Neuropathy & applying for Disability

Posted by valec @valec, Oct 16, 2023

Has anyone applied for social security disability due to their neuropathy pain and restrictions from it? I’ve applied and was just declined. Which I knew would happen. I’ve had peripheral neuropathy for about 13 years. I don’t sleep but maybe 3 hours. I’m on lyrica and medical marijuana in gummy form. Doesn’t help much. But I decided to apply for disability on the advise of my doctors. Who all support the decision. My balance is off. My pain is 24/7. My cognitive skills have suffered. I can’t stand or walk more than 15-30 minutes at a time. Just doing basic housework is a problem. Then there’s the side affects of lyrica which is swelling in my feet. And side affects of the gummies which are feelings of lethargy.
Just wondering if anyone has applied for disability due to their neuropathy.
Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Just a follow up concerning my appt with an attorney. She said although I’ve had neuropathy for over 13 years, I have no recent tests to show I have neuropathy and need to see a neurologist for an EMG. So that I can show recent testing.

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@budjo611

I feel your pain. Literally!!!
I have all those symptoms and am on same medications. It’s horrible!!! Completely life altering. All negative.
I was diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy 4 years ago. I was 60 years old and very active and athletic. It all came to a halt, seemingly overnight and only got worse.
But on to disability. I was approved on my first application. Contact a disability law firm in your area. They take care of everything!!! Pro bono. The key is the diagnosis. A skin biopsy and the positive results are required. It’s a must!!! They won’t take your case without it. It’s a true disability!!!! You deserve it. I’d give anything to be still working. But healthy!!!!!
Hope this helps. Best of luck!!!!

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Than you very much. My phone consultation was today. And was told I need recent testing to show my neuropathy. So it’s suggested I get an EMG. That’s my next step. Wishing you well 🫰🏼

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@budjo611

Just a follow up from my previous post. I said a disability law firm would take your case pro bono. Not quite. If they take your case and win, they take a percentage of your first disability payment. Again, you must have those skin biopsy results to make your case. My lawyer was so worth it!!!!! The paperwork is intimidating, but they guide you through it quite nicely.
Again, good luck.

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Thanks so much

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@valec

Than you very much. My phone consultation was today. And was told I need recent testing to show my neuropathy. So it’s suggested I get an EMG. That’s my next step. Wishing you well 🫰🏼

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Just a suggestion. My EMG showed negative for nerve damage. It wasn’t until my 3rd neurologist that he recommended a skin biopsy to rule out Small Fiber Neuropathy. Unfortunately, that came back positive. It’s not a bad procedure. Sounds worse than it is. Please inquire on that test!!!! You have to be your own advocate.

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@budjo611

Just a suggestion. My EMG showed negative for nerve damage. It wasn’t until my 3rd neurologist that he recommended a skin biopsy to rule out Small Fiber Neuropathy. Unfortunately, that came back positive. It’s not a bad procedure. Sounds worse than it is. Please inquire on that test!!!! You have to be your own advocate.

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Gotcha. Thanks. Someone here suggested that as well. I truly appreciate all of the suggestions. I have to say - neurologists have not been helpful to me in the past. The last neurologist I saw was 6 years ago when he diagnosed me with bone cancer because the Mspike in my blood was high. And according to him, bone cancer was the reason. Told me I had 3 months to live. (After a crying spell in my car when I left ) Went back to my hematologist who told me the reason my Mspike was high was because my blood count was 5. So after getting iron infusions and subsequent blood work done, needless to say I don’t have bone cancer. The two other neurologists I’ve seen in the past were quacks. They both said I had insignificant neuropathy and they don’t know why I’m complaining of pain.
Sent me on my way without helping me. My General practitioner said neurologists are diagnostic and don’t help people with their issues. They just diagnose. With all that was said, I trotted off to pain management and there is where I stay for the time being.

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@budjo611

Just a suggestion. My EMG showed negative for nerve damage. It wasn’t until my 3rd neurologist that he recommended a skin biopsy to rule out Small Fiber Neuropathy. Unfortunately, that came back positive. It’s not a bad procedure. Sounds worse than it is. Please inquire on that test!!!! You have to be your own advocate.

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Oh, by the way . I have a telehealth with my general practitioner on Thursday morning so that I can get a referral for an EMG. And also request a skin biopsy.
🙌🏻. You all are fab and true support

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VA would not give me coverage either. My solution was the Scrambler treatment. It worked for me. Reasearch it.
Good Luck

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@gba

VA would not give me coverage either. My solution was the Scrambler treatment. It worked for me. Reasearch it.
Good Luck

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I looked it up and will discuss with my doctor. Thank you ☺️

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Lots and lots of paper work is very good at getting approved

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I have applied for SSID. They automatically denied me. I had to hire an attorney for an appeal. Now I keep getting these letters giving me less than three days to respond. Then they threaten to cancel it. I wish they would where we can set our court date.

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