I have diabetes mellitus ..was on pills, now on sliding scale with insulin, plus 10 units at night of long lasting insulin…I have diabetic neuropathy..degenterive disk in back, recent heart attack, with three stents..hypertension…my question is, what are my chances of getting social security? I lost my job, because FMLA ran out…thank you
–Robert

Jonathan Ginsberg responds:  Robert, thank you for your question.  Here’s how I approach diabetes cases.  First, recognize that diabetes is a relatively common medical problem and Social Security judges frequently see claimants with diabetes.  Social Security has a diabetes listing – but in order to meet the listing, you need to show that your sugar levels are basically uncontrolled and that you have severe neuropathy or retinopathy.  It sounds like your diabetes is getting worse but may not be at the listing level.

I do think, however that taken in combination, your medical problems may very well result in activity limitations that cause a significant interference with your ability to perform work.  All of the problems your discuss – degenerative disk disease, cardiac problems, hypertension – all can limit you from performing even a simple, unskilled job.

The key to winning, in my view, would be to ask one or more of your treating doctors to complete a functional capacity evaluation form that "translates" your medical problems into specific work limitations.   In particular, functional capacity opinions having to do with job reliability would be particularly important.

If you are already represented, you should speak with your lawyer about working with your doctors to generate one or more of these functional capacity forms.  If  you are not yet represented and want to speak with a lawyer, please complete the potential disability client profile and I will refer you to experienced counsel that practices in your location.  If you want to try to win on your own first, you may want to check out my "how to" book the Disability Answer Guide (it has sample functional capacity forms in it).

You did not say how old you were or what type of work you have done – those are also factors in a disability case.   I think that at the end of the day, your case will likely turn on how supportive your doctors will be and whether you can get strong forms to submit to Social Security.  Best of luck and let us know how it turns out.

[tags] disability and diabetes, diabetes mellitus, degenerative disc, deginiritive disk disease, hypertension, stents, functional capacity, Disability Answer Guide, social security lawyer referral [/tags]