Disability Benefits For Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that may prevent you from working. Diabetes can affect multiple parts of the body, leaving individuals unable to work or perform activities of daily living without assistance. According to the data, more than 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of the disease. Not everyone diagnosed with the condition will qualify for disability benefits. The data also shows that there has been a significant increase in the number of people living with diabetes. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled with proper treatment and precautions. 

To manage diabetes effectively and keep it under control, you will have to make diet changes and follow proper medical treatment. When diabetes is uncontrollable, making diet changes may not help even with medication. The long-term consequences of diabetes can be harmful and may lead to different complications. When diabetes is affecting your ability to work, you should consider applying for Disability Benefits For Diabetes. The process, however, can be extremely complicated. We have provided a guide below to help explain how to apply for disability benefits due to diabetes. 

Visit a website to get more information about diabetes disability benefits.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of Diabetes: 

● Type 1 Diabetes

● Type 2 Diabetes

● Gestational Diabetes

There can be genetic and environmental concerns that may contribute to diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs only during pregnancy and is generally transient, with symptoms usually subsiding after pregnancy ends. 

The symptoms of diabetes may vary. Here are some long-term complications from diabetes: 

● Eye damage

● Nerve damages

● Hypertension

● Stroke

● Heart diseases

● Kidney damage

● Foot ulcers

● High blood pressure

● Depression

Diabetes is a chronic condition that may affect multiple organs of the body simultaneously. Blindness and heart disease are some of the more common types of diabetes complications. More than 10% of the total U.S. population suffers from some form of diabetes and experiences multiple complications. 

Social Security Disability Benefits for Diabetes

In the past, people diagnosed with diabetes were covered by Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) because it was included among the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing of recognized disabilities, known as the Blue Book. In 2011, however, the SSA removed diabetes from its list of disabilities for endocrine diseases. There is no longer a listing for diabetes in the Blue Book as a stand alone condition, and an applicant cannot get approved for the disability under a Blue Book listing on the basis of a diabetes diagnosis alone. 

You can still be covered by SSDI benefits for many of the underlying conditions caused by diabetes.  For example, kidney diseases and vision problems are listed in the Blue Book. Individuals seeking disability benefits can apply under the particular medical condition that is listed in the Blue Book. The Social Security Administration will evaluate the condition and see if the individual meets the eligibility requirements. If an applicant meets the eligibility criteria for the specific medical condition, the SSA will approve the application even if it is caused by diabetes. An applicant will only win disability benefits if they have sufficient medical evidence to show the underlying disability. 

Getting a Medical-Vocational Allowance for Diabetes

Another common way to receive approval for diabetes disability benefits is through a medical-vocational allowance. A medical-vocational allowance is ideal for applicants who are unable to get benefits through direct eligibility criteria. 

The Social Security Administration will consider your RFC or Residual Functional Capacity. They will determine the strength-related work you can still perform in spite of your medical condition. If your condition is severe, such that you can no longer perform work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. 

To calculate the RFC, your age, education, past work, and skills will be considered. All these factors will be evaluated to assess the potential working capacity of the applicant. When there is less potential for acquiring new skills or obtaining a new job, the SSA may approve the application. 

Make sure to document any treatment notes from your healthcare provider and obtain witness statements from your family to support the disability application. Notes from past employers describing how the disability affected your condition may also play a significant role. A competent attorney will help you compile all relevant documents before submitting the application.  They will also ensure that the application is free of errors and omissions. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for Diabetes

There are two primary programs the government administers for disabled and economically insecure individuals: Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked in the past. The SSA will check whether you have earned the desired number of work credits to entitle you to benefits. Your age will also be considered. Work credits are earned through sufficient years of qualifying work and paying into the Social Security fund through federal tax withholdings taken from your paycheck.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Diabetes

Another program that SSA provides is Supplemental Security Income or SSI. The SSI program is based on income and resources of the applicant. Like SSDI, it is funded by tax revenues, but it comes from general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes like SSDI.  The SSI program is focused on helping elderly, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income by providing money for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

An applicant’s eligibility will be based on their resources or income. There is a maximum threshold of income that you can still earn to remain eligible. When you earn more than that, the chances of getting disability benefits decreases. 

You should ensure that you have documentation showing that you meet the disability and other eligibility criteria to establish entitlement to disability benefits. Failure to submit an accurate application with sufficient documentation could lead to a denial and a lengthy appeal process. You should consult an experienced Social Security Disability Attorney to reduce your chances of submitting an incorrect or incomplete application and to avoid preventable delays. Lawyers are well-versed in the SSA disability process. Contact Our Office Today.

About the Author:

Berke Law Firm, P.A.