Can I Get Social Security Disability for Short Bowel Syndrome?

If you have been diagnosed with short bowel syndrome (SBS) 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 5.07

Social Security has included SBS 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 short bowel syndrome under Listing 5.07. To meet this listing, you must be diagnosed with short bowel syndrome due to a surgical resection of more than half of the small intestine. You must also be dependent on parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter to meet the listing.

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 short bowel syndrome, 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 short bowel syndrome 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.