If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and the severity of the condition prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and other symptoms. The extent and severity of the inflammation and other symptoms can vary widely. Disabling symptoms of Crohn’s typically include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. Your symptoms may vary and may fluctuate, with periods of remission and relapse.
Crohn’s Disease and SSDI
The Social Security Administration considers Crohn’s disease to be a condition that may meet a “listing.” You may meet Listing 5.06 if you have Crohn’s and at least one of the following:
- Two or more instances of obstruction of the digestive system requiring hospitalization. The instances must occur within a consecutive six-month period, occurring at least 60 days apart.
- Two separate blood tests that show severe anemia (hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL). The instances must occur within the same consecutive six-month period, at least 60 days apart.
- Two blood tests showing low levels of serum albumin (3.0 g/dL or less). The instances must occur within the same consecutive six-month period, at least 60 days apart.
- Medical documentation showing a mass in the abdomen that causes pain and cramping that is not relieved by medication. The mass must be present at least twice in a consecutive six-month period, at least 60 days apart.
- Medical documentation of two episodes of perineal floor disease with a draining abscess or fistula and pain that is not controlled by medication. The episodes must happen on at least two evaluations, at least 60 days apart a consecutive six-month period.
- Medical documentation of two or more occasions of involuntary weight loss of 10 percent or more from baseline, at least 60 days apart during a consecutive six-month period.
- A documented need for a feeding tube or central venous catheter for supplemental daily nutrition.
What If I Do Not Meet the Listing?
If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for disability benefits. In that case, you must prove that your symptoms make it impossible for you to work on an ongoing and consistent basis.
As you can see, medical documentation is key to winning a disability case for Crohn’s disease. Your doctors should document how often you have flare-ups, and what those flare-ups entail.
Need Help?
If you have Crohn’s disease and need help applying for disability or appealing a recent denial, contact a local attorney today. You can also download our free guide: 11 Tips to Winning Your Disability Case here.