The best way to improve your chances of winning disability benefits for Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is to work with an experienced disability lawyer who can build a strong claim supported by medical evidence.
What you may not realize is what it takes to prove your diabetes has caused you to be disabled. Being diagnosed with diabetes is a start, but that alone is never enough.
As Houston disability lawyers, Marc Whitehead & Associates helps with claims and appeals for Social Security Disability, Veterans Disability, or Long Term Disability insurance benefits for diabetes. Find out how to win disability benefits for diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2 here.
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (SSDI) for Diabetes Mellitus
The Social Security Administration (SSA) addresses diabetes under Section 9.00 (Endocrine Disorders) of its Listing of Impairments.
Rather than listing diabetes as a standalone impairment, the SSA evaluates how complications from diabetes affect specific body systems (such as vision, kidneys, heart, or nerves). The SSA also considers the combined effects of your impairments.
For example, hyperglycemia may damage your nerve and blood vessel function, which in turn can damage any number of body systems, such as your eyes, heart, kidneys, extremities, digestive system, or mental state.
Do I Qualify for SSD Benefits for Diabetes Mellitus?
If your condition(s) fulfill the medical requirements of one (or more) affected SSA listings, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits for diabetes mellitus.
If your condition does not fulfill SSA listing criteria, the SSA will then go to the next step to evaluate your disability claim.
At this stage of review, disability is based on whether you have the residual functional capacity (RFC) to work and earn a living, given the combined effect of all of your health problems. RFC is a measure of the maximum you can still do despite your impairments. Call Marc Whitehead & Associates to learn more.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
Proving Your Diabetes Case to the SSA Can Be Challenging
Before applying for SSDI benefits for diabetes, or appealing a claim denial, it is essential to understand and follow the SSA’s rules. You must prove why you need SSDI in a way that the SSA does not find deficient.
Your claim must provide objective medical evidence about your condition, as well as your RFC assessment. You must include complete information about yourself and your work history, including relevant work during the past 5 years and job skills that can transfer to another type of occupation.
For someone dealing with diabetes complications, this can be overwhelming. We understand this is no time for you to get lost in the complicated application or appeals process with Social Security. Marc Whitehead & Associates takes care of the entire SSDI process.
Individual or Group Long Term Disability (LTD) Benefits for Diabetes Mellitus
You may have Long Term Disability insurance coverage under an employee benefits plan or an individual insurance policy.
The first step in filing an LTD claim is to understand the terms and conditions of your policy as they relate to your diabetes. Your disability insurance plan or policy will contain all of the provisions and definitions that you must meet.
Generally, you must prove to the insurance company that you can no longer perform the important duties of your occupation, and often after one or two years, you must prove you cannot work at any occupation. Learn more about disability benefits when you call Marc Whitehead & Associates.
Facing LTD Benefits Challenges
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get the LTD benefits you’re entitled to. What you will run into with most insurers is their aversion to paying deserving claims.
Be prepared for claim denials based on allegations that diabetes is a preexisting condition or arguments that you have not followed your prescribed treatment and medication regimen (their assumption being, if you did, you would be better).
Insurers tend to view diabetes claims as only relevant for Short Term Disability benefits and often favor the opinions of their paid staff doctors over your treating physician’s statement that you are disabled.
Marc Whitehead & Associates Can Help
An experienced disability attorney at Marc Whitehead & Associates can stop the insurance carrier’s games in their tracks and help you receive the maximum possible benefit from your claim.
We are nationally recognized legal advocates for individuals and employees who have been wrongly denied benefits for complications from diabetes.
Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you throughout the application process, including appealing a denied claim, representing you in a settlement, or fighting for your rightful benefits in court.
Veterans Disability Compensation for Diabetes Mellitus
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that diabetes affects nearly 25% of the VA’s patient population. It is also the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal disease, and amputation for VA patients.
Herbicide exposure can increase veterans’ chances of having type 2 diabetes. If your diabetes developed during or after service in Vietnam, diabetes mellitus is presumed to be service connected.
This applies to military service in the Republic of Vietnam, inland waterways, offshore waters, and Thailand military bases between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, as well as service in or near the Korean DMZ during specific qualifying dates.
Proving Your Diabetes Was Caused by Active Duty
Otherwise, you must prove your diabetes originated or was aggravated while you were on active military duty; this can be a direct service connection or a secondary service connection.
Depending on the severity of the condition, VA ratings for diabetes mellitus type 2 can be 100%, 60%, 40%, 20%, or 10% disability and are listed in 38 CFR 4.119, Diagnostic Code 7913.
A Disabled Veterans Attorney Can Make a World of Difference
At the law firm of Marc Whitehead & Associates, our VA-accredited claims attorneys represent military veterans throughout the United States with diabetes mellitus and complications arising from this disease.
If you are unsatisfied with your rating decision or need assistance with your claim, call to discuss your options and determine how we can help.
Make Sure You Take the Right Steps With Your Diabetes Disability Claim
Social Security, insurance companies, and the VA will all require your medical history and ongoing screening, along with medical records from your treating doctor, your endocrinologist, and any other specialists you see for diabetes complications (such as your cardiologist or nephrologist).
Regular screening is important to detect diabetes-related health problems early and to track treatment regimens against signs of worsening conditions. We can help you to fully develop your claim or fight a claim denial on appeal.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Body?
Diabetes is one of the most common and serious chronic diseases. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40.1 million Americans had diabetes as of 2023. An estimated 115.2 million adults aged 18 years or older had prediabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the endocrine system. An endocrine disorder is a condition that causes a hormonal imbalance when endocrine glands function abnormally.
In the case of diabetes, the glandular organ involved is the pancreas. The hormone involved is insulin, which regulates the body’s blood sugar.
- In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
- In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot effectively use insulin.
Those who do not live with diabetes may not understand how it becomes so disabling.
Serious diabetes complications can result over time, causing chronic, painful, and destructive injury to many body organs and organ systems, including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and nerves.
Dangers of Uncontrolled Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications when blood sugar remains too high or drops too low, including:
- Hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar): Complications include diabetic ketoacidosis and chronic hyperglycemia. Long-term impairments can affect various body systems, including musculoskeletal, special senses and speech, genitourinary, cardiovascular, digestive, neurological, and mental disorders.
- Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar): complications include seizures and loss of consciousness.
Diabetes Complications Attack Various Body Systems
Diabetes can affect nearly every system in the body when blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled over time. What may begin as a problem with insulin or blood glucose can eventually damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs, leading to serious long-term health complications.
Depending on the severity of the disease, diabetes can contribute to:
- Cardiovascular diseases and stroke
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Kidney damage/kidney problems (nephropathy)
- Eye damage and vision loss (diabetic retinopathy)
- Foot disease and/or hand problems (diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease)
- Amputation of toes, foot, or leg (a direct result of diabetic foot disease)
- Digestive system disorders
- Skin and mouth problems (bacterial and fungal infections)
- Hearing impairments
- Coronary artery disease
- Depression (and other mental health conditions)
- Alzheimer’s disease
Why Choose Marc Whitehead & Associates for Your Disability Law Team?
Applying for disability benefits can be frustrating, especially when your health prevents you from working, and the insurance company or Social Security Administration challenges your claim.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, disability law isn’t just one of our practice areas. It’s our entire focus. For more than three decades, we have helped disabled individuals pursue the benefits they deserve:
- 120 years of combined experience: Our attorneys bring more than a century of combined legal experience handling disability claims and appeals. We know the strategies that can strengthen your case from the very beginning.
- Founded in 1992: Since 1992, Marc Whitehead & Associates has represented individuals seeking disability benefits across the country. Our firm has built a reputation for knowledgeable advocacy and dedicated client service.
- Disability is all we do: Unlike firms that handle many different types of cases, we focus exclusively on disability law. This allows us to stay current on changing regulations, medical evidence requirements, and appeal procedures.
- Over 2,500 five–star reviews: Thousands of clients have trusted our firm during some of the most challenging times in their lives. More than 2,500 five-star reviews reflect our commitment to responsive service and strong legal representation.
- Free consultation: You can discuss your disability claim with our team at no cost or obligation. We’ll evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and explain the next steps for pursuing the benefits you may be entitled to receive.
Learn How to Win Disability Benefits for Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 With Marc Whitehead & Associates
Winning disability benefits for diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 often comes down to presenting the right medical evidence and medical records that clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work.
Whether you are filing your first application or appealing a denial, experienced legal guidance can strengthen your claim and help you avoid costly mistakes.
At Marc Whitehead & Associates, disability law is what we do. In fact, we literally wrote the book on the subject. Contact Marc Whitehead & Associates today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight for the Long Term Disability benefits you have earned.
Call or text (800) 562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
