Endocrine Problems
The endocrine system consists of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. These glands produce specific hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, reproduction, growth, and sleep. An overproduction or underproduction of any one of these hormones can disturb several important functions of the body. Examples of endocrine diseases include diabetes mellitus, hyper/hypo-thyroidism, metabolic bone disease. Many of these disorders can impair your ability to work.
If you suffer from an endocrine disorder that prohibits you from working at any job for at least 12 months, you may be able to receive regular benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
Can I Qualify for SSDI Benefits with an Endocrine Problem?
Because an impaired endocrine system usually interferes with other functions of the body, the SSA will evaluate your condition on the severity of its impact on other organs. So while you may find a complete list of endocrine impairments that qualify for SSDI benefits under Section 9.00 in the Blue Book, the evaluation will be done under the listings for other body systems.
Since the SSA evaluates endocrine conditions by its effect on other systems of the body, different sections of the Blue Book will be referred to when making an evaluation. For instance, a hyperactive thyroid gland can affect the heart, lead to weight loss, and impair your ability to concentrate. The SSA will evaluate your condition under related sections such as the cardiovascular, digestive, and cognitive.
If your condition matches one or more listings in the Blue Book you will easily qualify for SSDI benefits. The SSA will review your medical records including symptoms, pathological reports, treatment received, and response to it.
In addition to meeting the medical conditions for SSDI eligibility, you will need to meet certain non-medical conditions as well.
What Kind of Documentation Is Required?
You will need to provide the SSA with detailed information regarding your medical condition beginning with when your symptoms started, subsequent diagnosis, treatment, and response leading up to the current time period. Detailed data should include physical examinations, blood and imaging diagnostics, and an assessment from your treatment physician describing the physical and mental limitations caused by your disease. This information will help the SSA determine the severity and expected duration of your condition.
What Happens When Your Endocrine Condition Does Not Meet a Blue Book Listing?
If your endocrine disorder does not meet a Blue Book listing, you can still be approved for SSDI benefits if you can prove that your condition prevents you from working at any job for at least 12 months. The SSA will evaluate your Residual Functional Capacity which is a measurement of your physical and mental capabilities regarding work-related activities. Your age, educational qualifications, and your past work experience will be taken into consideration while making a determination. If the SSA determines that your condition prevents you from working at any job, you will be approved to receive SSDI benefits through a medical vocational allowance.
Endocrine Disorders that Qualify for SSDI Benefits
There are a number of disorders related to the endocrine system. The SSA will review your medical records to see whether your condition match listings for other body systems.
Thyroid Gland Disorders can cause cardiac dysfunction which will be assessed under Section 4.00 (Cardiovascular), weight loss under Section 5.00 (Digestive – Adult) and mood disorders affecting cognitive abilities under Section 12.00 (Mental Disorders).
Pituitary Gland Disorders can vary depending on which hormones are involved. It may affect the kidneys in which case your condition may be evaluated under Section 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders).
Parathyroid Gland Disorders affect calcium levels in the body. Depending on the symptoms it can be evaluated under Section 1.00 (Musculoskeletal System), Section 2.00 (Special Senses and Speech), Section 6.00 (Genitourinary) or Section 11 (Neurological).
Adrenal Gland Disorders may be evaluated under Sections 1.00 (Musculoskeletal System), 4.00 (Cardiovascular), 5.00 (Digestive) and 12.00 (Mental Disorders).
Diabetes Mellitus and other Pancreatic Gland Disorders affect hormones related to metabolism and digestion. Hyperglycemia can be evaluated under Sections 1.00 (Musculoskeletal System), 2.00 (Special Senses and Speech), 4.00 (Cardiovascular), 5.00 (Digestive), 6.00 (Genitourinary), 8.00 (Skin), 11.00 (Neurological) and 12.00 (Mental Disorders).
Is there a faster way to process SSDI benefits?
The SSA has a list of conditions under their Compassionate Allowance Initiative (CAL) that visibly meets their definition of disability. If you have a condition that is listed under CAL, your claim will be automatically expedited. There is no special paperwork required. The SSA should be able to approve your claim in a matter of weeks.
Apply for SSDI Benefits Today
About 3% of SSDI beneficiaries receive benefits because of a disorder related to the endocrine system. If you suffer from a disability due to an endocrine problem that has lasted or is projected to last 12 months, find out if you are eligible to receive SSDI benefits. Fill our form for a free disability evaluation.
It is important to provide the SSA with accurate and detailed information regarding your disability to help them make a determination. Advocates at Disability United can help you gather the evidence you need to demonstrate that you meet the SSDI criteria for approval.
If you have been contributing to the Social Security system, you have been paying premiums towards SSDI. If you meet their criteria you are entitled to receive benefits. Fill the form today and let us help you get the benefits you are entitled to.