Can You Get Disability for Diabetic Neuropathy?

Understand the qualification process, criteria, application steps, and potential benefits for people with diabetic neuropathy seeking disability support.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Understand the qualification process, criteria, application steps, and potential benefits for people with diabetic neuropathy seeking disability support.

Diabetic neuropathy, a complication that arises from prolonged high blood sugar, can cause nerve damage leading to significant physical limitations and daily life challenges. For some, the symptoms become so severe they interfere with the ability to work, raising important questions about eligibility for disability benefits and what the process involves. This comprehensive guide explores whether diabetic neuropathy qualifies for disability status, the criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), documentation requirements, application steps, and available accommodations in the workplace.

What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage resulting from long-term, poorly controlled diabetes. These high blood sugar levels damage nerves throughout the body, most often in the legs and feet, but symptoms and complications can arise in various systems and extremities.

Peripheral neuropathy: The most common form, affecting hands, legs, or feet, often presenting as pain, tingling, burning, or numbness.
Autonomic neuropathy: Impacts internal organs like the digestive system, bladder, heart, and sexual function.
Proximal neuropathy: Affects thighs, hips, or buttocks, sometimes causing sudden weakness.
Focal neuropathy: Causes sudden weakness in specific nerves, often in the head, torso, or leg.

While about half of people with diabetes will eventually experience some form of neuropathy, its severity and progression vary significantly.

Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life

The effects of diabetic neuropathy depend on the type and nerves involved. Common symptoms include:

Burning, tingling pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
Muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass (especially in extremities)
Balance and coordination issues, sometimes resulting in falls
Problems with walking, standing, or moving about
Dizziness (especially when changing positions)
Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Sexual dysfunction or urinary incontinence
Cognitive impacts like trouble remembering information or focusing

Severe symptoms may compromise independence and the ability to perform work-related tasks or daily activities, such as dressing, feeding, or maintaining hygiene.

Does Diabetic Neuropathy Qualify for Disability?

Yes, diabetic neuropathy can qualify you for disability benefits if it significantly impairs your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established strict criteria to determine eligibility, and not every case will meet these requirements.

SSA Disability Criteria for Diabetic Neuropathy

The SSA will consider your neuropathy a disability if your symptoms:

Persist for at least 12 months or are expected to last this long
Result in a severe impairment that interferes with your ability to work full-time employment

You generally must show one of two things:

Significant impairment in at least two extremities (such as both legs, both arms, or one arm and one leg), making it difficult to stand, walk, or perform basic tasks
Extreme limitation in one of three key areas:

Standing up from a seated position
Balancing while standing or walking
Using your upper extremities for work tasks

Additionally, the SSA considers impacts on major work-related functions, including:

Remembering and applying information, such as following instructions or correcting mistakes
Concentration and task completion, focusing on or completing activities at a normal pace
Interacting with others, including coworkers and supervisors, in a work environment
Managing oneself, which covers self-care, personal hygiene, and setting realistic goals

If your diabetic neuropathy prevents you from performing these functions to the extent required for employment, you may qualify for benefits. You must prove that your limitations are both medically documented and severe enough to meet SSA’s definition of “disabling.”

Other Accommodations for Diabetic Neuropathy

Even if you do not qualify for full disability benefits, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes diabetes (and its complications like neuropathy) as a disability. This entitles you to reasonable accommodations in the workplace, meaning your employer must make adjustments so you can do your job, provided it doesn’t cause undue hardship for the business.

Allowing breaks to check blood sugar levels
Breaking to administer insulin or other medication
Accessible locations to store diabetes supplies
Ergonomic chairs or workstations to alleviate pain or fatigue
Modified duties to reduce prolonged standing or walking requirements

Requesting accommodations is typically a collaborative process between you and your employer, often involving a healthcare provider’s recommendations.

How to Prove Disability Due to Diabetic Neuropathy

To receive disability benefits, you must prove the severity of your condition and its impact on your ability to work. The SSA will expect thorough, up-to-date documentation.

Essential Documentation

Medical records: Reports from your treating doctors (e.g., neurologist, endocrinologist), test results (nerve conduction studies, EMGs, blood work), and a record of treatments attempted
Detailed symptom history: Specific examples of how your symptoms interfere with daily activities and employment (e.g., falls, inability to use hands for fine tasks, needing assistive devices)
Statements from healthcare providers: Professional opinions on your prognosis and functional limitations
Personal statements or work records: Documentation of absences, performance issues, or inability to complete tasks at work because of your neuropathy

Consistency between your symptom descriptions and medical documentation is crucial for a successful disability claim.

Applying for Disability Benefits

If your diabetic neuropathy is disabling, you may be eligible for two federal programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – for people with a qualifying work history
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – for people with little to no income or work history and financial need

Steps to Apply

Gather documentation – compile medical records, a list of medications, work history, and names and contact information for all healthcare providers
Complete the application – this can be done online, over the phone, or at your local Social Security office
Submit supporting medical evidence – detailed records that show the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing limitations caused by diabetic neuropathy
Participate in a consultative exam (if required) – the SSA may request an independent medical evaluation
Await a decision – initial decisions typically take several months; if denied, you have the right to appeal

Tips for a Successful Application

Be as specific and detailed as possible about how your symptoms affect daily and work life
Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctors and document your good-faith efforts to manage the condition
Keep a daily symptom diary to track pain levels, falls, or difficulties with specific activities
Seek legal or advocacy assistance if the process becomes overwhelming or after a denial

Potential Challenges and What to Expect

Even with medical evidence, not every claim for disability due to diabetic neuropathy is approved on the first try. Common reasons include insufficient medical documentation, lack of evidence showing how symptoms limit work activity, or a failure to demonstrate that the condition will last at least 12 months.

If your claim is denied, you can appeal. This can include a reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further reviews if necessary.
Best practices include seeking help from a disability attorney or advocate familiar with diabetic neuropathy cases.
Persistence, clear communication with healthcare providers, and consistent documentation greatly improve your chances of success.

How Diabetic Neuropathy Is Evaluated Under Disability Law

The SSA evaluates diabetic neuropathy claims using neurological disorders criteria. To meet the listing, you generally must have:

Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in at least two extremities (such as paralysis, inability to walk, loss of fine and gross movements)
Or, extreme limitations in standing from a seated position, balance, or use of upper extremities

Other diabetes complications that can also qualify (sometimes in combination with neuropathy) include:

Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss)
Diabetic nephropathy (kidney failure)
Cardiovascular disease
Amputations due to poor circulation or infections
Slow-healing skin conditions
Cognitive or psychological impairments

These complications are evaluated separately or together if they contribute to your inability to work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does everyone with diabetic neuropathy qualify for disability?

No, not everyone qualifies. Only those with severe, medically documented symptoms that significantly limit work capacity and daily functioning for at least a year will be considered.

Can I work part-time and receive disability benefits for diabetic neuropathy?

In some cases, yes. The SSA has strict income limits for benefit qualification. It is possible to work limited hours if you stay under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, but reporting income is essential.

How long does it take to get a decision?

The process varies, but initial decisions often take three to five months. If denied and you appeal, it may take several additional months or longer for a final decision.

What if my diabetic neuropathy improves?

If your symptoms improve or no longer meet the severity requirements, you may lose eligibility. Always report improved health or changes in your ability to work to the SSA promptly.

What types of evidence help my case?

Detailed medical records, statements from treating doctors, personal diaries of symptoms, physical therapy notes, and evidence of failed treatment attempts all strengthen your application.

Key Takeaways

Diabetic neuropathy can qualify as a disability if symptoms seriously impair your ability to work and are well documented.
You must meet strict SSA criteria, including duration, severity, and functional impact.
Workplace accommodations may be available even if you do not qualify for full disability benefits.
Careful documentation and persistence are vital for success.

If you think you qualify, gather your documentation, speak to your healthcare provider, and consider applying for disability. Resources are available to help, including legal aid and advocacy organizations experienced with diabetes-related claims.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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