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Is Diabetes A Disability?

According to the CDC, more than 29 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes. When symptoms of diabetes make it impossible for you to work, you may find yourself struggling financially. Fortunately, you may qualify for Social Security Disability for diabetes to help replace lost wages.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that may cause other conditions and complications including:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Kidney disease
  • Vision problems, including blindness
  • Skin infections
  • Depression
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the hands and feet
  • Heart disease
  • Strokes

If you suffer from these complications, you may find that you cannot work. If that is the case, applying for Social Security Disability benefits for your diabetes may be a smart move. What Information Is Needed to Apply for Disability Benefits for Diabetes?

As with any type of disability, if you have diabetes, you will need to provide medical evidence in order to prove that you are unable to work because of your diabetes. The medical evidence needs to come from accepted medical sources such as licensed medical doctors, optometrists and podiatrists. The SSA will also request documentation from hospitals, clinics or other health facilities where you may have received treatment for your diabetes.

In addition to providing information related to your medical records, you will need to provide additional information to the SSA with your application for benefits. This includes information about your birth and citizenship information, your spouse (current and prior in some cases), children, military service and employment information for the current year and the past two years. You will also be asked for your job history for the past 15 years, and your education and training.

Because of the volume and complexity of information needed to review your application for benefits, you will likely not receive an initial determination from the SSA until three to five months after submitting a completed application.

WILL I AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY?

While approval for Social Security Disability benefits based on complications of diabetes is not automatic, if you suffer from the above-listed conditions, you may qualify. Submitting complete and accurate information with your initial application may help speed up the process.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DIABETES CLAIM IS DENIED?

Many applications for Social Security Disability benefits for diabetes and other conditions are initially denied. If your claim is denied at first, don’t give up hope of receiving benefits. You have the right to appeal the initial decision, and many claims are approved during the appeals process after the SSA revisits your request.

HOW CAN HAVING REPRESENTATION HELP?

Applying for Social Security Disability benefits for diabetes can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. And, if your previous application was denied, the idea of appealing the initial determination on your own can be frustrating.

Social Security Disability attorneys and other professionals who specialize in helping people with disabilities receive benefits are familiar with the SSA’s application, review, determination and appeals processes. While nobody can guarantee you will be eligible for benefits, having an advocate in your corner fighting for you will give you the best chance of receiving everything you are entitled to receive. Levine Benjamin has more than 45 years of experience helping people just like you win disability benefits for physical and mental conditions including SSD benefits for diabetes, cancer disability benefits and more. We can help you through every step of the process. To learn more about Social Security Disability and diabetes, contact us today for a free consultation by calling 888.612.0769, or by completing our online contact form.

Sources:

www.ssa.gov

CDC.gov

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