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.

A mental health condition can have a severe impact on your ability to work and earn enough to support yourself. Many people who struggle with serious mental health disorders find that they are not able to stay in any position for more than a few weeks or maybe months at a time. Mental illness can make it impossible for a person to get out of bed and dressed for work every day, the same way a physical illness can. Psychological disorders can also impact a person’s behavior while they are working, leading to trouble.

Many people with mental health-related disabilities have been dismissed from a number of positions due the clear impact of their mental health on work performance. If you are affected by a mental health condition that affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability. An attorney can help you gain a better understanding of who does and does not qualify for this benefit based on their mental health. 

Mental Health Conditions That Are More Likely to Qualify You for SSD

Not all mental health conditions will qualify a person for Social Security Disability. Quite a few people have some type of diagnosed mental illness, like depression, but are able to obtain effective treatment and continue working. In fact, there are plenty of individuals in elite professions who have struggled with their mental health. 

There are multiple different conditions that can affect a person's ability to work and earn enough money to support themselves and their family. Fortunately, disability benefits are available through Social Security for those who are totally disabled. However, demonstrating that a condition is severe enough to be considered a total disability is not always easy, especially for mental conditions that are not always outwardly obvious. 

One issue that will often play a significant role in these cases is a person's residual functional capacity, or RFC. The RFC is basically a measure of what a person can still do, despite their condition. It is important to note that the RFC does not consider whether or not a person can actually find work; rather, it focuses on whether they would be able to perform work if they were given the opportunity. By understanding the factors considered by Social Security when evaluating a person's mental functional capacity, an applicant for disability benefits can make sure they meet the required criteria.