If youve been diagnosed with neuropathy and it is keeping you from living your daily life, then Social Security disability benefits may be right for you. Neuropathy can be as a result of having diabetes mellitus II or it can be caused by other factors. Before applying, be sure to read the 3 ways below that will improve your chances of being approved.
There are a few ways to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you have neuropathy. One way, is if you meet or equal a disability listing with the "Blue Book". In this "Blue Book" there is a disability listing for neuropathies, and if you meet the requirements in the listing, your disability application may be approved.
If you do not meet the blue book listing requirements, do not worry. There are other ways to be approved. In fact, the majority of claims are accepted because of the symptoms and disabilities caused by the neuropathy, and not necessarily by meeting the Blue Book criteria.
Tip #1: Schedule a Nerve conduction study
Neuropathy can cause numbness and tingling as well as pain in your extremities, mainly in the hands and feet. However, neuropathy can lead to more severe symptoms which can affect different body systems, making daily life activities very difficult. It is vital to have strong medical documentation to reflect an actual and firm diagnosis of neuropathy.
Motor function tests and nerve tests are most important, as most applicants with neuropathy receive disability benefits due to a lack of proper motor functioning. SSA may also analyze the applicants medical history and employment history and will determine that, based on physical limitations and restrictions, coupled with age, experience and expertise in the workplace, that the applicant may not have the full capacity to return to their previous jobs and they may not have any transferable skills to any other kinds of work.
Tip #2: Have your doctor fill out an RFC form
Aside from nerve conduction studies, it is also important for SSA to see how you function on a daily basis. An RFC stands for residual functional capacity. Your doctor can complete and fill out an RFC form that states your restrictions and limitations. Your physician will complete this form by evaluating common tasks such as lifting , reaching, standing , sitting , or walking. The more limited you are in these areas, the higher likelihood you have of being approved. These RFC forms can be extremely helpful at the time of your hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
SSA also gives great weight to the opinion of the applicants PCP or primary care doctor. The treating doctor usually has a long history with the applicant, and is therefore in a stronger and more knowledgeable position to provide medical information regarding the weaknesses of an applicant. If a treating doctor's opinion is given on a detailed RFC form describing the various medical conditions , as well as the applicants limitations caused by the neuropathy, then Social Security should give that opinion a great weight.
Tip #3: Gather Strong Evidence and Build your Case
If you can prove that their condition, neuropathy, prevents you from doing any of the work you are qualified to do, then you may still be eligible for benefits. This is called receiving a “medical vocational allowance”. The medical vocational allowance typically applies to applicants ages 50 and older. One of the best ways to do this is by providing your work history and demonstrating your inability to perform your past work. Written statements from previous bosses or coworkers can be useful to show that your condition makes you unfit for previous work. Your educational background, can also help to show that your skill set is unfit for performing any other new kinds of work.
Its important to have recent up to date medical documentation so consistent medical care is vital. If there is a gap in treatment or if you havent had any medical care in the past few months, this could hurt your claim. SSA generally prefers medical records no more than six months old. Its important that your medical records contain sufficient reliable information from acceptable medical sources to allow SSA to make an objective medical decision with respect to the severity and seriousness of your condition. For example, its not sufficient enough to suspect a diagnosis of neuropathy. You need a firm diagnosis from a medical physician.
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