Diabetic Neuropathy Social Security Disability SSI - Applying for Disability

Diabetic neuropathy is listed on many disability applications, often alongside descriptions such as "burning in feet", "numbness in feet", and "tingling sensations". Neuropathy by itself is not a determinant for being awarded disability benefits in either the social security disability or SSI disability program. It is, however, in addition to being a very significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, addressed in the impairment listing manual's Diabetes Listing.

The following links lead to pages that discuss various aspects of the social security disability and SSI system, such as when to apply for disability, what to do in the event that your disability case is denied, the definition of disability according to the social security administration, finding representation for disability claims, and the issue of working while applying for, or receiving, disability benefits.


1. When to File for Disability - tip: don't wait
2. If Denied Social Security Disability ...
3. What is a disability, or medically determinable impairment, for Social Security Disability or SSI?
4. Income from a spouse - will it affect whether or not I can get disability ?
5. Anyone know a good SSD attorney around here?
6. SSDI and working -- or not working


What follows is basic information on diabetic neuropathy:


The most common cause of neuropathy in developed nations is diabetes mellitus. In fact, neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of sickness or death for individuals with diabetes. About twenty percent of all diabetes mellitus patients have neuropathy.

What is neuropathy? Neuropathy is a neuropathic disorder that is characterized by loss of sensation, numbness, abnormal sensation, dizziness, impotence, constipation, neuropathic pain, burning sensation, and dysphagia.

Why is this dangerous to individuals with diabetes mellitus? Loss of sensation may cause an individual to be unaware of a sore or ulceration; consequently the risk of infection increases dramatically. For example, individuals with diabetic neuropathy account for fifty to seventy five percent of all non-traumatic amputations.

Very little is understood about diabetic neuropathy, and treatment usually consists of pain reduction and glucose control. Currently, diabetic neuropathy is treated with serotonin uptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amtriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline, and anticonvulsants such as tregretol.

Studies indicate that the tricyclic antidepressants seem to relieve the burning sensation and older anticonvulsants relieve sudden sharp pains. Of course, medication, insulin, and dietary changes to control glucose levels.




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