Can I Get Social Security Disability for Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Social Security Listing 5.06

Social Security has included IBD in its Blue Book of disability listings. However, just receiving the diagnosis from a doctor is not enough to be considered disabled. Social Security considers applications for disability based on inflammatory bowel disease under Listing 5.06. To meet this listing, you must be diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease as documented by endoscopy, biopsy, other medical imaging, or operative findings.

You must also have one of the following:

1. Obstruction of stenotic areas (not adhesions) in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilation that requires hospitalization for intestinal decompression or surgery at least twice over the course of a six-month period, at least 60 days apart.

OR

1. Two of the following, despite adhering to prescribed treatment, over the course of a six-month period:
   1. Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL on at least two evaluations at least sixty days apart,
   2. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less on at least two evaluations at least sixty days apart,
   3. Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical exam that is accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping that is not controlled by narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least sixty days apart,
   4. Perineal disease with a draining abscess or fistula with pain that is not controlled by prescribed narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least sixty days apart,
   5. Involuntary weight loss of at least 10% (from your baseline), present on at least two evaluations at least sixty days apart, or
   6. The need for supplemental daily nutrition through a gastrostomy or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.

I Don’t Meet the Listing!

If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your IBD, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations.

If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.

Jacksonville Social Security Disability Attorney

If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and are unable to work in any capacity due to your physical condition, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.