Can You Get SSDI for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
TL;DR: Yes. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a progressive hereditary nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and atrophy, primarily in the legs and feet, and later in the hands and arms. Because CMT is degenerative and has no cure, the SSA evaluates it under Listing 11.14 (peripheral neuropathy) or 11.22 (motor neuron disorders). If CMT has progressed to the point where you cannot walk effectively or use your hands for work tasks, you have a strong claim.
CMT is the most common inherited neurological disorder, affecting about 1 in 2,500 people. It causes the peripheral nerves to degenerate over time, leading to progressive muscle wasting, foot deformities, difficulty walking, and eventually hand weakness. The progression varies widely between people, but for many, it reaches a point where sustained employment is not possible.
Unlike many conditions where the SSA questions whether the disability will last 12 months, CMT is lifelong and progressive. The SSA knows the condition will not improve, which works in your favor for the duration requirement.
SSA Listings for CMT
| SSA Listing | Condition | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 11.14 | Peripheral neuropathy | Disorganization of motor function in two extremities causing extreme limitation in ability to stand, walk, or use upper extremities |
| 11.22 | Motor neuron disorders | Marked limitation in physical functioning and in one area of mental functioning, or extreme limitation in one of these |
SSA evaluates disability claims using the Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions and the specific criteria each must meet. If your condition matches a Blue Book listing, approval is more straightforward. Even if your condition does not match a Blue Book listing exactly, you can still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance. This considers your age, education, work experience, and functional limitations together. Consistent treatment records are critical. SSA looks for ongoing documentation showing your condition limits your ability to work, not just a single diagnosis.
Medical Evidence the SSA Needs
- Genetic testing confirming CMT diagnosis and type
- EMG and nerve conduction studies showing nerve damage pattern consistent with CMT
- Neurological examination documenting muscle wasting, weakness grades, and sensory loss
- Serial examinations showing progression over time
- Documentation of foot deformities (pes cavus, hammer toes)
- Records of bracing (AFOs) and other assistive devices
- Hand function testing: grip strength, pinch strength, dexterity
- Gait analysis or physical therapy assessments
Request your medical records directly from each provider rather than relying on SSA to gather them. SSA requests can take months, and records sometimes get lost in the process. Include records from every provider you have seen for your disabling conditions, even if a visit seemed minor. Gaps in treatment history are one of the most common reasons for denial. Medical records from the past 12 months carry the most weight, but older records help establish the onset date. A treatment history spanning several years shows the condition is persistent, not temporary.
RFC for CMT Cases
| CMT Symptom | Work Impact |
|---|---|
| Foot drop | Tripping hazard, difficulty on uneven surfaces, cannot walk safely in many work environments |
| Leg weakness | Limited standing and walking duration, difficulty with stairs |
| Hand weakness | Cannot grip tools, difficulty typing, dropping objects |
| Sensory loss | Cannot feel burns, cuts, or temperature changes in hands and feet |
| Fatigue | Muscles tire faster due to nerve dysfunction, reducing endurance |
| Balance problems | Fall risk increases throughout the day as muscles fatigue |
The RFC form is often the single most important document in your case. It translates your diagnosis into specific physical or mental limitations that SSA uses to determine whether you can work. Ask your treating physician to complete the RFC form, not a doctor you have seen only once. SSA gives more weight to opinions from providers with a long treatment relationship. Be specific on the RFC. 'Patient cannot lift over 10 pounds' is far more useful than 'Patient has lifting restrictions.' Exact numbers for sitting, standing, walking, and lifting limits help the judge make a clear decision.
Common Denial Reasons
- Mild CMT may not meet listing severity. Not all CMT types progress quickly. If your symptoms are mild, the SSA may find you can still do sedentary work.
- Hand function not documented. If only leg involvement is documented but your hands are also affected, you may be found capable of sedentary work. Get hand function formally tested.
- Inconsistent follow-up. CMT is progressive, so the SSA expects regular neurological follow-up. Gaps in care suggest stability.
A denial does not mean your case is over. About 2 out of 3 initial SSDI applications are denied, and many of those denials are overturned on appeal. Read your denial letter carefully. It tells you exactly why SSA denied your claim. The most common reasons are insufficient medical evidence and SSA determining you can still perform some type of work. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal. Missing this deadline means starting over from scratch, so mark it on your calendar immediately.
Compassionate Allowance
Standard CMT is not on the Compassionate Allowance list. However, some severe subtypes may qualify if they cause rapid progression of motor deficits.
SSA evaluates disability claims using the Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions and the specific criteria each must meet. If your condition matches a Blue Book listing, approval is more straightforward. Even if your condition does not match a Blue Book listing exactly, you can still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance. This considers your age, education, work experience, and functional limitations together. Consistent treatment records are critical. SSA looks for ongoing documentation showing your condition limits your ability to work, not just a single diagnosis.
Function Report Tips
- Describe your walking limitations with and without AFOs or braces
- Detail falls and how often they occur
- Explain hand coordination problems: buttoning clothes, using utensils, opening containers
- Note how fatigue worsens throughout the day
- Describe any chronic pain and its treatment
- List activities you have gradually lost the ability to perform
CMT claims benefit from showing progressive decline over time. ClaimPath generates SSA-compliant disability documents for $79, saving you the 25% attorney contingency fee.
Related Condition Guides
- SSDI for Peripheral Neuropathy
- SSDI for Muscular Dystrophy
- SSDI for Small Fiber Neuropathy
- SSDI for Nerve Damage
Report any changes within 10 days of the change occurring. This includes starting or stopping work, changes in your medical condition, moving to a new address, or receiving other benefits. You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local SSA office. Keep a record of what you reported and when.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get SSDI for Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease??
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a progressive hereditary nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and atrophy, primarily in the legs and feet, and later in the hands and arms. Because CMT is degenerative and has no cure, the SSA evaluates it under Listing 11.14 (peripheral neuropathy) or 11.22 (motor neuron disorders). If CMT has progressed to the point where you cannot walk effectively, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
How does Charcot-Marie-Tooth qualify for SSDI?
Standard CMT is not on the Compassionate Allowance list, but some severe subtypes may qualify if they cause rapid progression of motor deficits. SSA evaluates disability claims using the Blue Book, which lists qualifying conditions and the specific criteria needed to meet a listing.
What should I include in my function report for a CMT SSDI claim?
CMT claims benefit from showing progressive decline over time. Describe your walking limitations with and without AFOs or braces, detail falls and how often they occur, explain hand coordination problems, and note how fatigue worsens throughout the day.