Is severe diabetes a reason to get disability?

[episodic]

I'm asking for a family member that was fired just recently for having to miss so much work due to complications from diabetes . . .

They basically have always did a standing job, and due to the severeness of their problems, their feet/legs are having difficulty with the 10-12 hour days standing.

This is all the work this person has ever known. . . (in early 50's). . .

Doubt they'll be able to keep cobra too long due to money flow. . .

Thoughts? Things that I may could tell them that I don't know? I feel bad for this person.

 

[guyver01]

Originally posted by: episodic
I'm asking for a family member that was fired just recently for having to miss so much work due to complications from diabetes . . .

They basically have always did a standing job, and due to the severeness of their problems, their feet/legs are having difficulty with the 10-12 hour days standing.

Did they have FMLA? LTD? STD?
If they were out for so many days, and did not take any form of disability, then unfortunately they can be terminated for excess absence from any job.

 

[FelixDeCat]

The best advice would be to talk to a disability lawyer. But be warned it will be a long process to be approved. Have the doctors document her standing problems, it will help with the case. Rejection is still very possible and it may take a year or more to get a payment.

Good luck.

 

[techs]

Ok, here's how it works.
Diabetes in and of itself is not disabling. To determine disability due to diabletes you look at end organ damage.
For example, if you have diabletes and an amputation at or above the base of the first metatarsal you are automatically considered disabled.
You can also be considered disabled due to restriction of visual fields due to diabetic retinopathy.
etc.

What I would suggest is getting a copy of the most recent Disabilities Handbook for Medical Professionals (don't know what they call it nowadays) or the POMS section of the Listings of Impairments.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: guyver01

Originally posted by: episodic
I'm asking for a family member that was fired just recently for having to miss so much work due to complications from diabetes . . .

They basically have always did a standing job, and due to the severeness of their problems, their feet/legs are having difficulty with the 10-12 hour days standing.

Did they have FMLA? LTD? STD?
If they were out for so many days, and did not take any form of disability, then unfortunately they can be terminated for excess absence from any job.

FMLA would have given the employee 12 weeks off so OP was this utilized? Given proper documentation the employee is eligible for 480 hours of unpaid leave for which they can not be terminated.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: techs
Ok, here's how it works.
Diabetes in and of itself is not disabling. To determine disability due to diabletes you look at end organ damage.
For example, if you have diabletes and an amputation at or above the base of the first metatarsal you are automatically considered disabled.
You can also be considered disabled due to restriction of visual fields due to diabetic retinopathy.
etc.

What I would suggest is getting a copy of the most recent Disabilities Handbook for Medical Professionals (don't know what they call it nowadays) or the POMS section of the Listings of Impairments.

My wifes father had his leg amputated just below the knee due to diabetes and was considered disabled. This was in the 80's, so the rules may have changed.