SSD and Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 38 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of course, the severity of the condition and the complications associated with diabetes vary from person to person. For most, this condition is not disabling. That means most people won’t qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) for this condition alone.
However, those with severe complications from diabetes or who have other medical conditions in combination with diabetes may be eligible for benefits.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder that impacts the regulation of blood glucose levels, commonly known as blood sugar. While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms and present similar risks if left untreated, the causes are different.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that prevents the pancreas from creating insulin. Because the body isn’t producing insulin, Type 1 diabetes requires treatment with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is much more common, and occurs more gradually, often due at least in part to factors like poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s risk factors.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Feeling weak and/or tired
- Sores that are slow to heal
- Frequent infections
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
This condition also carries a risk of serious complications, including:
- Damage to the heart and blood vessels, which can lead to conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
- Kidney damage, which may become serious enough to require dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Neuropathy, causing numbness, tingling, burning, and/or pain in the hands and feet
- Increased risk of infection and slow-healing wounds, particularly in the feet, which can lead to amputation in severe cases
- Damage to blood vessels in the eye, which can lead to vision loss or other conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts
There are other, less common or less well-documented risks as well. For example, Type 1 diabetes has been linked to osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases the risk of broken bones. And, uncontrolled blood sugar is believed to play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
These complications can add up to serious limitations.
SSD Benefits
Millions of Americans live and work with diabetes. For those who can’t–those who suffer from severe complications that leave them unable to earn a living–SSD may be an option. However, the Social Security Blue Book doesn’t include criteria for diabetes alone. To secure SSD benefits, the applicant will have to either meet or equal a different listing or show that their combination of conditions leaves them unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
This can be a complicated process requiring extensive medical documentation. Unfortunately, most initial SSD claims are denied. In part, that’s because many SSD applicants don’t understand the type of documentation required for a successful claim, or make mistakes in completing their applications. While many of these applicants are eventually approved on appeal, the appeal process can delay receipt of benefits by months or years.
Talk to a Disability Benefits Advocate Now
No matter what condition you may be suffering from, don’t take chances with your SSD application. Working with an experienced disability benefits advocate from the beginning can help ensure that you don’t make common mistakes, overlook a form, or leave out evidence that could make all the difference in your case.
If you’ve already applied for SSD and been denied, we can help with that, too. But, your time to appeal is limited, so you should contact us as soon as possible. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form here.