Social Security Disability for Diabetes in Detroit
Diabetes is all too common. More than 29 million people in the United States have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People live and work with diabetes all the time. But sometimes the symptoms are severe enough that you can’t work.
When health problems lead to money problems, Social Security disability benefits could replace some of your lost wages.
But most people get denied for benefits, whether they have diabetes or any other physical or mental health condition. Having an experienced Social Security disability attorney file your application could make a difference in your case.
What would you like to do?
What Information Do I Need to Apply for Disability Benefits with Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that can cause many conditions and complications including:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss, from conditions like retinopathy
- Skin infections
- Depression
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) in the hands and feet
- Heart disease
- Strokes
Although some people can manage their diabetes and continue to work, any of these complications could mean you cannot work.
For Social Security disability benefits, you have to prove your particular symptoms make working impossible. Because diabetes varies so much from person to person, this can be a challenge.
You’ll need to provide medical evidence to show how your diabetes makes working impossible.
This medical evidence needs to come from accepted sources such as doctors, optometrists and podiatrists.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will also request documentation from hospitals, clinics or other health facilities where you received treatment for your diabetes.
In addition to providing information related to your medical records, your application will need to include information about your birth, citizenship, marital status, children, military service, and employment history.
The application asks you details of your job history for the past 15 years, your education and training.
Because of all the information that the SSA has to review, it takes three to five months to get an initial determination on your benefits.
Will I Automatically Qualify?
Approval for Social Security disability benefits based on complications of diabetes is far from automatic.
But if you suffer from the above-listed conditions, you may qualify.
Submitting complete and accurate information with your initial application may improve your chances of winning benefits and avoiding unnecessary delays.
What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied at first—as it is for many people—don’t give up hope.
You have the right to appeal the initial decision. Many claims are approved during the appeals process after the SSA revisits your request.
How Can Having Representation Help?
Applying for Social Security disability benefits for diabetes can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.
If you’ve already applied and received a denial, the idea of appealing that decision can be intimidating. Social Security has its own rules, legal system, and even judges to handle disability claims.
Social Security disability attorneys know the SSA’s application, review, determination and appeals processes.
While nobody can guarantee you’ll win benefits, having an advocate working on your behalf can give you the best chance of receiving everything you’re entitled to receive.
Levine Benjamin Law Firm has helped more than 80,000 people win benefits since 1964.
From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.