This post discusses Charcot Foot and disability benefits. If Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) Arthropathy is affecting your ability to work, read on for how SSA will evaluate your disability claim.
This article is not intended as nor should be taken as medical advice. If you are having ankle problems or foot pain please seek medical treatment.
CMT is a foot deformity that arises from nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) in the foot or ankle. Neuropathy is frequently associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), but neuropathy can occur without diabetes as well. Neuropathy affects foot sensation which in turn increases the likelihood of injury. Via WebMD. In my clients with Charcot Foot Syndrome, they usually have sustained a foot or ankle injury that refuses to heal.
The Charcot process starts off as an inflammatory process at the injury site. Osteomyelitis (bone infection) can co-occur with Charcot but they are treated differently. Charcot Neuroarthropathy and Osteomyelitis both increase the risk of lower limb amputation.
The symptoms of Charcot foot begin as a warm, red, and swollen foot/ankle. Symptoms may or may not include pain with weight bearing due to loss of nerve sensation from neuropathy. The affected bone can undergo destruction, subluxation, dislocation, and eventually charcot deformity. “Rocker bottom” foot (midfoot collapse) is the most common deformity. Via American Diabetes Association.
Testing can include an x-ray or MRI to look for bone deformity. Treatment depends on what stage of Charcot Foot you are in (acute or chronic). Immobilization/protection, drug therapy and surgery are all treatment options. Early diagnosis is helpful but misdiagnosis is common. Via NCBI and National Institutes of Health
Is Charcot Foot a disability?
The Social Security Administration can evaluate a claim for disability based on Charcot foot in different ways. One possibility is Listing 1.02 Major Dysfunction of a joint (due to any cause); another possibility for those over the age of 50 is being found disabled on the Grids. Unfortunately, SSA no longer has a listing specifically for diabetes.
If you are unable to work due to Charcot foot, file a claim for disability benefits as soon as possible.
The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security Disability clients in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
Also read NC Social Security Disability Lawyer