Social Security’s rules recognize a wide variety of endocrine disorders which, if severe enough, may qualify for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pituitary gland disorders;
- Thyroid gland disorders;
- Parathyroid gland disorders;
- Adrenal gland disorders;
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) and other pancreatic gland disorders, including type 1 and type 2 DM;
- Hyperglycemia;
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA);
- Chronic hyperglycemia; and
- Hypoglycemia.
Disability is caused by overproduction or underproduction of hormones, which may cause structural or functional changes in the body.
Social Security has eliminated all of the listings for specific endocrine system disorders.
This means that adults with endocrine system disorders will not qualify for disability benefits solely on the basis of the severity of their condition. They can still be found disabled, however, if they have complications of their conditions. For example, someone with diabetes may develop complications such as peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and/or amputation(s). These impairments may qualify for disability under the Listing of Impairments if such secondary disorders are severe enough to meet the requirements of one of Social Security’s other listings.
People with diabetes or other endocrine system disorders can also qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or SSI by proving that their symptoms cause functional limitations that limit work activity.