Is Diabetes a Disability? Does Diabetes Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Diabetes is a complex medical condition affecting millions of American. It diminishes their ability to work and maintain a full and active lifestyle. Individuals struggling with the symptoms of diabetes can seek Social Security Disability benefits. This article explains how diabetes qualifies as a disability, and describes the criteria used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine who is eligible for disability benefits.

Sackett and Associates Disability Lawyers has the valuable experience you need when preparing and filing your Diabetes disability claim. Our legal knowledge and understanding of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) operates has led to successful disability benefits applications for clients in California and throughout the U.S.  Call us for help with your Social Security Disability questions.

Is Diabetes a Disability?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. While not every person with diabetes experiences disabling symptoms, diabetes does significantly impair basic daily functions for many sufferers and leads to serious complications if left untreated. Because of the potential for diabetes to severely impair so many individuals, diabetes does qualify as a disability under the Social Security Act if it meets the criteria outlined by the SSA.

Does Diabetes Qualify for Disability Benefits?

The SSA evaluates disability claims for diabetes based on the severity of the condition and the extent to which the illness impacts the individual’s ability to work. To qualify for disability benefits, claimants must meet specific medical criteria outlined in the SSA’s “Blue Book,” which lists impairments the government considers “disabling.”

While diabetes itself is not listed as a separate impairment in the Blue Book, it can qualify under other listings, such as:

Listing 9.00 – Endocrine Disorders:

Diabetes can meet the criteria for disability under this listing if it results in severe complications such as neuropathy (nerve-related numbness), nephropathy (deterioration of kidney function), retinopathy (retina damage resulting in vision loss), or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that significantly limit the individual’s ability to work.

Listing 11.00 – Neurological Disorders:

Diabetes-related neuropathy, which affects the nerves and can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities, could qualify as a disabling impairment under this listing.

Listing 14.00 – Immune System Disorders:

Those suffering from diabetes may be at increased risk of infections and complications due to an impaired immune system. In some cases, this circumstance could meet the criteria for disability under this listing if the infections are recurrent or severe.

Symptoms Considered by the SSA

The Social Security Administration considers various symptoms when evaluating a claim for disability benefits based on diabetes. These include medical findings, and test results to determine eligibility. These may include:

Symptoms

1. 1. Frequent urination
   2. Excessive thirst
   3. Unexplained weight loss
   4. Fatigue and weakness
   5. Blurred vision
   6. Slow-healing wounds or infections

Medical Findings:

1. 1. Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
   2. Abnormal results on glucose tolerance tests
   3. Presence of diabetic complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, or cardiovascular disease

Test Results:

1. 1. Hemoglobin A1c levels indicating poor blood sugar control over time
   2. Neurological examinations revealing signs of neuropathy
   3. Eye exams showing evidence of diabetic retinopathy

Benefits of Working with Sackett and Associates Disability Law Firm

The disability claims process can be challenging and frustrating, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions like diabetes. Working with the experienced disability lawyers at Sackett and Associates provides you with the invaluable support and guidance you need to understand the process and know where your disability claim stands. Here’s how a skilled disability lawyer can help:

Our disability lawyers assess the strengths of your case, review your medical records, and determine whether you could meet the eligibility criteria for disability benefits. Sackett and Associates will help gather the necessary documentation, including medical records, test results, and statements from your healthcare providers to build support for your disability claim.

Our disability lawyers and highly trained disability advocates will represent you throughout the disability claims process, advocating for your rights and interests at every stage, from initial application to appeals, if necessary.

If your disability claim is denied for any reason, our firm also represents clients throughout the appellate process, requesting reconsideration and presenting a compelling case to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at a disability hearing. This process sometimes can include additional appeals, up to the federal court level.

Sackett and Associates works to ensure you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to under the law, including retroactive payments and ongoing monthly benefits.

Although diabetes itself may not be listed as a separate impairment in the SSA’s Blue Book, those suffering with diabetes can still qualify for disability benefits if their condition meets the criteria for other listings or if it significantly impairs their ability to work.

Working with the experienced disability lawyers at Sackett and Associates can greatly increase your chances of successfully getting approval for disability benefits. If you are struggling with the disabling effects of diabetes, don’t wait to seek the legal support and professional guidance you need to navigate the disability process effectively.