qualify for disability benefits for neuropathy.
The Most Common Type of Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy occurs when a person with diabetes has chronically high blood pressure. Damage to nerve endings leads to a loss of feeling in feet, legs, and hands and causes limitations similar to those peripheral neuropathy causes.
An effective treatment for people with diabetes who have this type of neuropathy is spinal cord stimulation via electrical nerve stimulation. The stimulation involves sending low levels of electricity into a person’s spinal cord via an implant device.
Even though this subtype of peripheral neuropathy isn’t listed as an eligible impairment for Social Security benefits, if diabetic neuropathy is at the level that it prevents you from working, you could get benefits for it.
Can You Qualify for Disability Benefits with Another Form of Neuropathy?
Even though the SSA only lists peripheral neuropathy as a qualifying condition, you could be eligible for benefits for another form of the condition that meets the SSA’s disability requirements. To qualify for benefits for neuropathy, you must:
Have Enough Work History
Another requirement you need to meet is to have a long enough work history. The SSA determines if you’ve worked long enough based on the number of work credits you have. Usually, as a 50 to 60-year-old, you’ll need 40 work credits, and you must’ve earned half of them within the last 10 years.
However, if you’re younger or your condition is especially debilitating, you could qualify for disability benefits with fewer work credits. Our neuropathy Social Security disability attorneys can review your case for free and tell you how many work credits you need to qualify.
Be Unable to Work Due to Your Condition
Your neuropathy must cause limitations that prevent you from working. There are a few ways your condition must limit you from working, including:
- Your condition affects your mental and physical functioning abilities, making you unable to perform both types of functions simultaneously, known as substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- You can’t do basic tasks at your previous job or adapt to a new job.
- Your neuropathy must last or be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Provide Medical Evidence Proving Your Condition
It’s one thing to say that you have neuropathy but to qualify for benefits, you’ll need to provide medical evidence that shows that you do. Common evidence our disability attorneys gather includes:
- Detailed descriptions from medical providers about how your neuropathy affects your quality of life.
- Medical records of consistent medical treatment, such as nerve function tests and pain observations.
- Medical bills for rehabilitation activities aimed to help your physical functioning, such as physical therapy.
Depending on your situation, we may gather different types of evidence to prove your medical condition to the SSA. The evidence we collect will outline the issues of physical functioning and mental limitations you experience due to your condition.
Why Choose Pilzer Klein as Your Social Security Disability Firm
We pride ourselves on having over 50 years of combined experience and a proven track record in handling Social Security disability cases for neuropathy. Our team has successfully represented numerous clients, helping them secure the benefits they deserve.
Our in-depth knowledge of the social security disability process sets us apart as a local Social Security disability firm. We stay up to date with the latest laws, regulations, and precedents to provide accurate and informed guidance so we can help you to the best of our abilities. Whether you are applying for benefits or appealing a denial, we have the knowledge to increase your chances of approval.
Our team of Social Security disability attorneys understands that disability cases involve real people facing significant challenges in their lives. That’s why we prioritize a personalized and compassionate approach. We take the time to understand your situation and develop a strategy that meets your needs.
Our dedicated team will support you throughout the process, providing empathetic guidance and skilled representation. We are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the benefits you deserve while offering the understanding and compassion you deserve during this difficult time.
Choose Our Law Firm to Handle Your Disability Benefits Neuropathy Case
At Pilzer Klein, we understand the challenges you face when applying for disability benefits for neuropathy. We’re proud to be able to provide you with our services to help you qualify for Social Security disability benefits. We’ll be here for you at every step of your journey.
Call us or fill out the contact form for a free case evaluation from one of our Carolina Social Security disability benefits attorneys in Upstate South Carolina or Western North Carolina.
