Can You Get SSDI for Diabetes?

 Posted on June 24,2024 in Social Security Disability

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of Americans, often impacting the ability to work and maintain financial stability. For those struggling with severe diabetes complications, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide crucial support. A Texas lawyer can help you explore the potential for obtaining SSDI benefits due to diabetes and its related complications under Texas law.

Potential Qualifications for Getting SSDI For Diabetes

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not automatically approve SSDI claims for diabetes. However, individuals may qualify if his or her condition meets specific criteria:

• Severity of the condition: Diabetes must significantly impair your ability to work.

• Duration: The impairment must persist or be anticipated to endure for a minimum of 12 months.

• Work credits: You must have earned sufficient work credits through your employment history.

• Inability to perform substantial gainful activity: Your condition must prevent you from engaging in meaningful work.

It is important to note that merely having a diabetes diagnosis is not sufficient for SSDI approval. The focus is on how the condition and its complications affect your ability to function in a work environment.

Complications That May Strengthen Your SSDI Claim

While diabetes alone may not qualify you for SSDI, certain complications can strengthen your case:

• Diabetic neuropathy: Severe nerve damage affecting mobility or dexterity.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Vision impairment that significantly affects your ability to work.

• Cardiovascular problems: Heart disease or stroke resulting from diabetes.

• Kidney disease: Severe renal dysfunction requiring regular dialysis.

• Limb amputation: Loss of a limb due to diabetes-related complications.

Documenting these complications and their impact on your daily life and work capacity is crucial for a successful SSDI claim.

The Application Process for SSDI in Texas

Applying for SSDI in Texas involves several steps:

• Initial application: Submit your application online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

• Medical evidence: Provide comprehensive medical records documenting your diabetes and related complications.

• Work history: Detail your employment history and how diabetes affects your ability to perform job duties.

• Functional report: Complete a form describing how your condition impacts daily activities.

• Consultative exam: If required, attend a medical examination arranged by the SSA.

The process can be challenging and time-consuming. Many initial applications are denied, often due to insufficient medical evidence or incomplete documentation.

Tips for Strengthening Your SSDI Claim

To improve your chances of approval you should maintain consistent medical treatment and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Always keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and medications and document how diabetes affects your daily life and ability to work.

Obtain statements from your healthcare providers about your limitations. Once you have this documentation, you should consider seeking legal representation to navigate the application process.

Contact a Dallas, TX SSDI Lawyer

While obtaining SSDI for diabetes is possible, it requires meeting specific criteria and providing substantial evidence of how the condition impacts your ability to work. If you are considering applying for SSDI due to diabetes or its complications, seeking professional guidance from a Plano, TX SSDI attorney can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim. Call The Law Offices of Coats & Todd at 972-671-9922 to start with a free consultation.