If your application for disability benefits for neuropathy was denied, you have 60 days from the receipt of the decision to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Neuropathy is a disease of at least one peripheral nerve that causes numbness, most commonly in the hands and feet.
Without the ability to feel your hands or feet, your ability to function at work can be severely limited or outright impossible depending on your diagnosis.
More often than not, your initial claim was denied for a lack of sufficient evidence outlining why you are unable to work with your neuropathy diagnosis, so these tips will help you to strengthen your appeal.
Tip #1 - Obtain More Tests
Evidence supporting your claim is critical. If there are any medical exams, including imaging scans like MRIs or CT scans, that would help to support your appeal, make sure you obtain them.
Talk with your doctor to ensure that all exams that can be performed have been done so that this information can be sent along with your appeal.
Consider that anywhere from three to five months can pass between filing your claim and getting your decision, so if new symptoms have appeared make sure you note them as well.
Tip #2 - Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)
One of the strongest pieces of supporting evidence in your appeal is the residual functional capacity (RFC) form.
The RFC is an assessment to be completed by your physician that outlines the maximum amount of work you are capable of doing given your limitations.
The SSA relies on medical guidelines from the Blue Book to assess each case, but your situation could be very different because of your unique diagnosis.
The RFC is a way to demonstrate exactly how the neuropathy is impacting your ability to work and it can make a huge difference in your appeal.
Tip #3 - Clearly Outline All Side Effects
One of the most common treatments for neuropathy is antidepressants, anti-seizure medication and pain relief creams.
These are in addition to treating the cause of your neuropathy.
If you haven’t taken an antidepressant or anti-seizure medication before, you could have a reaction to it that will make it difficult to work in addition to the neuropathy itself.
You should list all of your medications and treatment plans and outline how they are impacting your ability to work because side effects can often cause adverse reactions just as much as the underlying condition.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
Appealing a disability benefit claim can be stressful.
You need to gather more evidence and everything must be done quickly so that you file within the deadline.
You might consider working with a disability attorney who can help you to file the strongest appeal possible.
Though working with a disability lawyer does not guarantee that you will win your appeal, working with an attorney does increase your chances for a favorable outcome.
Your attorney will be able to help you gather evidence so that your appeal includes all of the information needed.
There is very little risk to hiring a disability attorney as you will not be required to pay up front and you only pay if you win your case.
To learn more about how a disability attorney could help with your case, fill out a free case evaluation form.
