Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that makes the body store elevated levels of sugar for a prolonged time. It happens when the body has insulin resistance, meaning, it does not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Treatment usually involves medication such as metformin or insulin, usually in combination with lifestyle changes such as diet control and regular exercise.
When you have diabetes, you may also suffer from other health problems such as vision loss and heart disease. You may also risk getting your kidneys damaged. Debilitating diabetes-related health issues may qualify you for social security disability benefits.
What qualifies diabetics for SSD?
Having diabetes does not automatically qualify you for disability benefits. To qualify, you must be able to prove that you are unable to perform any work due to the debilitating complications of the disease. The Social Security Administration specifies a list of impairments that may automatically qualify diabetics for SSD, including:
- Diabetic nephropathy, which prevents your kidneys from filtering waste effectively. This condition may require daily dialysis.
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathies, where nerve damage may seriously affect and inhibit your ability to walk and use your extremities properly.
- Diabetic retinopathy, which damages the eyes and may lead to blindness. Excessive blood sugar in the bloodstream causes this condition.
If you suffer from any of the conditions listed above, the quality of your life drastically changes. You may not be able to move as smoothly and as swiftly as before. Your eyesight suffers and you may be a hazard on the road and in your workplace. You may also need to spend extra on medications that can treat these issues, so receiving SSD can help immensely.
Navigating the SSD application process can be challenging. The structure of your application plays a significant role in the approval process, so it needs careful planning. You may consult with an SSD lawyer to get guidance on the process. This may increase the chances of getting your application approved and receiving a more generous benefits package.