Social Security Disability Benefits for Diabetes
Those who are suffering from uncontrolled diabetes, and are unable to work because of their illness, may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diabetes affects more than 25 million people in the United States, which is more than 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. Some people are able to control their diabetes symptoms; for others, their diabetes symptoms are debilitating and make it impossible to work. Diabetes causes blood glucose levels to get too high.
The National Institutes of Health says that with type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, which is more common, the body does not do a good job of making insulin. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious health problems including:
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Amputations
The Social Security Administration no longer recognizes diabetes as one of the disorders in their listing of impairments, also called the “Blue Book,” but that does not mean a case cannot be made for disability benefits under certain conditions. Section 9.00 discusses several endocrine disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and how they can be disabling. While the SSA no longer has a blue book listing for diabetes, a person who is impaired by the disease could meet the requirements for some of the complications of diabetes such as diabetic retinopathy, an amputated limb, kidney failure or cardiovascular problems.
As with any other disease, you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits based on the medical documentation you provide, your work history, age and other factors. The SSA awards disability benefits based on how severely your condition interferes with your ability to maintain gainful employment. So, it is often not enough to simply receive the diagnosis of a condition such as diabetes. You must be able to show functional limitations caused by the disease that prevent you from working.
Be mindful that most who apply for Social Security Disability benefits get denied in the first round. Make sure that you are taking your medication and following your doctor’s orders for treatment as you follow through with the appeals process. A West Tennessee Social Security Disability attorney can help prepare your appeal and increase your chances for getting approved.
If you are applying for social security disability due to the debilitating effects of diabetes, you might consider scheduling a consultation with a knowledgeable SSD attorney at Bailey & Greer, PLLC who will review your case and answer your questions. You are welcome to contact our firm if you live in and around Memphis, Jackson or West Tennessee and wish to pursue Social Security Disability benefits.
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