Peripheral Neuropathy and SSDI
 

Hello, new member here and joined because i was looking for some answers regarding my PN.. Im a male, 52 years old, I was diagnosed with a mild idiopathic peripheral neuropathy a few years ago.
I dont experience much pain but have all the symptoms of Paresthesia (buzzing,crackilng, itching, I get zaps but not very often) in both my feet and standing can be very uncomfortable. I can walk without a problem its just the standing thats uncomfortable.
My prior work history had me on my feet most of the time and now finding a job is becoming very difficult as i dont think i can stand being on my feet alot so sitting down is a priority now.
I have tried to apply for SSDI but have been turned down twice now, they say my PN isnt bad enough and i can find other work.
I have a SSDI lawyer now but my hearing wont go before a judge for another 14-18 months and im not sure i can wait that long.
Has anyone out there gotten disability from a mild neuropathy? is there really different levels of "discomfort" that doesnt render me disable?

thanks

Welcome Dutchman063. :Wave-Hello:

Not surprised--
 

--that you tend to feel symptoms more when standing or still than when moving; when you are moving other sensations likely interfere and help cancel out the unpleasant ones you have now (which does imply that your neuropathy is not that severe, at least yet).

Also not surprised that you're having trouble with SSDI--the system is pretty much set up to deny people the first or second time until they can get lawyers and documenting doctors into their corners.

The definition of "mild" neuropathy is pretty ambiguous--people with minimal degrees of damage to nerve fibers as revealed by biopsy can still have terrible symptoms; often, partially damaged nerves produce worse symptoms than "dead" ones, as the brain has trouble interpreting the garbled, erroneous signalling.

We do have an SSDI forum (don't know if you've seen it yet):

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

There's good advice there on how to present your symptomology in order to have the best chances to be granted disability.

the main things that ssdi is looking at for peripheral neurpathy in the feet or legs is disruption of gait and station which means basically walking and standing. they are looking at how your pn symptoms interfere with your ability to do work. how it affects your stamina, ability to walk, bend, kneel, balance, climb, squat, crawl, stand, etc. that is what you have to emphasize, your difficulties in those areas. also any medications you take for pain and their affect on your ability to concentrate would also come into play.

From ssdi listing of impairments
11.14 Peripheral neuropathies. With disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B, in spite of prescribed treatment.

11.04B. Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C).

I have also a mild toxic polyneuropathy or beginning polyneuropathy but i have a seated job.If i would standing all i think it would be a absolute hell.
So i which you success with your disability settlement.