You can get disability when your neuropathy has been severely limiting.
To start with there is a listing for peripheral neuropathies in its disability evaluation handbook (the blue book), and if you meet the criteria in the listing your disability claim will be approved. The listing say that you must have peripheral neuropathy that is characterized by tremors, paralysis, partial paralysis, or involuntary movement in two extremities that makes it difficult to walk or use your hands.
If you do not meet the listing requirement you may still be approved if your peripheral neuropathies severely limit your activities. . The SSA will go through your medical and work history and may come to the conclusion that based on functional limitations, age, education, and work skills; the claimant doesn’t possess the ability to return to their past work and can’t transition to less demanding work.
Some of the symptoms include a lessened ability to walk or stand and control muscle movements. Many individuals who suffer from severe peripheral neuropathy injure themselves without knowing it, and this can lead to infections and amputations. Chronic pain is also an issue for people with peripheral neuropathy, and this can have an effect on their ability to work.
For disability applicants whose peripheral neuropathy has affected their balance, coordination, muscle strength, muscle control, ability to walk or ability to stand effectively, Social Security will likely find them very limited in their ability to work. Whether Social Security will expect them to adjust to less demanding work depends on the skill level of their prior jobs and their age and education.
