SSA Disability Guide — Common Conditions
Common conditions / Diabetes
Can You Get Disability for Diabetes?
Yes, a person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may qualify when the condition or its complications prevent substantial work for the required duration. Diabetes itself does not have a separate adult listing, and a diagnosis alone does not establish disability.
SSA does not grant disability based on a diagnosis alone. It evaluates medical evidence, duration, and the effect of supported limitations on work.
How SSA evaluates diabetes
SSA evaluates the effects of diabetes under the body system affected; there is no stand-alone adult Blue Book listing for diabetes. For example, qualifying peripheral neuropathy may be evaluated under Listing 11.14, chronic kidney disease under 6.05, and qualifying vision loss under Listings 2.02 or 2.03.
These are examples, not automatic matches. The medical criteria for the affected body system must be met or medically equaled. SSA also considers the combined effects of impairments when deciding RFC and whether other work is possible.
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What evidence SSA may consider
SSA may consider medical records for diabetes and its complications, laboratory and diagnostic findings, specialist records, treatment history, episodes and their documented effects, and evidence about daily and work activities. Records should identify which body systems are affected and how the effects change functioning.
The same diagnosis can affect people differently. SSA evaluates the evidence for the individual claim rather than assuming the same limits for everyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
How diabetes complications can affect RFC
Depending on the documented complications, work limits may involve sensation, balance, use of the hands, vision, stamina, attendance, or other physical and mental activities. SSA considers supported limits from all impairments together when determining what work can be sustained.
How the Grid Rules may apply
The grids may matter when the RFC is limited by exertional capacity and the vocational factors match a rule. Complications that affect vision, sensation, attendance, or other nonexertional abilities may require additional vocational analysis, with the grids used only as a framework.
Documenting a diabetes claim
- Identify records for each documented complication, not only the diabetes diagnosis.
- Describe how the effects influence specific work activities and daily functioning.
- Ask treating providers to explain observed restrictions and the records or findings that support them.
- Keep a record of functional effects and appointments for discussion with your care team; do not change treatment based on this page.
Official SSA sources
Related resources
This guide explains Social Security’s disability evaluation; it is not medical advice or a treatment plan. Do not start, stop, or change treatment based on this page. A qualified clinician can answer medical-care questions, and SSA decides each claim from its full record.