According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 20 million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, a condition that is caused by damage to the peripheral nervous system by acute physical trauma, repetitive stress or overuse injuries, exposure to toxins, chronic alcohol abuse, and a great number of severe disorders and diseases, including cancers, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, neuromas, infections, kidney disorders, and small vessel disease. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include the following:

-Numbness or a tingling sensation in the feet, hands, legs, and arms (upper and lower extremities)
-Lack of coordination and need for an assistance device (cane, walker, etc.) to prevent falling
-Muscle weakness
-Paralysis
-Sensitivity to touch
-Pain that is sharp or burning
-Dizziness or lightheadedness caused by changes in blood pressure
-Digestive and bladder problems
-Intolerance of heat

While most individuals who are diagnosed with and receiving treatment for peripheral neuropathy experience polyneuropathy, meaning that multiple nerves are affected, some individuals experience symptoms in only two nerves. Less commonly, people can experience mononeuropathy (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), which occurs when only one nerve is affected by peripheral neuropathy. Without question, the above-described symptoms can preclude an individual from being able to perform substantially gainful activity and therefore entitle him or her to Social Security disability benefits.

Contact Viner Disability Law

If you are receiving treatment for peripheral neuropathy and have been unable to work as a result of the severity of your symptoms in spite of all treatment measures, Viner Disability Law can help you assess your claim for Social Security disability benefits and help you file an initial application with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Please contact our attorneys for a free consultation regarding your claim for benefits.