Is neuropathy a disability?

Neuropathy is considered a disability by the SSA. The SSA refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book when evaluating eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

Can I work if I have neuropathy?

If you suffer from neuropathy, it may affect your mobility, limit your abilities to perform routine daily tasks, and even keep you from working and earning a living. You may be able to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Can you get disability for neuropathy in your feet?

For neuropathy, that means meeting one of two criteria. First, you must experience diminished motor function on at least two extremities. Second, you might be eligible for disability benefits if neuropathy has limited your ability to manage routine daily activities.

What is the disability rating for neuropathy?

Accordingly, under Diagnostic Code 8520, a 20 percent disability rating for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity and a 20 percent disability rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are warranted. 38 C.F.R.

Is neuropathy a permanent condition?

Neuropathy is not a permanent condition

After a short hospital stay, up to 90% of patients feel a significant pressure relief on nerve roots after decompression surgery. Surgery won't reverse the natural vertebrae damage due to aging but can relieve symptoms in the here and now.

Neuropathy, Nerve Pain and Social Security Disability

How long can you live with neuropathy?

There are several key factors that affect a patient's prognosis in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), but most people with the rare, inherited, progressive disease have a life expectancy of about 10 years after being diagnosed.

Is walking good for neuropathy?

Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, can reduce neuropathy pain, improve muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels.

Is peripheral neuropathy considered a handicap?

Neuropathy is considered a disability by the SSA. The SSA refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book when evaluating eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

How is neuropathy determined?

Although there are no blood tests that are specific for determining whether or not neuropathy is present, when neuropathy is suspected, blood tests are often used to check for the presence of diseases and conditions (for example, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies) that may be responsible for nerve damage.

Is diabetic neuropathy a disability?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes both peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy as potentially disabling conditions that may qualify applicants to received SSDI benefits.

Can you get long term disability for neuropathy?

To qualify for long term disability benefits due to peripheral neuropathy, your condition must be severe enough to significantly diminish your ability to perform your work. If your work is physical or requires you to be on your feet, your peripheral neuropathy may make it very difficult for you to work.

What are the symptoms of severe neuropathy?

Does neuropathy make you tired?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Many people with peripheral neuropathy have feelings of severe tiredness (fatigue) that are not necessarily related to physical problems such as muscle weakness.

Can you drive with neuropathy in your feet?

Your Ability to Drive

Driving is something most of us take for granted, but peripheral neuropathy can take that away from us, too. The bottom line? If you can't feel your feet, you can't operate a motor vehicle safely.

Can you drive if you have neuropathy in your feet?

Advice on Diabetic neuropathy and care of diabetic foot in the driver. Symptomatic polyneuropathy, acute painful mononeuropathy and autonomic neuropathy with clinical manifestations reduce safety when driving, so physician should advise against driving, if necessary.

What can be mistaken for neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common, impacting 7 in 10 diabetics, among others. PN is often mistaken for another common illness, multiple sclerosis (MS).

What does a neurologist do for neuropathy?

Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in Adults

Simple lifestyle changes help some people with peripheral neuropathy to manage their symptoms. Our neurologists prescribe medication to treat neuropathy. A procedure called plasma exchange can help some people with peripheral neuropathy achieve remission.

Does an MRI show nerve damage?

Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings. The MRI scan images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves. No harmful ionizing radiation is used.

What kind of doctor treats neuropathy in feet?

You'll see a neurologist if you're experiencing peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in your feet and toes. Podiatrist - A podiatrist is a doctor who focuses specifically on the feet and ankles. They will treat you if you have ulcers or other diabetes-related injuries to your feet.

Can I drive with neuropathy?

Polyneuropathy may result in pain, numbness, and weakness, which may in turn affect driving ability. Medications used to treat neuropathic pain may alter cognition, which may further affect driving.

What are the long term effects of neuropathy?

Damage to those nerves can affect the way the body sends signals to muscles, joints, skin, and internal organs. This can cause pain, numbness, loss of sensation, and other symptoms. For people with breast cancer, the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is chemotherapy.

What is the difference between neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy?

Neuropathies frequently start in your hands and feet, but other parts of your body can be affected too. Neuropathy, often called peripheral neuropathy, indicates a problem within the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside your brain and spinal cord.

What causes neuropathy to flare up?

It's usually caused by chronic, progressive nerve disease, and it can also occur as the result of injury or infection. If you have chronic neuropathic pain, it can flare up at any time without an obvious pain-inducing event or factor. Acute neuropathic pain, while uncommon, can occur as well.

Can anything be done for neuropathy in the feet?

Medications—A variety of prescription medications can be used to alleviate neuropathy symptoms. Surgery—In more severe situations, surgery may be necessary to release swollen and compressed nerves. MLS Laser Therapy—This non-invasive therapy is the latest technology in neuropathy pain treatment.

What foods should I avoid with neuropathy?