Crohn’s Disease and Claiming Disability Benefits
Crohn’s disease causes inflammation and tissue damage requiring long-term management. It is a form of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can be considered chronic, or lifelong. Some of the symptoms of Crohn’s are such that it can severely impact your quality of life. Additionally, it may increase your risk for other health issues. Therefore, given these long-term concerns, it could be worth considering Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security
Administration (SSA) classifies Crohn’s Disease under its Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) category. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea. Chronic complications associated with advanced forms of the disease may cause interference with daily life and even make it difficult to work. These are the issues that could make you eligible for disability benefits. The SSA needs to determine whether your Crohn’s disease is severe.
- You have a mental or physical impairment directly related to the IBD, of which you need a formal diagnosis.
- Your condition has interfered with your job-related activities for at least 12 months.
Does Crohn’s Disease Qualify for Benefits?
It might not be enough just to have a diagnose of Crohn’s Disease. According to SSA resources, you may also need to exhibit one or more of these specific conditions:
- A bowel obstruction, other than just adhesions, of narrowed areas in the small intestine or colon, accompanied by dilation and swelling.
- The obstruction must also be confirmed by medically acceptable imaging or by surgery.
- Your obstruction required hospitalization or surgery to compress the intestines.
- The obstruction needs to have occurred at least twice, 60 days apart, within the same 6-month period.
- Chronic severe abdominal pain requiring narcotic drugs for management.
- You have anemia as a result.
- Severe weight loss of 10 percent or an extremely low BMI (under 18.0).
- Proof of malnutrition from a doctor or registered dietitian.
To strengthen and prove your claim, provide as much medical evidence as possible. The SSA only considers evidence from acceptable medical sources, especially Crohn’s specialists, such as gastroenterologists.
- Tests and reports such as blood and fecal occult tests, colonoscopy and endoscopy reports, MRIs, and CAT scans.
- Provide copies of the doctor’s notes your doctor takes during your appointments.
- Include reports from surgeries or hospitalizations.
In conclusion, if you suffer from IBD, you may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits. Contact Disability Support Services. Our friendly team can help you through the process for Crohn’s Disease and claiming disability. Call today for a free consultation.
