In order for the Social Security Administration to efficiently evaluate disability claims, it has established a Listing of Ailments, commonly referred to as the “blue book,” which categorizes certain disorders based on past research. This catalog allows the disability panel to compare claimants’ disorders with disorders that have already been approved for disability. Therefore, instead of having to research each claim from scratch, the panel merely has to compare it with the blue book categories.
The catalog doesn’t include every possible disabling condition, so if a particular ailment is not listed, that does not mean you’ll automatically be denied. However, it is a good starting point for determining if filing for disability is a viable option.
Evaluating Endocrine Conditions Through Multiple Disorders
Although evaluation is pretty straightforward for each category, disorders affecting the endocrine system (such as diabetes), will be evaluated based on how the disorder affects different areas of the body.
In addition to endocrine system impairment criteria, specific endocrine disorders can include evaluating criteria for the following disorder categories:
- Musculoskeletal. If the symptoms of your ailment directly affect muscle function, the SSA could evaluate for loss of musculoskeletal function. Examples include thyroid-related osteoporosis and fractures from decreased calcium levels.
- Special Senses and Speech. If sense or speech functions are affected, you could be evaluated in this area. One example is cataracts caused by abnormally elevated calcium levels in the blood.
- Cardiovascular. You may qualify under cardiovascular impairment if the symptoms of your ailment directly affect cardiac function. Examples include arrhythmias and high blood pressure caused by thyroid problems.
- Digestion. If you suffer from excessive adrenal-related weight loss or diabetic gastro paresis, you may qualify under the digestive ailments category.
- Genitourinary. Kidney stones or dysfunction resulting from hyperparathyroidism could qualify you under this category, which includes the urinary and reproductive systems.
- Neurological. If the symptoms of your ailment affect brain function, you could be evaluated for neurological disability. Examples of this include strokes, spasms or convulsions caused by thyroid disorders.
- Mental. Endocrine disorders often cause depression, anxiety, mood changes, and other mental disorders. If you suffer from these complications, you may qualify for disability under this category.
Share Your Experiences With Others
Endocrine disorders are complicated and so is the Social Security disability process. If you have experiences with qualifying for disability with diabetes, Cushing’s disease, or any other endocrine disorder, share them in our comments section.
Need more information about your medical rights? Please feel free to download our free report: Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability. You’ll not only learn more about your rights, but you’ll also see how our knowledge and experience can help you get the benefits you deserve.
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If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
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