Diabetes is undoubtedly a debilitating medical condition and sufferers can be afflicted with many symptoms that range from mild to severe. If diabetes is making it difficult or impossible for you to work at your job, you may be wondering if you can get some help from the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are a qualified, the SSA can provide you with monthly payments when you are no longer able to work at your job. The bad news is that diabetes itself is no longer on the SSA list of covered disorders, but there is some good news for diabetes sufferers: the medical conditions caused by diabetes may be on the list. To get more information about how to get Social Security Disability benefits for diabetes-related conditions, read on.
Diabetes Related Conditions
When diabetes progresses, it begins to affect several different body systems. Below are just some of the debilitating medical conditions caused by uncontrolled diabetes, all of which appear on the SSA list of covered conditions:
- Kidney Disease
- Amputation (the removal of one or more extremities prompted by nerve damage).
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Diabetic Retinopathy (vision damage in at least one eye).
- Neuropathy (burning, tingling and numbness in an extremity).
Medical Evidence Needed
Unfortunately, it's not enough to suffer from one of these conditions, you must be able to prove your medical condition to the SSA to qualify for benefits. Your medical records are the main proof of your condition, so you must seek medical treatment, stay in treatment by keeping all appointments and complying with all doctor's orders and procure a complete set of medical records from all medical facilities. Seek out specialists whenever possible, and make sure your doctor knows about your inability to work at your job because of the condition. The SSA refers to your ability to work at your job as Residual Functional Capacity, and has provided a helpful form for you to take with you to your medical appointment as part of your application process.
The SSA requires that your medical condition, which is preventing you from working at your job, be expected to last for at least 12 months, or has already lasted for at least 12 months. Additionally, for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough in the past to qualify for benefits. For those who have not worked enough and own very little, the SSA offers a parallel program: Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). Both SSDI and SSI have the same medical qualifications standards, however
If you are having trouble with your claim, contact a Social Security attorney like Prediletto, Halpin, Scharnikow & Nelson, P.S..
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