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Is Diabetic Neuropathy A Disability?

Our human skeleton system is composed of several bones and muscles intertwined with almost all the parts of the body. With the aid of this system, we are able to survive and perform normal physical activities.

However when there is a problem occurring within the musculoskeletal system then there are more chances of damage not just to the nervous system rather the entire system. One such condition is diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that commonly occurs in diabetic patients.

Is Diabetic Neuropathy A Disability?

Is Diabetic Neuropathy A Disability?

If you are suffering from diabetic neuropathy with severe complications that have caused skin or nerve conditions or organ damage limiting your ability to work and lead your normal routine, you are sure to qualify for the Social Security Disability Benefits. It is also recommended to hire a disability lawyer to claim disability.

Who Can Qualify For Disability Benefits?

Individuals suffering from uncontrolled diabetes or related symptoms like peripheral neuropathy or poor vision that impacts their ability to work are given consideration in disability applications or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Diabetic neuropathy is given consideration within that listing.

However, there are conditions in which diabetes goes uncontrollable because the patients don’t follow their doctor’s prescription. In such cases, these patients will not qualify for the disability benefits under “failing to comply with treatment orders”.

The Social Security Administration has defined an inventory of disabilities that shows you how harsh a disease should be to comply for disability benefits. Although diabetes is not regarded to be part of the listing yet individuals who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes with one or more of the following:

Diabetic Retinopathy- A medical condition that damages the retina often leading to blindness. When you are suffering from this condition or have poor & blurred vision, you may qualify for disability benefits under this listing.

Diabetic Nephropathy-When you have urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence and your kidney no longer performing the normal functionalities and requiring dialysis then you can qualify for disability benefits under this listing.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathies- A diabetic foot ulcer is more common in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In addition, people with this condition suffer nerve damage in their hands, feet, and legs. However, you cannot comply for the claim just with the nerve damage, you should show significant test reports that states your nerve damage has caused disruption to your movements and limits your ability to do the normal routine.

The social security disability listings have strict guidelines that are used to determine if an individual is disabled therefore your complications should be severe to fall under this listing. Even if you do not meet the disability eligibility, you can still claim for social security disability through vocational allowance. In order to avail that, your health care provider should complete the RFC in detail, listing your limitations, the symptoms and side effects that you experience from your diabetes.

Unfortunately, acquiring the allowance is not an easy piece of cake; therefore it is often advisable to consider consulting a Social Security disability attorney or advocate.2,3

Symptoms And Complications Of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes due to uncontrolled high blood sugar that results in nerve damage. It is a progressive disease, and symptoms get worsened over time. There are several kinds of diabetic neuropathy that impact varied parts of your body, causing a multitude of symptoms.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is often noticed in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Some of the typical symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include

  • Feeling numbness or unable to feel your feet while walking.
  • Sharp pains like electric current
  • Unsteadiness or loss of balance
  • Deformation in the foot structure due to abnormal increase or decrease of body weight
  • Sore or blisters noticed in feet
  • Increased sensitivity to touch.1

References:  

  1. Causes and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580
  2. Social security disability for diabetes https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-diabetes.html
  3. Is diabetic neuropathy considered a disability for social security https://www.ssdrc.com/condition-peripheral-neuropathy.html

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:August 3, 2022

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