Digestive system disorders can vary in severity from minor discomfort to severe distress. Those who suffer from the worst digestive system disorders may be eligible to receive disability benefits if the condition prohibits the ability to have gainful employment. The following is important information that will help you determine your eligibility for benefits because of your digestive disorder.
When you apply for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at these specific factors to determine your eligibility:
Listing 5.0 on the List of Impairments is dedicated to digestive diseases. The list includes specific stomach disorders that qualify applicants for benefits. These disorders include:
If your disorder does not meet the requirements on the List of Impairments, the SSA will still review your case. After an assessment, the SSA will assign a rating of “light work”, “medium work”, or “sedentary work” to you based on the level of your ability to work. Factors they will look at to make their determination include:
If the SSA determines that you can still do your past work, they will deny your claim. If they determine that you can no longer do your past work, they will look at other factors to make their determination. These factors include:
Once they have the data they need from looking at these factors, they will determine if you can do other work instead.
To have the best chance of having your claim accepted, you will need to provide medical evidence that supports your claim to the SSA. Make sure your medical records include documentation regarding your need for frequent unscheduled breaks at work and any side effects you experience from your medications. Keep in mind that although the SSA considers information they get from every medical professional, they favor information from specialists, so it is best to seek out the care of one. Also, be sure to provide the SSA with all results from tests, lab work, imaging, and other procedures. The more information you can provide to help support your case, the more likely it will be that it is accepted.
If you suffer from a digestive disorder and think you may be eligible for disability benefits, contact Clauson Law today. We are here to help you.