Saturday, March 23, 2024

Type 1 Diabetes Social Security Disability

Must read

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security 900 Endocrine Disorders

Type I Diabetes and Social Security Disability

Section 9.00 Endocrine Disorders

A. What is an endocrine disorder?

An endocrine disorder is a medical condition that causes a hormonal imbalance. When an endocrine gland functions abnormally, producing either too much of a specific hormone or too little , the hormonal imbalance can cause various complications in the body. The major glands of the endocrine system are the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, and pancreas.

B. How do we evaluate the effects of endocrine disorders? We evaluate impairments that result from endocrine disorders under the listings for other body systems. For example:

1. Pituitary gland disorders can disrupt hormone production and normal functioning in other endocrine glands and in many body systems. The effects of pituitary gland disorders vary depending on which hormones are involved. For example, when pituitary hypofunction affects water and electrolyte balance in the kidney and leads to diabetes insipidus, we evaluate the effects of recurrent dehydration under 6.00.

2. Thyroid gland disorders affect the sympathetic nervous system and normal metabolism. We evaluate thyroid-related changes in blood pressure and heart rate that cause arrhythmias or other cardiac dysfunction under 4.00 thyroid-related weight loss under 5.00 hypertensive cerebrovascular accidents under 11.00 and cognitive limitations, mood disorders, and anxiety under 12.00.

The Financial Costs Of Diabetes

Diabetes is an expensive condition, costing individuals more than twice as much in healthcare costs than their healthy counterparts. ADA reports that those suffering from the condition will pay an extra $7,900 each year in hospital care, prescriptions, supplies, doctors visits and other direct medical expenses.

In addition to direct medical costs, diabetes caused $69 billion dollars in indirect costs, which include missed workdays, decreased productivity at work, and the inability to work. This means, on average, those with diabetes are also losing almost $2,500 per year.

Diabetes Self-Management pointed out that many with diabetes have trouble affording the necessary prescriptions and supplies, even with the help of insurance. Though some pharmaceutical companies offer assistance for those who cant afford to pay full prices, people with diabetes are two and a half more times likely to be unemployed or live in poverty.

There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 or juvenile, is often diagnosed in children or young adults, and happens when their bodies cant make enough insulin. Type 2 or adult onset, is usually caused by unhealthy lifestyles, and happens when their bodies cant use insulin correctly. The third, gestational diabetes, occurs during pregnancy and rarely qualifies for benefits. In the United States, Type 2 is much more prevalent than Type 1, affecting 95 percent of diabetes population.

Diabetes Is Listed As A Disabling Disease Under Social Security

The good news for people suffering from diabetes is that the Social Security Administration lists diabetes specifically in the list of medical impairments covered by Social Security.

In order for you to qualify for Social Security benefits for diabetes, you must show that:

  • You actually suffer from diabetes mellitus.
  • You suffer from neuropathy .
  • You suffer from acidosis.
  • You suffer from diabetic retinopathy .

Even if you are initially denied benefits, dont give up. Many diabetics who were initially denied were later approved through the appeals process. This serious medical condition can eventually lead to kidney failure it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.

Read Also: How Can A Diabetic Wound Heal Faster

Clear Guide To Qualifying For Disability Benefits With Type 1 Diabetes

If your child has type 1 diabetes, your family might be eligible for financial assistance through disability benefits. The Social Security Administration offers benefits for people of all ages who are unable to work or participate in typical childhood activities due to an illness. Childhood diabetes may medically qualify, but technical eligibility for disability benefits can be challenging to meet.

Learn more about financial assistance for your diabetes by clicking the button below.

Applying For Jobs If You Have Diabetes

Is Type 1 Diabetes A Disability Under Social Security

When you apply for a job, you do not have to disclose that you have diabetes. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act says employers canât ask any questions during a job interview that could reveal the existence of a disability.

A few examples of questions that a potential employer canât ask you:

  • Do you have a disability that would interfere with your ability to perform the job?
  • How many days were you sick last year?
  • Have you ever filed for workers’ compensation?
  • What prescription drugs do you currently take?

Medical questions and medical exams may be allowed after you receive a job offer and before your work begins. But your employer needs to ask these questions of other applicants, not just you, for them to be legal. But your boss canât take back your offer because you reveal you have diabetes.

Your employer can withdraw the offer, however, if you canât perform the essential functions of the job, even with reasonable accommodations.

Also Check: When Are You Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes

Can I Receive Social Security Benefits For Diabetes

The Difference Between Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income

Important: We updated this article in May 2022 to reflect current Social Security Administration policy data and guidelines. Diabetes mellitus describes a group of illnesses that affect how your body uses glucose, or blood sugar . Individuals with diabetes have too much glucose in their bloodstream, which can lead to serious health complications. These diabetes complications may make you eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits. Keep reading to learn more about getting Social Security benefits for diabetes.

Does Diabetes Qualify For Social Security Disability

Claims based on diabetes often focus less on the everyday symptoms of diabetes and more on the damage caused by long-term diabetes.

Does Social Security consider diabetes to be disabling?

How exactly does Social Security evaluate a disability claim based on diabetes?

Step 1: Non-Medical CriteriaStep 2: Severe ImpairmentStep 3: Medical ListingsStep 4: Past WorkStep 5: Other Work

Don’t Miss: Sugar Free Toothpaste For Diabetics

Iii The Sequential Evaluation Process For Children

We follow a three-step sequential evaluation process when we make a determination or decision whether a child is disabled due to DM.

  • Work Activity

    We determine at step 1 whether a child is working and, if so, whether the work activity is SGA. If achild is engaging in SGA, we find that he or she is not disabled. If achild is not engaging in SGA, we go on to step 2 of the sequentialevaluation process.

  • Severe Medically Determinable Impairment

    We determine at step 2 whether a child has an MDIthat is severe. An MDI must be established by medical evidenceconsisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, not only by astatement of symptoms. When we evaluate severity, we consider theeffects of DM on the child’s functioning, including: limitations as aresult of treatment and the kinds and extent ofhelp, support, and supervision the child needs compared to that ofchildren the same age who do not have impairments. If the child’s DM,alone or in combination with another impairment, causes more thanminimal functional limitations, we find that the impairment issevere.We find that the impairment is ânot severeâ ifit causes no more than minimal functional limitations. If a child doesnot have an MDI that is severe, we find that he or she is not disabled.If a child does have a severe impairment, we go on to step 3 of thesequential evaluation process.

  • Meets or Medically Equals a Listing, or Functionally Equals the Listings

  • Growth impairments, under thegrowth impairment listings .

  • Blue Book Criteria For Diabetes I Or Ii Disability

    How Do You Win Your Disability Claim For Diabetes

    Diabetes is a serious condition in which a persons pancreas does not function as it should maintain a proper balance of glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin allows glucose to enter the bodys cells to power our bodies and feed the brain. As the level of glucose is reduced by being absorbed into the cells, the level of insulin produced by the pancreas also reduces.

    The Blue Book of indexed impairments that qualify for disability benefits states, Both type 1 and type 2 DM are chronic disorders that can have serious disabling complications that meet the duration requirement.

    Type I Diabetes, formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes, is an insulin-dependent disorder requiring lifelong insulin injections to counteract the pancreas failure to regulate or produce insulin naturally. Type II Diabetes, formerly known as Adult-Onset Diabetes, does not generally require insulin injections but can be treated and improved by lifestyle changes such as diet, and exercise.

    Both types of Diabetes can result in serious and life-threatening consequences when not addressed or maintained regularly. When not treated properly, Diabetes can produce Chronic Hyperglycemia, Diabetic ketoacidosis , or Hypoglycemia.

    Recommended Reading: Number Of Carbs Per Meal For Type 2 Diabetes

    How To Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits

    If your diabetes is severe enough that it interferes with you ability to perform daily living activities or work activities, talk to your doctor about your likelihood of qualifying for disability benefits through either the Blue Book or an RFC. The application can take up to two years, while costing money you may not have and causing you unnecessary stress, so if approval isnt likely, the time and effort of the application may not be worth it.

    You are responsible for including all the necessary documentation. In addition to every relevant piece of medical information, youll also need personal documents, such as a birth certificate and tax information. Sending incomplete forms or insufficient medical evidence could force the SSA to take the time to collect the information themselves or deny you benefits.

    Necessary medical testing will include:

    You can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in person at your local SSA office, over the phone, or on their convenient online application. You can only apply for Supplementary Security Insurance in person at an SSA office.

    Whether youre applying online or in person, make sure you application has no errors and no questions are left blank. The SSA deals with thousands of cases on a daily bases, and missing or wrong information can cause a denial of benefits, or at the very least a delay.

    Symptoms And Complications Of Adult Diabetes

    Symptoms of both diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2 include frequent urination, unusual thirst and hunger, and fatigue. People with type 2 diabetes also can suffer from tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, frequent infections, and cuts that are slow to heal.

    Hypoglycemia, an abnormally low level of blood glucose, can lead to complications including seizures, loss of consciousness, or cognitive problems.

    Hyperglycemia, when your blood sugar stays too high, can cause diabetic ketoacidosis . DKA is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a severe insulin deficiency. It usually requires hospitalization, but the treatment for it may cause other complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, intestinal necrosis, cerebral edema, or seizures.

    Chronic hyperglycemia can also lead to:

    Don’t Miss: How To Check Accuracy Of Glucose Meter

    The Social Security Administrations Definition Of A Disability

    Every impairment listed in the SSAs manual, commonly referred to as the Blue Book, includes symptoms, levels of dysfunction, lab test results, or medical findings that the SSA deems severe enough to meet its standard of disability for that impairment. But the SSA uses a universal definition that every claimed disability must meet to be approved for benefits.

    The SSA defines a disability as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that lasts or is expected to last 12 months that prevents the person from performing substantial gainful activities.

    A person who files a claim for disability benefits need not necessarily match one of the listed impairments set of criteria if they suffer from multiple impairments, either physical or mental, that together leave them so lacking in residual functional capacity that they cannot earn income above the SSD qualifying cap and they either have not or will not be able to do so for 12 months.

    The SSAs measure of what are substantial gainful activities, is a predetermined amount of monthly income. In 2022, the level of SGA is $1,350 for sighted individuals and $2,260 for someone who is statutorily blind.

    Travel To And From Work

    Is Diabetes Is A Disability

    You may need to travel for your job, but your medical supplies wonât stop you from meeting this need. You can take diabetes supplies through security. This includes:

    • Insulin and products to dispense it, such as vials and pens
    • Unused syringes when you have them along with injectable medication
    • Used syringes when you carry them in a hard-surface container to store used syringes and test strips
    • Liquids or gels

    Also Check: Where Can I Get Free Diabetic Supplies

    Is Type 1 Diabetes A Disability Under Social Security

    The simple answer is yes. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes can qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits. The determination whether your SSD benefits claim is approved is based on how severely the disease affects your normal functioning and your ability to perform work.

    At London Disability, Attorney Scott London and his team of expert disability advocates work full time representing disabled clients getting them the highest level of SSD benefits possible in each case. By concentrating 100% of their professional expertise on disability claims, London Disability Advocates know every rule and regulation, every procedure, and every argument that can be used to support your Social Security Disability claim. We know how to win a Diabetes disability claim.

    To What Types Of Benefits May People With Diabetes Be Entitled

    All people with diabetes have protection from discrimination in seeking a job, as well as the right to reasonable accommodations to care for themselves and perform their job well while at work.

    Examples of those accommodations include a place to test blood sugars safely and privately, breaks to test blood sugars, and a stool to sit on if they experience pain associated with nerve damage.

    Some, but not all, people with type 1 diabetes are entitled to monetary benefits from the SSA. There are two SSA programs that offer benefits:

    • Social Security Disability:Title II of the Social Security Act is available to people who have paid contributions to Social Security through their taxable earnings.
    • Supplemental Social Security Income :Title XVI of the Social Security Act is for those with limited income.

    The disability must prevent an individual from working for at least 1 year, or a doctor must expect it to result in death within 1 year. Any awarded benefits will start the sixth month after the date on which the disability began.

    A person can apply in person, over the phone, by mail, or by filing online at the SSAs website.

    Local SSA field offices or state-affiliated agencies called Disability Determination Services usually process applications.

    People can contact the SSA with questions at 800-772-1213 or online.

    You May Like: What Blood Glucose Level Is Too High

    Filing Your 2nd Appeal

    If your first appeal is rejected, you can appeal a second time . This time, your case will be reviewed by an administrative law judge in the Social Securitys Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, explains the ADA.

    The length of this application and response can take up to an entire year. While the process does not require an attorney, youll likely appreciate the support of one for this final attempt at acquiring disability benefits.

    Can You Get Disability For Diabetes

    SSDI STIMULUS : IS DIABETES A DISABILITY ? IS TYPE 1 DIABETES A DISABILITY ?

    Individuals with this ailment may be able to obtain disability benefits, but not everyone with diabetes may be eligible to apply. Now, just because diabetes and diabetes-related illness can be considered a disability does not mean that a person is entitled to get disability benefits, such as financial assistance.

    People suffering from Type 1 disability and Type 2 diabetes may not always e qualify for disability benefits. There are specific medical and nonmedical criteria that need to be met for a person to qualify to get disability benefits for diabetes.

    The symptoms and health conditions related to or caused by diabetes should be severe enough in order for a person to be eligible to receive supplemental social security benefits in the form of SSI. The same is true for when a person applies for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, due to having a disability.

    The SSA can administer either SSI or SSDI to persons who are disabled and to disabled and dependent minors. A person applying for social security benefits must establish that he or she has a physical or mental impairment with medical evidence and meet all of the criteria. In some cases, solely proving that you have diabetes may not be enough to qualify for disability benefits in the form of financial assistance.

    Don’t Miss: How Much Insulin In A Pen

    Early Signs And Symptoms Of Diabetes Can Be Mild Or Not Even Noticed Especially In Type 2

    Type 1 diabetes can occur quickly symptoms will be more severe with the first sign being a high level of glucose in the blood. Common symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

    • Extreme hunger
    • Slow healing sores or cuts
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides
    • are over the age of 45
    • have a parent or sibling with diabetes
    • arent physically active
    • have Hispanic, African American, American Indian, Asian American, Alaska Native or Pacific Islander ancestry.

    What Our Clients Are Saying

    Our unique approach to working with our clients

    This Firm Stands Up for Working Families

    “This law firm really stands up for working families stands up for workers and will take your case and fight for your case. And get you the best possible settlement that you can have. You should trust in this law firm. This is the law firm that stood when the state was being challenged under SB1070 the anti-immigrant law.”

    – Randy Parraz

    I Recommend This Firm To You

    “Hi, my name is Ron Selma and Ive been a client for a year and a half. Snow, Carpio & Weekely, have been very professional for me and I would recommend this firm to anyone. They all are very professional.”

    – Ron Selma

    Recommended Reading: How To Know If I Have Low Blood Sugar

    More articles

    Popular Articles