If you are one of the 30.3 million Americans with diabetes, you know the significant impact that it can have on your life. Not only does it require careful monitoring of your blood sugar levels, but it can also contribute to infections and wounds that take longer than normal to heal and severe neuropathic pain which can be disabling in and of itself. . However, while the Social Security Administration (SSA) does list it as an impairment that could qualify someone for benefits, certain other criteria must be met. The guide below looks closer at the qualifications and process of filing for disability with diabetes.

Requirements

For these purposes, the SSA makes little distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—only the effect that it has on a person’s quality of life. Due to advancements in medications and treatment, this condition is often not enough to prevent you from working for a twelve month or longer period. It is unlikely, therefore, for you to receive benefits while it remains manageable.

However, as previously stated, diabetes can affect other parts of the body, possibly contributing to the development of other diseases, which can qualify you for assistance. These include severe vision problems, like diabetic retinopathy, and kidney and heart complications. Additionally, since diabetics also can have trouble with their circulation, reduced blood flow to their extremities, especially their feet, can result in the development of gangrene and require amputation. Diabetics who suffer from peripheral neuropathy in the hands and feet can also experience significant limitations in their ability to work.  In some cases, a combination of less severe secondary symptoms and conditions may also qualify.

Filing for Disability

For those who are debilitated by their diabetes, benefits aren’t just about making sure you can get the care you need, but also about providing for the family members you might not be able to support in your current condition. However, the process is long—taking about 3-5 months after the completion of one’s application before a decision is reached and, unfortunately, even under these circumstances, sometimes up to 80% of requests are denied. You may continue to push your claim afterward by filing an appeal, but that process often takes even longer. Therefore, those thinking about filing for disability should strongly consider working with a Social Security Disability representative, who can guide them through the process and help them build as strong of a case as possible.

Has diabetes hindered your quality of life? Turn to the experts at Disability Claim Consultants for help filing for disability benefits or appealing your rejected application. Based out of Omaha, Nebraska, they understand the real stakes involved for each of their clients—and will use their combined 40 years of experience to bolster your chances of a successful outcome. To learn more about their services, visit the website. To talk to someone about your situation, call (402) 422-1000.