Can A Person With Neuropathy Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida?
Individuals with neuropathy can submit a claim for Florida disability benefits; however, just because an individual has lost sensation or has a burning sensation in their feet doesn’t automatically qualify that person for disability benefits, according to the Social Security Administration.
Not every person who has neuropathy experiences the same symptoms and the same degree of pain. Neuropathy is a neuropathic disorder and can affect a person in many different ways including:
- Dizziness
- Abnormal sensations
- Numbness
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
- Tingling (pins and needles)
- Neuropathic pain
- Impotence
- Loss of sensation
- Sharp pain
The most common symptom of peripheral neuropathy is pain in the feet and hands, which can include tingling, burning or a sharp pain. In some people, the skin may become extremely sensitive to the point that it is painful to have anything touching it. When this happens, it may be impossible for a person to leave their home, work or even function as the pain can be unbearable.
Peripheral neuropathy can be debilitating and affect individuals ability to stand, walk, and carry or lift something. Whatever the cause – diabetes, traumatic injury, or exposure to toxins – individuals with neuropathy can apply for Social Security disability in Florida.
Diabetics and Neuropathy
It is common for diabetics to have neuropathy, which can be extremely dangerous. Individuals with diabetes mellitus may be unaware of a sore on their foot due to a loss of sensation, which can cause a risk of infection that could lead to an amputation. Neuropathy is one of the leading causes of sickness for diabetics, and more than 20 percent of diabetics have neuropathy.
Neuropathy Claim Process
The Social Security Administration will review the claim and award the disability based on how severe the neuropathy is and the underlying cause of it. For example, if alcoholism is the root of the disability, they may not award benefits; however, if diabetes is the cause of neuropathy, benefits may get awarded.
Social Security has a handbook that lists two impairments listings regarding peripheral neuropathy. If there is documentation from doctors to show that the disability is affecting the individual’s functional capacity and is restricting their ability to work, then benefits may be approved. Social Security will evaluate the medical history and work history to make a determination about benefits.
Get Help to Get Your Disability Claim Approved
Sometimes Social Security will deny claims. If this happens with your neuropathy claim in Florida, you need to not take “no” for an answer. Disability attorneys know what Social Security is looking for and how to submit claims properly for an approval and how to appeal denials. Call a skilled disability attorney in Broward County today to get the benefits you deserve. You can contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 954-677-0155 for a free legal consultation with an experienced disability attorney in Fort Lauderdale today.
