• Disability Insurance Benefits Information For People with Diabetes

Diabetes Disability Insurance Claim Help and Information

An estimated 24 million children and adults in the United States, and 240 million people worldwide, have diabetes. Most people with diabetes can manage it by taking medication and carefully monitoring what they eat. In some cases, though, diabetes can lead to debilitating illnesses, injuries and disabilities that prevent you from maintaining a consistent work schedule. In most long term disability cases diabetes is associated with additional medical illnesses which prevent a person from being able to work. Our disability insurance lawyers have represented numerous claimants with uncontrolled diabetes. Disability insurance companies are quick to argue that diabetes disability claims should only be short term and not long term disability claims. Another argument is that the claimant has been working with diabetes for years so why now do they claim they cannot work. We help our clients deal with these unreasonable insurance company arguments on a daily basis.

If you suspect that a diabetes complication will prevent you from working a consistent job, or if your provider already denied your individual claim or group policy claim, contact our office. We can help you fill out the application for benefits or appeal a denial.

I Have Diabetes… Do I Qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits?

Diabetes by itself will likely not qualify you for disability benefits unless it is uncontrolled. Your disability company will want to see a lot of evidence that you are incapable of providing a continuous work schedule. If your diabetes progresses to the point where you can no longer perform your job functions or similar job functions, then you will likely qualifying for disability insurance benefits. We will work closely with your doctors to properly documents your claim for benefits.

Contact our disability insurance attorneys to find out how our disability insurance attorneys can help you. We offer free consultations to claimants across the country. Insurance companies have strong legal representation, and we believe that individuals deserve an equally strong voice.

Our Experience with Diabetes Disability Insurance Claim

We have firsthand experience helping diabetes claimants receive the benefits they are entitled to. The following case study explains how we helped a woman with diabetes reverse her provider’s denial and receive past benefits.

– Reliance Standard reverses long term disability denial following appeal submitted by Attorneys Dell & Schaefer

Check back on this page for more up-to-date information about diabetes and disability insurance. We frequently add new stories about new regulations or resolved cases that might be relevant to you.

Resources

For more information about diabetes disability insurance, visit the following websites:

There are numerous charities dedicated to diabetes research, detection and treatment including:

Recently Resolved Cases (10)

  1. Standard Overturns Decision to Deny Disabled Project Manager Long-term Disability Insurance Benefits After First Appeal
  2. CIGNA Reinstates Benefits for Freight Company Truck Driver Following Successful Second Level Appeal
  3. Aetna Reinstates Disability Insurance Benefits to Home Depot Manager
  4. Hartford Overturns Denial of Long-term Disability Benefits For Disabled JP Morgan Chase Banker
  5. Dell & Schaefer Successfully Appeals Denial of Benefits to Fedex Employee
  6. After Two Appeals, Cigna Finally Sees the Light and Pays Disability Benefits
  7. Sun Life Approves Claim for Long Term Disability Benefits
  8. CIGNA Overturns Its Decision to Deny Continued Disability Benefits for Former Employee of Science Applications International Corporation
  9. Reliance Standard reverses long term disability denial following appeal submitted by Attorneys Dell & Schaefer
  10. Unum approves long-term disability benefits for a trial attorney suffering from diabetic neuropathy

Cases & Claim Tips (16)

  1. Did U.S. Life Breach its Contract When it Denied Total Disability Claim of ABA Policy Holder? 
  2. Reliance’s Termination of Disability Benefits was Arbitrary and Capricious When it Discounted Supporting Medical Evidence Without Reason 
  3. California Court Agrees with MetLife’s Denial of Dismemberment Claim 
  4. Court Finds Sedgwick Wrong to Deny Benefits Without Considering Claimant’s Actual Job Duties 
  5. Disability Denial Remanded to Anthem for Analysis of Claimant’s Job Duties 
  6. Credibility Judgments Without IME Lead to Remand Back to Libery Life for Full and Fair Review in Kentucky ERISA Disability Lawsuit 
  7. Court Orders Life Insurance Company Of North America To Pay Claimant Long-Term Disability Benefits 
  8. New Jersey claimant files suit against New York Life, Unum and Paul Revere for miscalculated disability benefits  1
  9. TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation financial analyst suffering from Type II diabetes and heart condition sues Prudential 
  10. Steel fabricator suffering from disability wins lawsuit against Lincoln National 
  11. Wisconsin disability attorney and client sue Prudential Life Insurance for its “baseless” denial of ERISA disability benefits  2
  12. ReliaStar reduces monthly disability insurance benefits to veteran due to VA benefits  3
  13. Hartford pays disability benefits for 12 years and then uses video surveillance to deny benefits  7
  14. Director disabled by heart disease takes Prudential to Illinois Court after denial of long-term disability benefits 
  15. Metlife’s denial of disability benefits to an event coordinator is upheld 
  16. Prudential’s motion to dismiss claimant’s disability benefits is denied 

Comments (22)

  • Deborah: You have the right to appeal the STD carrier’s decision. I suggest you contact our office and speak with one of the attorneys to discuss the specific questions you have regarding your situation.

    Jay Symonds Jun 9, 2020  #22

  • I’m being denied short term disability, what can I do? My Dr. took me out 14 May 2020 so far I received one disability check then they stopped. I have uncontrolled diabetes and found other underlined heath issues because of it. I have Aflac as a supplemental insurance and they are denying also. Are you in the Rochester NY area or have affiliates here you can recommend? The Attorney General of NY has open a case for the hospital portion of Aflac to help me.

    Deborah K. Jun 9, 2020  #21

  • I am a 39 year old female and was approved for STD being I have uncontrolled T2 diabetes. My employer offers me 50% of my pay while being approved… however they overpaid me for 3 months and was really not aware that they did this. They stopped paying me completely and stated that I must pay it back by the end of the year which is why they are keeping my pay I would normally be receiving. I’m on Ozpemic and cannot even afford my medication OR my dr bills as I can’t even offer to pay $10 to them.

    I was also informed that once I return back to work I must pay back the medical, dental and vision that they are continuing to pay (which I kind of understand) however I don’t understand how any of this is legal… could you please advise me of what to do? Where to go? I’m soooo lost and struggling.

    Jenny Oct 25, 2019  #20

  • Robin, if you have a disability insurance policy please feel free to contact our office to discuss your rights under same. If you don’t have a disability insurance policy your only option may be filing for SSDI.

    Stephen Jessup Jan 27, 2018  #19

  • I lost my commercial drivers license due to type 2 diabetes. Would I be eligible to file a disability claim?

    Robin R. Jan 26, 2018  #18

  • Gina, you will need to file an appeal of the denial. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss the denial and determine what assistance we may be able to provide in appealing same.

    Stephen Jessup Oct 23, 2017  #17

  • I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant and was recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 29-30 weeks. I still to date have been unable to control my blood sugars, and have increasing insulin needs ever few days. I was working as an RN in an Neuro ICU until my MD took me off work for inability to control my blood sugar and eat consistently. I have highs and lows that were causing severe daily headaches, dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness. Per my MD he didn’t feel it was safe for my baby, my patients, or myself to continue working. Short term disability has denied my claim even though my OB, perinatalogist, and my endocrinologist all agree that it is an issue of safety. What can I do?

    Gina Oct 22, 2017  #16

  • Patty, which insurance carrier is she filing her claim under?

    Stephen Jessup Jul 7, 2016  #15

  • My mom has uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure and also a blood clot. I am trying to help file and application for her to start disability benefits. It’s hard for her to stand for a long period.

    Patty Jul 6, 2016  #14

  • Joyce, there is no way to know your likelihood of receiving a disability insurance benefit without an understanding of your policy language, occupational duties, medical information, and your doctor support. Please feel free to contact our office to discuss further.

    Stephen Jessup Jun 6, 2016  #13

  • I have 50 percent damage on both my kidneys and I have fatty liver diseases and a uncontrolled diabetics. Will I get paid for my disability insurance cover?

    Joyce Jun 1, 2016  #12

  • Katie,

    When you say you applied for disability, do you mean private disability coverage or disability through Social Security?

    Stephen Jessup Apr 22, 2015  #11

  • I am 24 years old. I have had type 1 diabetes since age 5. It has always been out of control until I found a decent endocrinologist, which was just this past year. I would work a few months here and there but never full time. I twisted my knee at a restaurant I worked for and had to attend physical therapy. I was told my cartilage was wearing away due to stressful activities over time. I have to wear a brace almost all the time. I applied for disability with a lawyer and I was denied. I have 3 children to care for I just can’t get a job that will keep me with my blood sugar dropping all the time or having random highs that gives me splitting headaches. I have constant back pain, knee pain (if I walk to much or sit/stand for too long. I need help applying again but I can’t go through all the work if I have no shot. I already have anxiety and depression that takes over with stressful tasks like this. What do I do?

    Katie Apr 21, 2015  #10

  • Keshia,

    Please feel free to contact our office to discuss your claim denial to determine how we may be able to assist you.

    Stephen Jessup Oct 18, 2014  #9

  • I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. My job requires me to stand from 747a -530p with two 30 mins break. I have to check my sugar first thing in the morning and two hours after every meal. But the problem is that I am unable to really follow my 1800 cal. diet that I was put on. I’ve been missing meals when I was clearly advised that I suppose to eat. So I let my Dr. know that I was missing meals, and experiencing lightheaded, fatigue, nausea, and blurred vision at work, plus contractions and pelvic pain. So I was put on leave, but I’m getting denied STD cause they say that them symptoms comes with late pregnancy.

    Keshia Oct 17, 2014  #8

  • Ansley,

    Your only option may be to bring a lawsuit. Was your disability based on the Type 1 diabetes or at all related to you trying to have a baby? If it is the latter, that may not be sufficient to support a disability from work.

    Stephen Jessup Jul 10, 2014  #7

  • Hi, I am a completely healthy 30 year old female. Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It is very under control with an insulin pump and daily exercise. I recently applied for short term disability and was denied coverage. I then sent a letter asking to reopen my case. Attached with my letter was a letter from my endocrinologist, employer, and fitness trainer. I again received a letter denying coverage for short term disability. Is there anything I can do? My husband and I are trying to start a family and need the short term disability for when the baby arrives. Can you please assist? Thanks!

    Ansley Jul 9, 2014  #6

  • Filed STD, denied stating its a workers comp. workers comp denied stating its a STD and LTD case. Appeal with workers compensation now, have attorney, he is not familiar with STD and LTD. He contacted a attorney friend and stated we are eligible for STD and LTD through CIGNA while workers compensation is being appealed.

    Just received letter Nov 27, 2013 stating:

    “This letter is regarding your claim for short-term disability benefits under which were covered defines the maximum benefit. “for sickness the date the 26 disability benefit is payable.”

    “Since you are approaching the maximum period of time That the short-term disability would have been payable under your policy, your claim is being transitioned for consideration of eligibility for long-term disability”

    “Please complete and return the following information”

    and there are forms that have to be filled out in packet including employment history daily activities.

    STD denied, there is no new medical records. They did not include depression and uncontrolled blood sugar which was in medical records. Now they are sending papers to fill out for LTD. They stated STD denied due to clause in republic service that states if injury at work, claim is denied. But his workers comp has been denied. They stated to file for STD. Our worker compensation attorney is working on the workers comp area and a hearing in February 2014. CIGNA is not seeing 3 MRI reports of severe Degeneration, disc bulges, tears. He lifted something at work on September 4th and felt a pop and has been down since. Seeing pain management and surgeon. Surgeon stated he has a low chance of this being fixed to normal. Dr wrote a letter cannot lift, sit, stand, walk, stoop at all for min of 12 months. Was told we do not qualify for STD and LTD. we have been given run around. We have recording of employer admitting injury, which they denied, we have recording of CIGNA stating this is a work injury due to medical records. But degenerative is a diagnosis? Sorry, he also has severe uncontrolled blood sugar. He gets steroid injections as well which make it even higher. Was hospitalized for pain and uncontrolled blood sugar for three days. The uncontrolled blood sugar was not part of the claim. Has been to hospital three times and admitted. On strong pain meds fentlyn and oxycodone that just take the edge off but still cannot enjoy a quality of life. CIGNA refuses to put anything in writing for us about why they made this decision. He’s never been hurt, never on workers comp and never took pain meds in his life until September 4.

    What the heck is going on here, they are pointing fingers at each other and don’t want to take the responsibility of paying anything.

    Manuel Miranda Nov 30, 2013  #5

  • Janice,

    The first step is to request a copy of the LTD policy from your husband’s employer. The LTD carrier could be different than the STD. If they are different then the steps are different to apply. The application process can be confusing and must be handled strategically. We have several videos on our website about the application process which you may find helpful. If you complete our Free Consultation form, then we will contact you to discuss your husband’s options.

    Gregory Dell Jan 27, 2012  #4

  • My husband has been unable to work for nearly 6 months due to complications of his diabetes. Deteriorating muscle tissue. Severe back pain, muscle pain, leg pain. He is unable to stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes. He has been to physical therapy and chiropractor both twice a week for 8 weeks. There has been no improvement. He has a long term disability policy with his employer. He has been collecting short term disability but it is expected to discontinue at 6 months. How does he go about getting his long-term disability benefits from the insurance company? How does he get evaluated for full disability? If you can answer these questions it would be helpful.

    Janice Reid Jan 26, 2012  #3

  • Neil,

    Since you already have diabetes, it would be difficult for you to qualify for a private disability insurance policy. You could get long term disability coverage from an employer, but you would need to be working past the elimination period in order to qualify for benefits. Most group disability insurance policies have a 12 month elimination period. After 12 months of continuous employment, then you could be covered if your diabetes ever became disabling.

    Gregory Dell Jan 9, 2012  #2

  • I’m a 37 year old man with Type 1 Diabetes and wanted info on long term disability insurance. I’m in a very labor-intensive job now and it’s hard on my body.

    Neil Jan 1, 2012  #1

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Questions About Hiring Us

Do you work in my state?

Yes. We are a national disability insurance law firm that is available to represent you regardless of where you live in the United States. We have partner lawyers in every state and we have filed lawsuits in most federal courts nationwide. Our disability lawyers represent disability claimants at all stages of a claim for disability insurance benefits. There is nothing that our lawyers have not seen in the disability insurance world.

What are your fees?

Since we represent disability insurance claimants at different stages of a disability insurance claim we offer a variety of different fee options. We understand that claimants living on disability insurance benefits have a limited source of income; therefore we always try to work with the claimant to make our attorney fees as affordable as possible.

The three available fee options are a contingency fee agreement (no attorney fee or cost unless we make a recovery), hourly fee or fixed flat rate.

In every case we provide each client with a written fee agreement detailing the terms and conditions. We always offer a free initial phone consultation and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in obtaining payment of your disability insurance benefits.

Do I have to come to your office to work with your law firm?

No. For purposes of efficiency and to reduce expenses for our clients we have found that 99% of our clients prefer to communicate via telephone, e-mail, fax, GoToMeeting.com sessions, or Skype. If you prefer an initial in-person meeting please let us know. A disability company will never require you to come to their office and similarly we are set up so that we handle your entire claim without the need for you to come to our office.

How can I contact you?

When you call us during normal business hours you will immediately speak with a disability attorney. We can be reached at 800-682-8331 or by email. Lawyer and staff must return all client calls same day. Client emails are usually replied to within the same business day and seem to be the preferred and most efficient method of communication for most clients.

Dell & Schaefer Client Reviews   *****

Regis A.

After many months of trying to reverse the denial of my claim on my own, I turned to Dell & Schaefer for their assistance. They answered all my calls and questions without hesitation. They were successful in obtaining the over-ruling of my disability denial without filing a lawsuit and I received all of my back benefits. I am glad to have found them and they continue to manage my claim for me.

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