What Kind of Diabetes Disability Benefits are There?

Published on: March 31, 2015

diabetesReceiving Social Security Disability benefits for diabetes is possible, but it's not often that such benefits are given out. This is because, technically, you can't receive disability benefits solely for having diabetes. If this were the case, about 8 percent of the US population would be receiving benefits.

What's the deal, then? Are diabetes disability benefits even a real thing? In a certain sense, yes. The catch is that you can receive benefits for diabetes if you're being treated for it, and also dealing with acidosis, neuropathy, or retinopathy.

Most people with diabetes can perform basic physical or mental actions while on the job, but in order to receive these types of benefits, you'd have to show that, due to your unique condition, you're not capable of such activities.

Acidosis

Acidosis is an increased acidity in the blood and other tissues. In order to receive benefits for this issue, you need it to be documented once every two months with the appropriate lab tests. Individuals receiving benefits usually have blood glucose levels higher than 250 mg/dL and often need to be hospitalized.

Neuropathy

Another way in which you're eligible for diabetes benefits is if it’s related to neuropathy. Neuropathy is damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which may be caused by another condition or by a bodily trauma. If your neuropathy impairs two of your extremities necessary for significant movement, or if you have difficulty walking or standing, you might be able to receive diabetes-related benefits.

Retinopathy

If you're significantly visually impaired, and you can show that its related to your diabetes condition, there may be hope for your receiving some compensation. Again, you would need to show that your visual impairment makes you unfit to perform the basic functions of your job.

Diabetes Benefits and Children

It's not out of the ordinary for children to become disabled because of diabetes coupled with neuropathy, retinopathy, or acidosis. These complications usually occur in adults who have been stricken with diabetes for a substantial amount of time, but children can also be affected.

These children may qualify for SSI benefits if they're dependent on insulin, have had recent hospitalizations due to one of the aforementioned conditions, and are younger than 18 years old. There's a possibility that benefits will be issued to children with diabetes who also have impaired renal functioning or severe growth impairment.

Receiving Benefits for Other Diabetes-Related Conditions

Diabetes can also lead to severe cardiovascular problems, like coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure. If you suffer from these issues, you may be eligible for disability compensation, as well.

Although it's relatively rare, the disease can also cause major infections in the limbs, which in certain circumstances may require amputation. If you've had a leg or foot amputated, it's likely that you'll be able to receive  benefits for your physical limitation.

Poorly healing skin due to diabetes is another condition for which diabetes-related benefits are possible. If you've suffered from ulcerating skin lesions that have lasted for three months, despite treatment, and they make it difficult use your limbs, you'll likely qualify for benefits.

Benefits are Reserved Only for Those Who Truly Qualift For Them

All in all, if everybody who had diabetes were able to receive disability benefits for the condition, it’s safe to say that most everyone would take advantage of it. However, these types of disability benefits are specifically reserved for those who are truly suffering from paralyzing conditions related to diabetes, which make it extremely difficult or impossible for them to function in day-to-day life.

If you're suffering from one of the above conditions and also have diabetes, don't hesitate to contact. We're committed to getting you compensated.

Download the Florida Disability Guide

 

Contact Us

New Call-to-action