What is Pituitary Gland Disorder?
If you cannot work due to a pituitary gland disorder, you may qualify for Social Security disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, which provides monthly benefits to those unable to work due to a disability. To be eligible for benefits, you must have worked long enough to earn enough credits and paid enough Social Security taxes. Certain dependents may also qualify if you are considered disabled and qualify for SSDI.
The pituitary gland is the endocrine system’s primary gland. These glands produce hormones that are vital for the body to function properly. The system also contains several more glands, including the parathyroid, thyroid, pancreatic, and adrenal glands. When you have a pituitary gland disease, your pituitary gland produces either insufficient or excessive amounts of a hormone.
The pituitary gland generates growth hormone, which is responsible for maintaining adult body tissues and fat distribution. Additionally, it creates ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol. ACTH is a stress hormone affecting blood sugar and blood pressure levels. TSH is another hormone produced by the pituitary and is involved in controlling metabolism, the neurological system, and energy, among other tasks.
Additionally, the pituitary gland secretes hormones that govern testosterone, components of the reproductive system, and estrogen. There are various other pituitary gland disorders, including tumors, that are not malignant yet have a major effect on the hormone-releasing processes. Other disorders are caused by congenital abnormalities, drugs, or trauma.
The Social Security Administration’s Evaluation and Medical Qualifications
Because pituitary gland disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, they fall under the category of a distinct debilitating ailment caused by a specific hormone imbalance. For instance, if an adult’s pituitary gland issue results in a growth hormone shortage, the condition would be assessed under the musculoskeletal system. Pituitary gland disorders are covered in Section 9.00, Endocrine Disorders of the Blue Book, the SSA’s medical reference.
Because the pituitary gland produces so many distinct hormones, various illnesses and symptoms can occur. If the pituitary gland condition results in dehydration, the individual would be considered as having a genitourinary problem classified as dehydration under Section 6.00 of the Blue Book. In that scenario, the individual must meet the exact requirements for the symptoms associated with that ailment.
In some instances, you may be eligible for disability benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. Many people obtain permission through the medical-vocational route because they can demonstrate the seriousness of their ailment and symptoms. However, you may experience symptoms associated with a pituitary gland disorder that may not fall into one of the Blue Book’s divisions.
Applying Specific Medical Examinations to Your Disability Case
Multiple tests, including blood testing, MRI scans, and ultrasounds, can be used to diagnose pituitary gland abnormalities. These tests can ascertain which hormones are influenced by your condition and the extent to which those hormone imbalances impair your capacity to perform daily activities.
Provided as a screening tool and not a substitute for medical care. In some instances, the SSA may order a medical evaluation at their expense with a physician of their choice. This assessment will establish whether or not your problem is as bad as you have indicated. Occasionally, a mental examination will be needed to establish whether you are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems due to the stress caused by the pituitary gland illness.
Extensive paperwork is the main part of establishing your disability claim, so submit as much documentation as possible upfront. When filing a disability claim, expect the process to be extensive and not something that is done over a couple of days, and you may be refused compensation again. However, you may challenge those denials. The ultimate step would be an administrative law judge hearing the case and rendering a decision.