Can You Qualify for SSDI with Diabetes? 

Living with diabetes can be overwhelming, especially if complications make it impossible to work. While diabetes alone rarely qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), diabetes-related complications may meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict criteria. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about qualifying for SSDI with diabetes, from understanding eligibility requirements to gathering the right medical evidence. 

Understanding SSDI Eligibility for Diabetes 

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the SSA’s definition of disability: 

1. Work Credits: You need enough work credits, earned by paying Social Security taxes. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. 
2. Severity of Condition: Your diabetes must cause severe complications that significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months or result in death. 

How the SSA Evaluates Chronic Illnesses 

The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility. A simple version of these steps includes answering to the questions: 

1. Are you working?  
2. Is your condition severe?  
3. Is your condition of the level of severity listed in the Blue Book?  
4. Can you do your past work?  
5. Can you do any other work?  

Even if your condition isn’t of the level of severity listed in the Blue Book, you may qualify if it’s medically equivalent to a listed impairment, or if you’re unable to work at all because of the symptoms of your impairment. To learn more, read our page on SSD Process.  

Diabetes Complications That May Qualify for SSDI 

While diabetes itself isn’t a qualifying condition, diabetes-related complications may meet the SSA’s criteria. Possible complications include: 

Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage): 

• Severe nerve damage in your hands, feet, or limbs that limits mobility or dexterity. 

• Documented through nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG). 

Vision Loss or Blindness: 

• Diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions causing significant vision impairment. 

• Must meet the Blue Book criteria for vision loss (Listing 2.00). 

Kidney Failure Requiring Dialysis: 

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by diabetes and requiring regular dialysis. 

• Covered under Blue Book Listing 6.05. 

Cardiovascular Problems: 

• Heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by diabetes. 

• Must meet specific cardiovascular listings in the Blue Book (e.g., Listing 4.00). 

Amputations: 

• Limb amputations due to diabetes-related complications. 

• Must significantly impact your ability to work. 

How to Strengthen Your SSDI Application for Diabetes 

To qualify for SSDI, you’ll need strong medical evidence proving the severity of your diabetes complications. Here’s what to include: 

Medical Records: These include documentation of diagnostic tests such as blood sugar logs, HbA1c results, and kidney function tests. Also part of the medical records is your treatment history detailing insulin therapy and medications.  

Doctor’s Statements: It is very helpful to have a statement from your physician describing the severity of your complications and how your condition limits your ability to work. 

Symptom Journals: A daily log of your symptoms, including blood sugar fluctuations, pain, numbness, or other complications. 

Functional Reports: Statements from your employers, coworkers, friends, and/ or family members describing how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Many applicants make errors that weaken their claims. Here’s how to avoid them: 

1. Incomplete Medical Records: Ensure your records include all relevant tests, treatments, and doctor’s notes. 
2. Failing to Follow Treatment Plans: The SSA may deny your claim if you don’t follow prescribed treatments without a valid reason. 
3. Missing Deadlines: Respond promptly to SSA requests and submit all required documentation on time. 

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied 

If your SSDI application is denied, don’t give up. Many applicants succeed on appeal.  Trajector Disability can assist you in gathering your documents and navigating the SSDI application and appeal processes. Contact us today for expert guidance and a FREE consultation.

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