About Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves become damaged or diseased. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.

When peripheral nerves are damaged, communication between the brain and affected body parts becomes disrupted. This can lead to problems involving movement, sensation, balance, coordination, and organ function.

Peripheral neuropathy can range from mild to severe and may significantly interfere with daily activities and the ability to work.

Types of Neuropathy

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on the specific nerves affected. There are three primary categories of neuropathy.

Motor Neuropathy

Motor neuropathy involves damage to the nerves controlling muscle movement.

Common effects may include:

• Muscle weakness

• Poor coordination

• Difficulty walking

• Muscle wasting or atrophy

Sensory Neuropathy

Sensory neuropathy affects the nerves responsible for sensation.

Symptoms may involve problems with:

• Pain sensation

• Temperature sensitivity

• Touch sensation

• Vibration awareness

Autonomic Neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy affects nerves controlling automatic bodily functions such as organ and gland activity.

Symptoms vary depending on the organs involved.

Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy

Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of nerve damage.

Muscle-Related Symptoms

Motor nerve damage may cause:

• Severe pain

• Muscle atrophy

• Muscle weakness

• Impaired coordination

• Abnormal gait or walking problems

Sensory-Related Symptoms

Sensory nerve damage may result in:

• Numbness

• Reduced sensation

• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensations

• Burning sensations

• Increased sensitivity to pain, touch, or temperature

Autonomic-Related Symptoms

Autonomic nerve damage may cause:

• Bowel or bladder problems

• Digestive issues

• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing)

• Sexual dysfunction

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy can develop from many different medical conditions, environmental factors, or inherited disorders.

Common causes may include:

• Alcohol abuse

• Infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis C, or HIV

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Certain cancers or chemotherapy treatments

• Medication side effects

• Hereditary disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or diabetes

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease

Qualifying for Social Security Disability with Peripheral Neuropathy

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates peripheral neuropathy under Listing 11.14 – Peripheral Neuropathies within the neurological disorders section of the Blue Book.

Listing 11.14 refers to the motor function limitations described in Listing 11.04B.

Listing 11.14 – Peripheral Neuropathies

To qualify, the applicant must have:

• Peripheral neuropathy causing disorganization of motor function

• Symptoms continuing despite prescribed treatment

The motor impairment must meet the severity described under Listing 11.04B.

Listing 11.04B – Motor Function Disorganization

The applicant must have:

• Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities

• Sustained disturbance of gross or fine motor movements
  or

• Significant gait and station abnormalities affecting walking or standing

Examples may include:

• Difficulty walking independently

• Loss of coordination

• Difficulty using the hands effectively

• Severe weakness

• Balance problems

Medical Evidence for a Peripheral Neuropathy Disability Claim

The SSA requires objective medical evidence documenting the severity of nerve damage and resulting functional limitations.

Helpful documentation may include:

• Neurological examinations

• EMG or nerve conduction studies

• MRI or imaging studies

• Treatment records

• Physical therapy records

• Laboratory testing

• Physician statements regarding limitations and symptoms

The SSA evaluates how peripheral neuropathy affects walking ability, coordination, balance, sensation, strength, and the ability to perform work-related activities consistently.

Medical-Vocational Allowance

Even if an applicant does not fully meet the requirements of Listing 11.14, they may still qualify for disability benefits through a medical-vocational allowance.

The SSA considers factors such as:

• Age

• Education

• Work history

• Transferable job skills

• Physical limitations caused by neuropathy

Symptoms such as chronic pain, numbness, weakness, balance problems, and coordination difficulties may prevent an individual from performing even unskilled work activities consistently.

If the SSA determines that the applicant cannot maintain full-time work due to neuropathy-related limitations, disability benefits may still be approved.