Neuropathy & applying for Disability

I hope and pray you get it. Everyone is declined the first round. You need to appeal. Please have detailed documents from your doctors to provide to Disability which I am sure you did. Disability is a weird thing. I know people who get it who probably shouldn't be getting it, and others who are clearly disabled and are denied. ~ Appeal and go back. Bring as much documentation/letters/ as you can. Best of luck. If you do get accepted the 2nd time, you will be awarded arrears, which is very good.

Thank you. The attorneys seem to work remotely. I have an appt tomorrow via phone . A friend recommended this firm. She has MS and was denied three times until she got an attorney. It’s a shame. Like you said. Some may get disability for no good reason. Others not. I think the denial process is to discourage. And also keep the lawyers working. 😬

Yes, I think the denial the 1st time is to deter many from asking for it again.Lots of red tape and cruel for the ones who are truly disabled. I have watched many videos from attorneys and the client is actually in a wheelchair and in the meeting being grilled why they think they can't work. Yes, some have to go back 3 times, which is evil in my book. ~ I hope your meeting goes well tomorrow and in your favor. ~ God bless.~

@valec, Debbie @dbeshears1 shared some suggestions in another discussion here that might be helpful and may have some other thoughts to share with you - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/699863/. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy also has some information on the topic here:
--- Getting Help for Peripheral Neuropathy Social Security Benefits:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/5217/

Thanks so much

Thanks so much ! 🫰🏼

I can tell you from experience that we don’t all get refused the first time. I actually contacted an attorney first because so many people had me believing you had to have one. The man on the phone was so sweet and his counsel to me was to not let attorneys get involved and take get a % of the Disability money that I deserve for myself. He said to only call him back if I disagreed with their decision and am glad I didn’t have to.
The paperwork did seem intimidating, but it was straightforward. There was an option to give them permission to get the medical records needed so I wouldn’t have to gather them and fax them myself. Then there was a little phone interview to talk specific abilities and disabilities that were needed to perform your previous work functions and basic personal care.
Again, I know paperwork can be scary and mistakes can be made. I was a CPA and some folks just refuse doing their own tax returns because they are afraid or get snowed into believing we have special powers to get them a smaller tax bill. It’s not true - your disability rights and your tax obligations are the same whether you file or appeal yourself, or if you choose to forfeit some money to pay someone to file for you. If you are afraid of making mistakes or just hate paperwork, maybe a lawyer is the right help and worth you sharing what you are due, but I promise you that I know a lot of people who have had no issues when applying for disability. I wish you all the success you deserve; as you know, the process is very humbling since we’d rather have the health and ability to work and make 4 to 5 times what Disability pays, but very thankful for the help it does provide in these unfortunate circumstances.

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!!!!

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.

Thanks very much. Appreciate you sharing your experience