Inflammatory Bowel Disease May Qualify for Long-Term Social Security Disability
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that refers to a group of disorders that damage the intestines and result in chronic inflammation (pain and swelling). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both instances of inflammatory bowel disease. Both types affect the digestive system. Treatments can assist in managing this chronic condition.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common kinds of inflammatory bowel disease. Various types include the following:
Crohn’s disease – is characterized by abdominal pain and edema. It can manifest itself in any area of the body, from the mouth to the anus. The small intestine and upper portion of the large intestine are most frequently affected.
Ulcerative colitis – infects the large intestine, causing swelling and sores (ulcers) (colon and rectum).
Microscopic colitis – is an inflammatory condition of the small intestine that is only visible under a microscope.
The following signs and symptoms are common to both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite due to blood in your stool
- Weight loss that wasn’t planned
Applying for Social Security Disability with a Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
IBS is classified as a qualifying medical condition for Social Security Disability benefits in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability listing handbook, more generally referred to as the “Blue Book.”
While the Blue Book does not differentiate between the various IBS diagnoses, there are particular diagnostic criteria that must be met and recorded to qualify for Social Security disability compensation. They are as follows:
- Blockage of the small intestine or colon that is identified using proper imaging techniques or surgery and necessitates hospitalization at least twice within a six-month period, at least 60 days apart, or
- At least two of the following symptoms occur despite patient adherence to prescribed medication within a six-month period.
- Anemia of a predetermined severity level, or a low level of serum albumin (a blood protein), or
- A mass in the abdomen causing pain or cramping that is not totally managed by prescribed drugs, present at least twice within 60 days of each other, or
- Pelvic floor disease with a draining abscess or fistula, with pain that does not respond to prescribed narcotic pain medications on at least two occasions at least 60 days apart, or
- Unintentional weight loss of at least 10% from baseline on at least two occasions at least 60 days apart, or
- Requirement for a feeding tube to maintain proper nutrition.
Social Security Disability Attorney For Qualifying IBS Disability Conditions
If you cannot work due to an IBS medical condition, you may be eligible for long term Social Security Disability benefits. The lengthy diagnostic criteria show how difficult it can be to identify the disease severity accurately. As a result, you may want to hire an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer.
Approximately 70% of first-time applicants are refused Social Security benefits. You must file an appeal with the SSA if you desire to appeal.
Due to the SSA’s massive caseload, it can take years to process a disability claim for any medical condition, including IBS. Worse, many people may qualify for Social Security IBS disability, but their applications are denied due to paperwork errors or omissions.
An expert Social Security Disability attorney can collect all the essential documentation to help verify your eligibility IBS Disability payments.
Request a free disability evaluation today to speak with a qualified disability attorney about applying for Social Security Disability for your IBS medical condtion.