Diabetes is a condition that is typically controlled through a change in lifestyle or the use of medication, but some people are not able to control the disease. When it cannot be controlled, the complications of the disease may allow a person to be found eligible for social security disability (SSD) benefits.
What Is Diabetes?
A person can suffer from either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Both forms of the disease are considered to be metabolic disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce insulin, and some people who suffer from type 2 may have an inability to properly metabolize insulin even if it is available to the body.
Sufferers are generally able to control their diabetes through the use of medication or changes in lifestyle. A change in diet and increase in physical activity may reduce or eliminate complications of diabetes for people who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. However, older individuals may find that their diabetes can no longer be controlled through the use of medication.
Uncontrolled diabetes has the potential to cause damage to the internal organs, and it is possible for organ failure to occur. Vision problems that occur may lead to permanently blurred vision or even blindness. Blood flow to the limbs is reduced when it is not controlled, and it is possible for a person to require an amputation of one or more limbs.
Heart disease, stroke and depression are other complications that can be suffered when diabetes is not controlled. Nerve damage that may result from diabetes can make it difficult for a person to hold objects, stand or walk.
Can You Qualify For SSD Due To Diabetes?
In order for a person to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that they are not able to work due to uncontrolled diabetes, the disease must make it impossible for the sufferer to work for a minimum of 12 months. Damage done by uncontrolled diabetes must be severe enough to permanently limit a person’s ability to perform work tasks.
Complications may be listed by the SSA as qualifying conditions that make a person eligible for SSD benefits. Kidney failure, an inability to heal from infections, amputation, permanent nerve damage and heart failure are all complications of the disease that are listed by the SSA. However, it is important for a person who has uncontrolled diabetes to prove that they are suffering from a serious complication.
Qualifying for disability benefits often comes down to being able to prove that serious complications are affecting the sufferer. It is important to consult a medical professional whenever a symptom or complication occurs to ensure that an accurate, complete medical record is being kept. These medical records will be used by the SSA to determine eligibility.
Getting Help With Your SSD Claim
When you are suffering from a disability that reduces your quality of life and makes it impossible for you to work, getting the benefits that you need to pay for bills is important. Unfortunately, many people find that the process of applying for benefits is a long, difficult one that requires the completion of a confusing application. Denials are very common when people file for benefits, and many denied applications are rejected due to simple errors that could be avoided if a person was able to better understand the application process. An experienced lawyer can help you with your SSD claim. Attorneys who have spent time working on SSD claim cases understand how to make the process easier for their clients. Contact a legal office to schedule a consultation.
To discuss SSD and SSI claims or appeals, please call (215) 464-7200 or contact our attorneys using the form below.
The initial consultation is free, and we never charge a fee until we win your case.