Diabetic neuropathy could qualify you for disability pay. The determination will depend on how severe your condition is. You’ll need to prove that your diabetic neuropathy interferes with your ability to work.
Diabetic neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that’s a complication of diabetes. It comes from long-term high blood sugar levels and develops over a period of time.
People with diabetic neuropathy often experience numbness and tingling in their arms or legs. The specific symptoms depend on where the nerve damage is.
Severe diabetic neuropathy could lead to limitations that prevent standing and walking. It could also affect cognitive abilities such as remembering things or interacting with others.
If these symptoms are long term and interfere with your ability to work, diabetic neuropathy could be considered a disability.
Does diabetic neuropathy qualify you for disability?
Yes, diabetic neuropathy could qualify you for disability pay.
Your symptoms would have to meet one of two criteria identified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to be considered a medical impairment.
One requires you to have impaired function in two extremities, usually the arms and legs. The other impairment results in an extreme limitation in:
- standing from a seated position
- balancing when walking or standing
- using the upper extremities when it limits you from doing work-related tasks
You’ll also need to show impairments in obvious physical functions that prevent you from:
- Remembering or applying information: This includes problem-solving and recognizing and correcting mistakes.
- Managing or adapting yourself: You need to be able to set realistic goals and maintain personal hygiene.
- Persisting, concentrating, or maintaining pace: This looks at how well you can focus on and complete a task.
- Interacting with others: You need to be able to work with and communicate with co-workers and superiors.
Not everyone with diabetic neuropathy will qualify for disability. The criteria require that your condition interferes with your ability to work and will continue to do so for at least 1 year.
Does diabetic neuropathy qualify for other accommodations?
Yes. Because diabetes is considered a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations by your employer so you can do your job. Some of these accommodations could include:
- breaks to check your blood sugar (glucose) levels
- breaks to self-administer insulin
- a nearby area to keep diabetes medications and supplies
- a specialized chair or stool that could help relieve fatigue from neuropathy symptoms
Disability benefits for diabetic neuropathy
The amount of disability benefits you could receive for diabetic neuropathy will vary.
The maximum monthly amount the SSA will pay for any disability as of 2024 is $3,822. This would be paid from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) .
If you qualify for financial need consideration, you could also receive a payment up to a monthly maximum of $943 from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) .
SSDI payments will be higher than SSI payments.
Your total payment calculation (both SSDI and SSI) will be based on:
- what you have paid into Social Security based on paycheck withholdings
- your living situation (SSI)
- your personal assets (SSI)
To get an idea of what your specific disability payment could be, you can enter your information in the SSA online planning tool.
How do you prove diabetic neuropathy for disability hearings?
In order to qualify diabetic neuropathy as a disability, you’ll need documentation of your diagnosis. You’ll also need to prove that your diabetic neuropathy is severe enough that it prevents you from working.
Specifically, you’ll need to have current medical and nonmedical documentation. Be prepared with:
- A complete and updated medical history of your diabetic neuropathy. It should include test results such as:
- Documentation from a doctor describing your physical limitations. This includes movement difficulties, limitations of your extremities, balance issues, or any other issues that prevent you from working.
- Your treatment history. Document your medications and your response to them. Also, include any documentation of your history with assistive devices or physical therapy .
- In some cases, you may also have to go through psychological testing , as well.
You must be able to document that your diabetic neuropathy is current and prevents you from working. You also need to prove that you expect to be unable to work for at least 1 year.
How to apply for disability with diabetic neuropathy
When you’re ready to apply for diabetic neuropathy disability benefits, you can begin the application process online with the SSA . The SSA is also available by phone or in person for new applicants.
You’ll be prompted to collect your supporting documentation, proof of your work history, and your identity.
If your application isn’t approved, you’re allowed to appeal this decision. Many people are approved on their second time through the process with a better understanding of the documentation needs and procedures.
Takeaway
Diabetic neuropathy could be considered a condition eligible for disability payments. In order to qualify, you’ll need to prove that your disability is severe enough that it prevents you from working. You’ll also need to prove that you expect it to remain severe for at least 1 year.
The SSA awards disability benefits based on specific criteria for different conditions. If your medical documentation complies with the SSA criteria for diabetic neuropathy, you could be eligible for benefits.
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