If you are over age 50, a limitation to sedentary work may result in a favorable decision based on the grid rules. Otherwise, a sedentary limitation as a starting point is a good place to start.
However, your use of a cane will not help you in your disability case if that cane is not prescribed by a doctor. In reviewing the hearing decisions of the three cases involving non-prescription cane using claimants, none of the judges gave the “cane factor” more than passing reference because none of these canes were specifically prescribed by a physician.
It does not matter that your doctor voices approval of your decision to purchase a cane at a drug store. In order for your use of an need for a cane to help you in your Social Security case, you need a prescription.
So, if you are having trouble walking or balancing and you feel that you need a cane, or even if you are already using or borrowing one, ask your doctor to write out a prescription for a cane and to note that prescription in your medical record. Doing so can pay major dividends in your Social Security disability case.