Diabetes has become one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the United States. Although type 1 diabetes remains relatively rare, type 2 diabetes affects a significant portion of the population, particularly older adults and those in the later stages of their careers. Experts estimate that between 90% and 95% of those with diabetes have type 2.
Given the impact that diabetes can have on someone’s daily life, some individuals may question whether they qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits based on a diabetes diagnosis. After all, it may affect your job performance and even put you in the hospital. You will also have to cope with the symptoms for the rest of your life.
Will the Social Security Administration (SSA) grant benefits to those not yet at retirement age and coping with diabetes?
The condition alone will not typically qualify you
The SSA typically does not approve benefits based on diagnosis alone but rather on how significant the impact of the condition is based on medical evidence. Most adults with managed diabetes can continue working. Although there may be limitations on their job functions in some cases, medication and proper diet can allow someone to live a life much like that of their co-workers.
However, diabetes absolutely can flare up and cause severe symptoms. For example, neuropathy in the lower extremities is quite common. In fact, there is a very strong association between unmanaged type 2 diabetes and foot or lower leg amputations.
Diabetes can also cause vision loss, kidney failure, heart damage and strokes. Any of these side effects could cause medical issues that qualify someone for SSDI. Securing benefits for a common diagnosis like diabetes will require proper medical documentation and careful handling of the application process.
Unusual claims may require more support
Securing SSDI benefits for a condition that can leave someone unable to work but frequently does not can be a challenge. Not only do you need to be very precise during the application process, but you also need to prepare for the possibility of an appeal.
Rather than adding to your current stress levels by trying to handle the claim or appeal on your own, getting confessional help may be a better approach. Having someone you can rely on will throughout the claims process increase your chances of securing SSDI benefits for diabetes and the symptoms the condition causes.