Neuropathy is a common disorder caused by a variety of different conditions. However, just because it is common does not mean it is less severe — in fact, those with more widespread neuropathy experience enough pain and numbness to prevent them from working or carrying out daily tasks.

If your neuropathy is keeping you from living your daily life, then Social Security disability benefits may be an option for you. Before applying, be sure you follow the following three tips to increase your chances of getting benefits. Having as much support on your side as possible will increase your chance of getting approved for Social Security benefits with neuropathy.

Tip #1: Receive up-to-date motor function tests, nerve tests, and scans.

Neuropathy often begins as numbness or pain in the extremities, particularly in the hands and feet. However, neuropathy is capable of escalating to more severe symptoms which are capable of affecting different body systems, making life especially difficult. It is important to make sure all of your medical tests properly reflect your current diagnosis.

Even if this means retaking tests you’ve already done, sometimes new findings can better demonstrate to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are in need of benefits. Motor function tests and nerve tests are typically the most important, as most applicants with neuropathy receive benefits due to a lack of proper motor function. However, MRI scans of affected areas can also give insight onto the severity of your diagnosis.

Tip #2: Get an RFC test from your physician.

Aside from medical tests, it is also important for the SSA to understand how well you can complete normal daily functions. This is measured using a Residual Functional Capacity test (RFC for short), which can be completed by any licensed physician. Scores on this test are determined by how well you can complete common tasks such as lifting things, reaching, standing up, sitting down, or walking. The lower your RFC scores, the more likely you are to receive benefits for your neuropathy.

Tip #3: Build evidence that can attest to your inability to work.

If you are worried about your ability to qualify for benefits by SSA’s standards for neuropathy, there may be another way for you to qualify. If an applicant can prove that their condition (not qualified by the book) is still capable of preventing them from doing any of the work they are qualified to do, then they may still be eligible for benefits.

This is called receiving a “medical vocational allowance”. One of the best ways to do this is by providing your work history and demonstrating your inability to work. Testimonies from old bosses or coworkers can be especially useful here to proving that your condition makes you unfit for previous work. Educational history can also help to prove that your skill set is unfit for performing other new kinds of work.

Contacting an Attorney

The disability benefits application process can be tricky for some, especially when it comes to properly filing paperwork and staying in contact with the SSA. If you are looking to apply for disability benefits, consider speaking with a disability attorney. While getting legal help may seem intimidating at first, disability attorneys are capable and well-versed in legal terms and paperwork proceedings, giving you the best possible chance of receiving disability benefits for your condition.

Before applying, consider getting a free consultation with a disability attorney near you.

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