Can you get disability for neuropathy in your feet?

Over time, the symptoms of neuropathy can worsen. Walking may become difficult or impossible. It can be challenging to perform the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and feeding. The SSA recognizes diabetic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy as disabling conditions for SSDI benefits.


Is neuropathy in feet a disability?

Neuropathy is considered a disability by the SSA. To receive disability benefits for Neuropathy, you'll need to meet a Blue Book listing and have enough work credits. You will also need to supply enough medical evidence, proving your neuropathy meets the SSA's definition of a disability.

What is the disability rating for neuropathy?

All VA ratings for peripheral neuropathy range from between 10% and 40% maximum. Ratings are determined based on the severity of the Veteran's displayed and recorded symptoms. However, a Veteran may be entitled to a maximum rating of 40% disability benefits for each extremity affected.


Can you get long term disability for neuropathy?

Is neuropathy a disability? According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you can qualify for disability benefits if you submit enough evidence that proves you suffer from the symptoms of the medical condition. You also have to demonstrate that neuropathy has forced you to miss work for 12 consecutive months.

Is neuropathy in feet serious?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.


Social Security Disability for Neuropathy



What triggers neuropathy in feet?

Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, and exposure to toxins can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency and excess vitamin B6 are the best known vitamin-related causes. Several medications have been shown to occasionally cause neuropathy.

Can anything be done for neuropathy in the feet?

There is no cure for peripheral neuropathy but proper treatment will slow progression and address your symptoms. If the cause of the foot neuropathy is known, then treatment of the underlying cause may provide relief.

Can I work with peripheral neuropathy?

Some people will be able to work while suffering from neuropathy, depending on both the severity of their condition and the nature of their work. For those who work at a desk or in a sedentary environment, it may be more feasible to work, even with neuropathy pain.


When does neuropathy become permanent?

Peripheral neuropathy is most likely to be permanent with chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases and genetic conditions. However, this can still vary, so it's best to ask your healthcare provider about what's most likely in your case.

What can be done medically for neuropathy?

The main medicines recommended for neuropathic pain include:
  • amitriptyline – also used for treatment of headaches and depression.
  • duloxetine – also used for treatment of bladder problems and depression.
  • pregabalin and gabapentin – also used to treat epilepsy, headaches or anxiety.


How do you prove you have neuropathy?

Confirming if you have a neuropathy

These may include: a nerve conduction test (NCS), where small metal wires called electrodes are placed on your skin that release tiny electric shocks to stimulate your nerves; the speed and strength of the nerve signal is measured.


How do you prove peripheral neuropathy?

Your doctor may order tests, including:
  1. Blood tests. These can detect vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, abnormal immune function and other indications of conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy.
  2. Imaging tests. ...
  3. Nerve function tests. ...
  4. Other nerve function tests. ...
  5. Nerve biopsy. ...
  6. Skin biopsy.


Is neuropathy always permanent?

Living with peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may lessen or go away over time, but in some cases they never go away.

Does foot pain qualify for disability?

If you have suffered a foot- or ankle-related injury, you may qualify for federal disability retirement benefits if the condition impacts your ability to do your job.


Can you have neuropathy in your feet without being diabetic?

Because 60-70% of people with diabetes have some nervous system damage, there's a perception that only people with diabetes can develop peripheral neuropathy -- but that's not true. Because lots of other things can cause the condition, anyone can suffer from peripheral neuropathy.

What causes neuropathy in feet without diabetes?

Autoimmune diseases – Autoimmune diseases cause your immune system to start attacking your own cells. This can lead to nerve damage that causes neuropathy. These diseases include lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Sjorgren's syndrome, Sjorgren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with others.

What is stage 4 neuropathy?

Stage 4: Constant Numbness

In the fourth stage of neuropathy, your legs and feet will become very numb. This is due to the lack of healthy nerves that are able to carry signals to your brain. You may notice an increase in numbness and a decrease in your pain, but this is not a good thing.


What is the new treatment for neuropathy 2022?

Medtronic announces FDA approval of spinal cord stimulation therapy for treating chronic pain resulting from diabetic peripheral neuropathy - Jan 24, 2022.

What is stage 5 neuropathy?

Stage 5. At this point, the neuropathy has usually progressed to where the patient's feet are numb and very weak. They aren't in pain, but often have trouble standing or walking and don't have the strength that they used to have.

Does neuropathy qualify for SSDI?

Many people have found they qualify for SSDI benefits because of neurological disorders—ailments of the nervous system, spinal cord, and brain. Neuropathy is one of those conditions.


What can you not do with neuropathy?

Keep Smoking and Drinking Alcohol Both cigarettes and alcohol can have a toxic effect on nerve tissue. Heavy drinking can actually make neuropathy worse. It can alter the level of important minerals and vitamins that are needed for proper nerve function.

Does neuropathy affect memory?

Neuropathic pain induces mood disorders and memory loss.

What are the first signs of neuropathy in your feet?

In its earliest stages, you may not recognize neuropathy, but as it progresses, you may start to feel the following in your feet:
  • Tingling, including pins and needles.
  • Numbness.
  • Pain, which is usually sharp, burning, or stabbing.
  • Extreme sensitivity.
  • Spasms or cramps.
  • Loss of coordination.


What happens when you have neuropathy in your feet?

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy

numbness and tingling in the feet or hands. burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas. loss of balance and co-ordination. muscle weakness, especially in the feet.

Can you live with foot neuropathy?

Roughly 20 million Americans are living with neuropathy. Living with daily pain and discomfort can be challenging. People with neuropathy are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety than those without a neurological disorder. The good news is treatable, and a pain management specialist can help.