Diabetes Benefits in Chattanooga, Tennessee
If Filing a Social Security Disability Claim for Diabetes – Better Follow Doctors Orders
Filing a Social Security Disability Claim for Diabetes
If you or a loved one is suffering from diabetes, you may be surprised to learn that obtaining disability benefits is only sometimes a possibility. In fact, the Social Security Administration has proposed taking diabetes off the list of approved conditions. Despite this, it is still entirely possible to get the benefits that you need if you are suffering from diabetes. In the case that you’re having a difficult time obtaining benefits, our disability lawyer in Chattanooga is happy to provide assistance throughout the process.
Diabetes is considered to be an “invisible” disability because it has the potential to be well-managed. It limits the function of the endocrine system as this is the system that is responsible for regulating blood glucose and insulin. However, simply the diagnosis of type I or type II diabetes is not enough to automatically qualify for benefits. Like many other disabilities, the medical evidence will play a large role in whether or not the SSA grants you benefits.
Which Diabetes Sufferers Qualify?
In order to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, your diabetes needs to be so severe that you are not able to control it. There also must be proof of serious health issues due to the fact that you cannot control your diabetes. For example, when your blood sugar is too high (hyperglycemia), it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This is a potentially life-threatening condition and can also cause damage to the heart, intestines, and brain.
Your diabetes must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or you suspect that you won’t be able to work for at least 12 months. One of the most difficult parts of applying for benefits is ensuring that you have the right evidence, something with which our disability lawyer in Chattanooga can help.
Appealing Denied Claims
Many applicants who file for benefits due to their diabetes are denied the first time. In this case, applicants will need to file an appeal in order to secure a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. Our lawyer knows how to navigate this process, utilizing strategies to effectively present your case. For example, it is possible to combine multiple impairments to increase your chances of becoming approved. Mental health is a large factor to consider, as diabetes sufferers may also experience severe anxiety and depression as a result of their diabetes. We can also help prove that you’ve experienced a decrease in productivity because of an increase in the severity of your diabetes.
If your diabetes is impacting your quality of life and your ability to hold a job, please reach out to our disability lawyer in Chattanooga for assistance.
Further Resources:
American Diabetes Association – Complete source of information, education, and medical resources.
Diabetes Health – Another good website with information about diet and other important health aspects.
Disability Evaluation Under Social Security – SSA’s site with details of requirements for diabetes as a disability.