Many Georgia residents may not be familiar with exactly what the ‘endocrine system’ is, but their bodies could not function without it. In the amazingly complicated machines that make up human beings, not only do the muscles, bones and nerves have their jobs, but so too do smaller organs called ‘glands.’ These organs produce various hormones and other substances that act as regulators and messengers for systems throughout the body. When something goes wrong with one of these glands, the results can be serious.
Disorders of the endocrine system can include problems with the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid or adrenal glands, among others. The most well-known and common endocrine disorder, however, is probably diabetes. This disease affects the way the body processes sugar and can result in many serious complications, including both hyper- and hypoglycemia, which is too much or too little blood sugar. The effects of this disease can make it difficult to maintain full-time work depending on its severity, and may enable a person suffering from it to apply for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system.
Because endocrine disorders usually affect other bodily systems, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will generally evaluate an application based upon the criteria used for the bodily system affected. For example, diabetes may be judged based upon the effects the condition has on the individual’s heart, or the kidneys, or other functions necessary for human health. At base, the requirement is that the condition is expected to last over a year and renders the applicant unable to engage in substantial gainful activity.
Because these cases can turn on how well the medical and other evidence is presented to the SSA, it is important that Georgia SSDI applicants contemplate the best way to organize and explain the reasons they are unable to work due to their disabilities. Those affected by endocrine disorders, and can’t work, may wish to consider engaging an experienced disability attorney.
