Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)

Endocrine disorders are evaluated based on the other body or mental/emotional functions which they affect. Several examples are listed in the Blue Book in section 9, including:

• Adrenal Gland Disorders
• Parathyroid Gland Disorders
• Thyroid Gland
• Pituitary Gland Disorders
• Hyperglycemia
• Pancreatic Gland Disorders
• Pituitary Gland Disorders

A pituitary gland disorder can develop when the gland is releasing an excessive amount of hormones which thereby impacts your kidney function to the point where you develop “diabetes insipidus.”

Thyroid Gland Disorders

When someone is suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, they can have difficulty functioning in a variety of ways. In addition, the following types of serious medical issues can be caused by a thyroid disorder:

• Severe, crippling anxiety
• Inability to concentrate for an extended period of time
• Irregular heartbeat
• Erratic behavior and severe mood disorders
• Dramatic weight loss
• Stroke

Parathyroid Gland Disorders

The parathyroid gland has a direct impact on the amount of calcium in your body. When a disorder in the parathyroid gland develops, it can cause other serious medical problems, including:

• Osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Kidney failure
• Diminished vision, or even the development of cataracts
• Muscle spasms
• Adrenal Gland Disorders

The adrenal gland governs a variety of important bodily functions, including your blood pressure, bone calcium levels, metabolic rate, and your ability to focus on specific tasks and work assignments. In addition, a serious adrenal gland disorder can also cause these other major health problems:

• Dramatic weight loss
• Crippling mood disorders
• Osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Severe hypertension and heightened risk of heart failure
• Cushing syndrome (a hormonal disorder that occurs when high levels of cortisol are present in your body for a long period of time)

Pancreatic Gland Disorders

The pancreatic gland is located behind your stomach and plays a vital role in breaking down food you ingest, along with moderating your blood sugar levels. When a pancreatic gland disorder develops, it can lead to other serious health issues, including:

• Diabetes
• Hyperglycemia (heightened levels of glucose in your blood)
• Hypoglycemia (low levels of glucose in the blood)
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Intestinal necrosis, which can lead to severe damage to your intestines due to a lack of blood supply.
• Seizures and related neurological conditions

If your endocrine disorder is shown to meet the criteria in the Section of the Blue Book under which it is evaluated, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If it doesn’t, you will need to show that the overall effects of your condition, combined with the effects of any other disabling conditions you have, make it unreasonable for you to be expected to continue working.