If you have uncontrolled diabetes or other severe symptoms of diabetes, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Can I Get Disability for Diabetes?

If you have Type 1 (juvenile) or Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes mellitus and are unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. Often, diabetes can result in high blood pressure, damage to your eyesight, nerve damage, kidney disease, or heart disease. Long-term diabetics can sometimes lose limbs due to poor circulation and amputations.

While Social Security no longer has a Blue Book listing for diabetes, you may still qualify if your symptoms are severe. In evaluating diabetes claims, SSA evaluates the impairments that result from diabetes in other parts of your body. For example, if you have peripheral neuropathy, you may qualify for disability under Listing 11.14. Diabetic retinopathy is evaluated under Listing Section 2.00. Diabetic nephropathy is evaluated under Listing Section 6.00.

If you have recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia due to your diabetes, you may have complications such as seizures or altered mental status and cognitive deficits. These would be evaluated under Listing Section 11.00 and 12.00, respectively.

If you don’t meet any listing, you may still be found disabled if you do not have the residual functional capacity to engage in substantial gainful activity. To prove that, you will need supportive medical records. The medical records should show your physical and mental limitations.

Need Help?

If you have uncontrolled diabetes or other severe symptoms from diabetes, contact a local attorney today. We can help you gather your medical evidence and prove your disability.