DIABETES: Diabetic Neuropathy and Social Security Disability

diabetic neuropathy and social security disabilityHow does diabetic neuropathy impact your Social Security Disability claim?

Diabetes and other endocrine disorders are not considered “disabling conditions” by the Social Security Administration; however, the effects that diabetes has on your body and health may still qualify you for Social Security Disability.

What is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Chronically elevated levels of blood glucose may cause nerve damage that is painful and disabling. The nerve damage can occur throughout the body, but is most often experienced in the legs and feet. Neuropathy may feel like pain or numbness in your extremities. It can even affect your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. Neuropathy is a common, but serious, complication of diabetes.

Listing of Impairments: Neurological

The nerve damage resulting from diabetic neuropathy would be evaluated under Section 11.00 of the Listing of Impairments. This section discusses neurological disabilities.

Diabetic neuropathy could be considered disabling if you experience:

  • 11.00 C: Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances which occur singly or in various combinations,
    • The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands and arms; and
  • 11.04 B: Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station; and
  • 11.14 Disorganization of motor function, in spite of prescribed treatment.

 What does this mean to you?

  • Have you developed neuropathy in two extremities (hands, arms, legs, feet) as a result of your diabetes?
  • Have you followed the treatment prescribed by your doctor?
  • Does the neuropathy continue to interfere with walking or using your fingers, hands, and arms?

If you answered “Yes” to all of the above, you may qualify for Social Security Disability based upon your diabetic neuropathy. Seek a qualified Social Security Disability attorney to help you prove your claim.

Do you need help appealing a denial for Social Security Disability?

If you are disabled, you may need help navigating the Social Security Disability system.   Contact Deborah at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC, to help you with your SSD appeal.

ATTORNEY: Learn more about attorney Deborah L. Hardin.

SERVING: The Hardin Law Firm serves Cabot, Beebe, Ward, Searcy, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Lonoke County, White County, Faulkner County, Pulaski County,  and other central Arkansas areas.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.

Originally published: November 24, 2014 at thehardinlawfirm.com.

 [lastupdate]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call Now Button