According to the National Institutes of Health’s review of endocrine and metabolic disorders, Americans suffer from 54 different disorders related to the endocrine system. However, the Social Security Administration’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) only names a handful of specific endocrine disorders that meet their medical criteria for disability consideration. So, does this mean the other 40+ ailments caused by endocrine problems aren’t severe enough to warrant disability?
Not necessarily.
Additional Endocrine Disorders That Could Qualify for Disability
The main factor that determines disability approval is whether the condition from which you suffer prevents you from physically, mentally, or emotionally being able to work. As long as you can prove that your endocrine condition prohibits you from financially supporting yourself and family, the disability panel is required to investigate the condition further to determine eligibility.
Some common endocrine disorders (not specifically listed by the SSA) that can be severe enough to warrant investigation include:
- Adrenal insufficiency. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands release too little of the hormone cortisol. This imbalance can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure, fatigue, stomach upset, and severe dehydration.
- Cushing's disease. This disease is caused by the overproduction of a pituitary gland hormone, generally caused by a tumor, which leads to an overactive adrenal gland. Debilitating symptoms include backaches, bone pain, thinning of the bones (which leads to rib and spine fractures), and weak muscles.
- Gigantism (acromegaly) and other growth hormone problems. If the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, a child's bones and body parts may grow abnormally fast. This can put excessive pressure and strain on the bones and muscles, causing pain, bone damage, and heart strain.
- Hyperthyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to excessive weight loss, fast heart rate, sweating, and nervousness.
- Hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression.
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia I and II. These conditions are rare and are passed down through families. They cause tumors of the parathyroid, adrenal, and thyroid glands, leading to overproduction of hormones.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS is the overproduction of androgens which interfere with the development of eggs and their release from the ovaries. PCOS can be extremely painful due to cysts pushing on the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and can also cause emotional issues.
Proving Your Right for Disability
If you’ve been diagnosed with an endocrine condition and you feel that symptoms of that condition are interfering with your ability to work, you may be eligible for disability benefits. However, before filing a claim, make sure you’re not wasting your time with incomplete forms. Our extensive knowledge and experience with disability claims will help ensure that your claim is properly filled out, filed, and justifiable in order to get the attention it deserves.
We know how the panel works to determine eligibility and approval, and we’ll make sure your claim gets the attention and investigation it deserves. Don’t waste your time waiting for a decline letter; instead, let us help you file the best claim you can to get the benefits your condition deserves. Not only is the consultation free, but you’ll also save valuable time, effort, and stress. Call now!
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
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.
| Related Links: |
