Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease SSDI: 7 Shocking Facts You Must Know

Introduction

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease SSDI benefits may be within reach—but only if you understand the critical details of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your case. At Harbison & Kavanagh, we’ve helped thousands of Virginians just like you pursue the benefits they need. In this blog, we reveal 7 shocking facts about qualifying for SSDI with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and explain exactly how to maximize your chances for approval.

Table of Contents

• What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
• How the SSA Evaluates CMT for SSDI
• Fact 1: CMT May Qualify Under a Blue Book Listing
• Fact 2: Symptom Severity Is More Important Than Diagnosis
• Fact 3: Inability to Work Must Be Clearly Proven
• Fact 4: Your Age Plays a Surprising Role
• Fact 5: Inconsistent Medical Records Can Derail Your Claim
• Fact 6: Vocational Experts Often Misunderstand CMT
• Fact 7: Having the Right SSD Attorney Matters More Than You Think
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Reading You Shouldn’t Miss
• Get Help from Our Experienced SSD Lawyers

What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that causes progressive damage to the peripheral nerves. It typically affects the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness, sensory loss, impaired mobility, and balance problems. While not life-threatening, CMT can make working impossible, especially in jobs that require physical activity or fine motor skills.

How the SSA Evaluates CMT for SSDI

When evaluating a Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease SSDI claim, the SSA doesn’t focus solely on your diagnosis. Instead, it examines how your symptoms limit your ability to work. This is critical. You must demonstrate that your functional limitations prevent you from performing your past work—or any work in the national economy.

Fact 1: CMT May Qualify Under a Blue Book Listing

CMT is not listed by name in the SSA’s Blue Book, but many sufferers qualify under Listing 11.14: Peripheral Neuropathy. According to the SSA, to meet this listing you must have:

Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in extreme limitations in the ability to stand up, balance, or use the upper extremities,
OR

Marked limitation in physical functioning and one of the following: understanding, interacting with others, concentrating, or managing oneself.

More details on Listing 11.14 are available directly from the SSA’s Blue Book:
SSA Blue Book – Neurological Disorders.

Fact 2: Symptom Severity Is More Important Than Diagnosis

Many people assume that a diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is enough. It’s not. The SSA will deny your claim unless you provide objective medical evidence that your symptoms are severe and disabling. This includes:

EMG and nerve conduction studies

Gait analysis or balance testing

Orthopedic or neurological exams

Physical therapy notes and assistive device usage

Even if you don’t meet the listing exactly, you may still qualify if your condition equals the severity of another listed impairment.

Fact 3: Inability to Work Must Be Clearly Proven

The crux of your SSDI for Charcot-Marie-Tooth claim lies in proving you are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you are under age 60 and can still do any kind of work—even a sedentary job—you could be denied.

You must show that you cannot:

Stand or walk for prolonged periods

Lift even light objects

Type or grasp consistently

Maintain work pace or attendance

Statements from treating physicians, residual functional capacity (RFC) assessments, and vocational expert rebuttals are essential to build a strong case.

Fact 4: Your Age Plays a Surprising Role

Under SSA’s grid rules, individuals over age 50 or 55 have an easier path to SSDI approval because the burden of adapting to other work increases with age. For those younger than 50, however, the SSA will expect more concrete evidence that no work options exist.

If you’re over 50 with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, your SSDI approval odds are significantly higher—but only with strong documentation.

Fact 5: Inconsistent Medical Records Can Derail Your Claim

SSDI claims are often denied because of gaps in treatment or inconsistent documentation. To build a solid claim:

See your neurologist regularly

Document any falls, balance issues, or adaptive devices

Keep a daily symptom journal

Get written RFC assessments from both neurologists and primary care doctors

A consistent treatment record shows the SSA that your condition is not improving and continues to interfere with your ability to work.

Fact 6: Vocational Experts Often Misunderstand CMT

Many vocational experts (VEs) at SSDI hearings mischaracterize CMT as a mild condition. This is a huge problem. A strong attorney will cross-examine the VE and present vocational evidence to explain:

How foot drop, poor grip strength, or fatigue limits specific job functions

That even sedentary work is impossible due to upper extremity impairment

That frequent absences or breaks would lead to job termination

Fact 7: Having the Right SSD Attorney Matters More Than You Think

Your best chance at approval often comes down to how well your legal team presents your case. At Harbison & Kavanagh, we:

Collect and interpret your medical evidence

Develop strong RFC reports

Prepare detailed hearing memos

Rebut vocational expert testimony

Handle appeals if your claim is denied

We’ve successfully represented thousands of clients across Virginia, including those with rare and complex neurological conditions like CMT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get SSDI for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease if I’m still working?
If your income exceeds SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you will likely be denied. However, if you’re working under the SGA threshold or receiving accommodations, you may still qualify.

Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth listed in the SSA Blue Book?
Not by name, but many individuals qualify under Listing 11.14 for peripheral neuropathy, which encompasses many of the disabling effects of CMT.

How long does it take to get approved for SSDI with CMT?
Approval timelines vary. Initial decisions typically take 12–18 months. If denied, the appeals process can take 18–24 months, depending on the hearing backlog.

Can CMT symptoms worsen over time?
Yes. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is progressive. Many people who could work in their 30s are unable to work by their 40s or 50s. Ongoing documentation is critical.

Do I need a lawyer for my SSDI claim?
Yes. Having a lawyer significantly increases your chances, especially if your claim is initially denied and proceeds to a hearing.

This Guide Could Save Your Claim

Before you apply or appeal, check out our comprehensive guide:
➡️ Key Evidence to Strengthen Your SSD Appeal: 7 Powerful Tactics for a Winning Claim
This blog provides essential strategies on presenting strong medical and functional evidence that can tip the scale in your favor.

Let Us Fight for the Benefits You Deserve

At Harbison & Kavanagh, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the SSDI application and appeals process. If you believe you qualify for SSDI and have questions, call us today at (804) 888-8000, or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide the support and guidance you need.