COVID-19 has been linked to many potential disabilities, and news continues to break of different long-term coronavirus effects. Recently, diabetes was identified as a potential life-long COVID-19 complication.
What We Know About COVID-19 and Diabetes So Far
Information about the connection between COVID-19 and diabetes is still developing. However, here’s what we know now:
- Approximately 14% of people with severe cases of COVID-19 may develop diabetes, and people with less severe cases of COVID-19 may also be at risk
- COVID-19 may increase the risk of someone developing Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or a hybrid form of the disease
- In some cases, people had risk factors that made them more likely to develop diabetes. In other cases, they did not have any risk factors.
- It is not yet known if the increased risk of diabetes is caused by the body’s response to a severe illness, steroid treatment, or directly by COVID-19
Medical research into whether COVID-19 causes diabetes will continue. However, you do not need to know what caused your diabetes to be eligible for Social Security disability.
Social Security Disability Eligibility for Diabetes
Not everyone with diabetes qualifies for Social Security disability benefits. If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes that is controlled by medication, then you are not eligible for disability benefits.
Unfortunately, diabetes can’t always be controlled, and uncontrolled diabetes may cause severe health complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Nerve damage
- Extreme fatigue
- Pain
- Dizziness
- Weakened immune system that makes dangerous infections more likely
You may qualify for Social Security disability if one of the following four things is true: (1) you meet the requirements in Section 9.00 of the Listing of Impairments; (2) your condition is equal in severity to another listing in the Listing of Impairments; (3) a complication of diabetes meets the requirements of another listing; or (4) your diabetes prevents you from working.
According to Section 9.00 of the Listing of Impairments, you may be eligible for Social Security disability if your diabetes results in:
- Long-term complications from chronic hyperglycemia such as an amputation, diabetic retinopathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetic gastroparesis that results in abnormal gastrointestinal motility, diabetic nephropathy, poorly healing bacterial or fungal skin infections, diabetic peripheral and sensory neuropathies, and cognitive impairments including depression and anxiety.
- Complications of diabetic ketoacidosis such as cardiac arrhythmia, intestinal necrosis, cerebral edema, and seizures.
- Episodes of severe hypoglycemia which can cause loss of consciousness or seizures, an altered mental status, or cognitive deficits.
An experienced Social Security disability lawyer will talk to you, carefully consider whether you are eligible for disability benefits, and present a compelling application for benefits to the Social Security Administration, if appropriate.
Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Application Gets the Consideration You Deserve
Many initial Social Security disability applications are denied on technicalities. If you are eligible for Social Security disability, then we will make sure the Social Security Administration has all of the information that it needs to review your application fairly.
You deserve to have your case decided based on your unique situation. While diabetes is often managed and is not always a disability, there are times when diabetes results in permanent disability or is expected to cause death. In these situations, our experienced local disability attorneys are here to help you get the benefits that you’ve earned.
Our Boston area disability lawyers represent clients in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. We invite you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation if you suffer a permanent disability because of your diabetes. Our lawyers are happy to meet with you over the phone so that you can avoid any inconvenience or pain involved in coming to us. Call us, start a live chat with us, or complete our contact form to have us contact you so that you can learn more about your rights and start getting your disability benefits as soon as possible.
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: |
