Under current Social Security standards, you will not qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits solely because you have diabetes. If, however, you can demonstrate that your illness has reduced your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to perform the regular tasks of your job, you may qualify for those benefits via a Medical Vocational Allowance (MVA).
If you are no longer able to work due to complications from diabetes, contact the law offices of Marc Whitehead & Associates. You can speak directly with a social security disability attorney about how you can apply for the disability benefits you deserve under applicable rules and standards.
How is a diabetic person’s Residual Functional Capacity determined?
Your RFC is a measure of your maximum ability to perform the tasks of a job. It is generally based on your physical abilities to walk, use your arms and legs, lift objects, perform tasks with co-workers, and follow job-related instructions.
Suppose you are applying for disability benefits due to severe impairments caused by your diabetes. In that case, the Administration will look very closely at whether those impairments meet or exceed the ones it includes in its regulatory listing. If not, the Administration will review your complete medical file, recommendations and comments from your doctor, and examinations from the Administration’s physicians to determine your RFC.
A high RFC implies that there are employment situations with job tasks that you can perform. A lower RFC means that you are eligible to be employed in fewer job positions, so your benefits application will be more likely to be approved.
How might diabetes affect a person’s RFC?
If, for example, your medical file and examinations show that diabetes causes you to suffer from neuropathy (i.e., tingling, numbness, weakness) in your legs, the Administration might assign you a lower RFC. This would limit you only to perform tasks that can be done while you are sitting. Alternately, your diabetes might cause dizzy spells and an inability to concentrate if your glucose levels are not under control. In that case, you might have little or no capacity to perform any regular job-related tasks.
In every case, an experienced social security disability lawyer can help you prepare your disability benefits application. They can do this in a manner that thoroughly describes your limitations and substantially improves your opportunity to collect the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Does the Administration consider factors other than RFC?
The Social Security Administration will also place you on a grid that considers your age, education level, experience, and skill level to determine if your diabetes causes a disability that qualifies you for benefits with a Medical Vocational Allowance. For example, diabetic applicants over 50 years of age are more likely to qualify for MVA-based disability benefits even if their Residual Functional Capacity suggests that they can perform a broader range of job-related tasks.
Get Help Applying for Disability Benefits
We represent clients throughout the United States from our Houston offices. We have a strong track record in preparing and filing successful Social Security Disability applications for a Medical Vocational Allowance due to diabetes.
Call to speak directly with a Social Security disability lawyer, who will answer your questions and provide assistance in preparing your application and aggressively pursuing your maximum recoverable benefits.   Â