Living with diabetes can complicate every aspect of your life, especially your ability to work. Fortunately, individuals with diabetes usually qualify for disability benefits that can help them keep their heads above water.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes numerous conditions and diseases as severe enough to prevent individuals from working or severely limiting their ability to work. Diabetes is one of them. Further, diabetes can lead to a host of other complications that the SSA also deems worthy of benefits. However, you will need to prove your condition and the effects it has had on your ability to work. Our firm can guide you through this process so that your rights are protected throughout.
For a free case assessment with our disability attorneys, contact us at (479) 316-0438.
How Do I Qualify for Disability Benefits with Diabetes?
The disability claims process for individuals with diabetes involves several steps. Initially, you must complete an application form, providing detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and how your condition impacts your ability to work. However, certain conditions resulting from diabetes might automatically qualify you for benefits. The following steps are what you can expect when applying for disability benefits:
Provide Medical Documentation for Review
Medical documentation is a critical component of the application process. Individuals need to provide comprehensive medical records demonstrating their diagnosis, treatment, and the impact of their condition on their daily activities. Our disability attorneys can help you obtain all your documentation and organize it so your claim reflects the true nature of your condition. This might include blood test results, medical imaging, doctor’s notes, and records of hospitalizations or surgeries.
After submitting the application, it will be reviewed by Disability Determination Services (DDS), an agency that makes disability decisions for the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, if DDS denies your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision.
Diabetes-Related Conditions that Qualify You for Disability Benefits
There are several diabetes-related conditions that could qualify an individual for disability benefits. For instance, amputation of an extremity because of diabetes complications can severely impact an individual’s life, limiting their mobility and ability to perform essential tasks. According to SSA guidelines, individuals who have had an extremity amputated because of complications from diabetes will be eligible for disability benefits.
Another example includes diabetic retinopathy, a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina because of high blood sugar levels, which can lead to vision loss. If diabetic retinopathy significantly impairs your visual acuity or field of vision, you will likely qualify quickly for disability benefits.
Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney disease caused by diabetes, is another severe complication that will qualify you for disability benefits. The SSA lists renal disorders in its Blue Book and considers individuals with chronic kidney disease, requiring dialysis, or with a kidney transplant as eligible for disability benefits.
The SSA also recognizes cardiovascular disorders as disabling conditions under its listings. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and other circulatory issues, which can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work. If an individual with diabetes suffers from severe heart disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, or other serious cardiovascular conditions, they will likely be eligible for disability benefits.
Where in Arkansas Can I Apply for Disability Benefits?
Social Security offices in Arkansas play a pivotal role in helping residents apply for and manage their Social Security benefits. These offices provide a wide range of services, from handling applications for Social Security cards and providing replacement cards to processing claims for various Social Security benefits. They also assist with issues related to Medicare, disability benefits, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits.
Offices in Central Arkansas
In central Arkansas, there are several Social Security offices that serve the region’s residents. One of these is the Little Rock Social Security Office located at 700 W Capitol Ave, Room 1425, Little Rock, AR 72201. To reach out to this office, you can call (800) 772-1213. Another office serving central Arkansas is the Conway Social Security Office, which is situated at 2475 Christina Lane, Conway, AR 72034. You can contact this office at (866) 593-8521.
Offices in Northern Arkansas
Residents of northern Arkansas can access Social Security services from offices such as the Fayetteville Social Security Office, located at 2153 E Joyce Blvd, Fayetteville, AR 72703, reachable at (800) 772-1213. There’s also the Harrison Social Security Office at 131 W Industrial Park Road, Harrison, AR 72601, which can be contacted at (866) 964-1724.
Offices in Southern Arkansas
In southern Arkansas, the Pine Bluff Social Security Office serves the region’s residents at 3511 Market Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. You can call this office at (800) 772-1213. Another office in the south is the El Dorado Social Security Office at 370 Columbia Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730, reachable at (866) 828-3812.
Offices in Eastern and Western Arkansas
The Jonesboro Social Security Office, located at 2608 Fair Park Blvd, Jonesboro, AR 72401, serves eastern Arkansas and can be reached at (866) 331-2209. The Fort Smith Social Security Office at 6801 Dallas Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903, reachable at (866) 931-8365, provides these services for western Arkansas residents.
Organizations in Arkansas Besides Our Firm that Help Diabetic Individuals with Disability Benefits
Several organizations in Arkansas are committed to supporting individuals with diabetes as they navigate the process of applying for disability benefits. One such organization is the Family Support Network provided by the Arkansas Department of Health, which offers an online community for kids, families, and adults dealing with diabetes.
Another organization that provides critical support is the SSA’s Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) initiative. The SOAR program assists eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those dealing with chronic health conditions like diabetes.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also provides helpful information about financial assistance for diabetes care. This includes private or government health insurance, local programs, patient support groups, and medicine assistance programs. These resources can be instrumental in helping diabetic individuals navigate the financial aspects of their care and apply for disability benefits.
Lastly, the Arkansas Disability Coalition (ADC) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights and needs of disabled individuals, including those with diabetes, in the state. The ADC provides invaluable resources and support, helping individuals understand their rights and the benefits available to them and guiding them through the application process.
Our Disability Attorneys Can Help
Call us at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our disability lawyers and receive your free case review.