Is nerve damage a disability? And deafness?

Widelats

If someone has ulna nerve damage and can not feel their small finger and the ring finger properly like pins and needles feeling all the time, and can't have manual dexterity in that hand like eating with a utensil or holding a cup, is that partial disablement? Also if they are prone to dropping things and getting electric shocks down the arm which they have no control over is that classed disabled in some way?

Also, if someone is completely deaf is that a disability to some extent?

Oldernotwiser

A disability in what context - claiming benefits?

lilac_lady

Why not ask your doctor?

soolin

I have limited feeling in my left hand and arm due to having had Guillein Barre some years ago and have a number of scars and cuts where i have hurt it and not realised,. When I'm tired I also lose the feeling in my left foot and leg. I am not disabled by this at all I just have to remember to watch where my left hand is when i'm tired so I don't do something daft. I just remember not to carry things in my left hand as I 'forget' to hold it and just drop it.

My father is profoundly deaf and never had this affect his working life at all, he didn't claim a single benefit until a disastrous stroke a few years back which completely took his mind and now requires 24 hours care.

So as a basic, is there an automatic requirement to consider yourself disabled, I would say no. However , it isn't that simple of course as being disabled isn't a statement that anyone is required to make. The only time you would have to prove a disability is if you want to claim benefits and that is not dependent on a 'disability' but on your ability to do things and how much it affects what most people would consider a 'normal' life.

Indie_Kid

Does it affect your ability to do things such as communicate, eat, drink, walk, etc?

I have damage to the nerves in both eyes and as a result, have various other problems with my eyes.

I do know someone who is deaf (and blind) who is unable to speak clearly - this makes communicating with people difficult.

southantrim3

DLA is not based on what you suffer from or your "disability. Should someone have a heart attack they do not care. DLA is awarded solely on your care and mobility needs. In other words, how much help you need during the day as a result of your condition (care component) and how you are able to get about - do you need a walking stick or someone to be with you when you're out and about in case something happens you etc (mobility component.)
If you feel this is the case then fill out an application form for an assessment. As I say, the disability itself does not make any difference to an award, it's just the resulting care and mobility needs.

Widelats

It is for benefits yes, i am not the claimant, i will tell her to go see the doctor to get confirmation. I think she has been told she was laid off 7 times in the past 2 years from various jobs, she is truly sick of it.

thanks everyone.