UPDATE: Autonomic Neuropathy and Disability Benefits

 Posted on November 28, 2022 in Social Security Disability Medical Conditions

Originally published: February 3, 2012 -- Updated: November 28, 2022

Update: As discussed below, autonomic neuropathy can occur if a person experiences damage to the nervous system that disrupts various automatic bodily functions, including internal organs such as the heart or digestive system. While autonomic neuropathy may not be considered to be a disability on its own, its effects and the related conditions a person is likely to experience may be severe enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Some disabling conditions that may meet the criteria to be considered disabilities include:

• Autoimmune disorders - Autonomic neuropathy may occur due to conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions may be considered disabilities if they affect two or more organs or bodily systems and cause a person to experience symptoms such as severe fatigue, involuntary weight loss, and fevers or if a person has a "marked" limitation on their ability to maintain a consistent pace while working, function socially, or perform daily activities.
• Diabetes - While diabetes is another condition that is not recognized by Social Security as a disability, some symptoms that people may experience may be severe enough to be considered disabling. These may include cardiovascular disorders, vision impairment, or kidney disease.
• Gastrointestinal disorders - Autonomic neuropathy may affect a person's ability to digest food, and they may experience symptoms such as inflammatory bowel disease or involuntary weight loss that may meet the qualifications to be considered disabilities.
• Neurological disorders - Autonomic neuropathy is often associated with neurological conditions that are considered to be disabilities because they cause problems with brain function or bodily coordination. Some qualifying conditions may include multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or epilepsy.
• Low blood pressure - If autonomic neuropathy affects the heart and cardiovascular system, a person may experience symptoms such as dizziness that affect their ability to perform work-related tasks, and these symptoms may be severe enough to be considered disabilities. 

If you suffer from autonomic neuropathy, you may be unable to maintain employment due to the physical effects of your condition and the limitations you have experienced. To ensure that you will be able to qualify for disability benefits, you will need to work with a Chicago Social Security disability lawyer who can help you show that your condition meets the necessary criteria. Contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC at 312-999-0999 to get help with your disability application or to appeal the denial of a disability claim.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autonomic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20369829

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/14.00-Immune-Adult.htm 

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm

Autonomic neuropathy is a group of different symptoms occurring when there is damage to the nervous system. More specifically, autonomic neuropathy makes it very difficult for the body to manage day to day bodily functions. It is not uncommon for someone suffering from autonomic neuropathy to have digestive problems, uncontrollable hypertension, or heart problems. For this reason, it can often take many years to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor, such as a neurologist.

People applying for Social Security disability benefits suffering from autonomic neuropathy can struggle to get their claims approved. There is no specific listing for autonomic neuropathy. Instead, a claimant has to meet other listings depending on their specific condition. The effects of autonomic neuropathy can be quite debilitating and the treatment long-term. It is usually all of the different effects of the condition that prevent a claimant from working. The symptoms can include: diarrhea, irregular heart rhythm, excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and many others.

If you suffer from autonomic neuropathy and are applying for Social Security disability benefits, it is highly recommended that you seek out a Social Security disability lawyer near you to get more information on the issues of your particular claim. Autonomic neuropathy is a very serious and potentially disabling condition.