Disability Benefits for Digestive Systems Disorders

The digestive system is an important part of the body that helps break down the food we eat. However, many medical conditions originate from this region of the body. If you suffer from a digestive system disorder that has affected your life and keeps you from working, you might qualify for disability benefits.

The experienced Phoenix Social Security Disability lawyers at our firm can assess your situation during a free, no-obligation legal consultation. We are prepared to guide you through the entire claims process.

What Are Digestive Disorders?

These disorders originate in the digestive tract, which extends from the anus to the mouth and attaches to numerous organs through a series of lengthy tube-like structures. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas provide digestive juices to aid in digestion and are part of this system. Digestive disorders refer to any medical condition that affects your digestive system.

People with digestive disorders may suffer from serious symptoms, including:

Severe abdominal pain
Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging that requires blood transfusion

Bloody stools
Unexpected weight loss
Changes in bowel habits

Various disorders may affect the digestive tract, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Then, contact an experienced disability lawyer to learn if you may be eligible for benefits.

Digestive Disorders the SSA Considers Disabling

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your digestive problems so severe, t will first turn to the Blue Book to see if your condition meets or equals one of the illnesses described in it.

Digestive diseases are under Listing 5.0, Digestive System. If you can prove that your condition meets one of the qualifying disorders in the SSA’s listing of impairments through medical evidence, you will likely be approved for benefits. Digestive diseases that qualify for disability under the listing include:

Chronic liver disease
Liver transplant
Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
Inflammatory bowel disease

Crohn’s disease
Short bowel syndrome
Weight loss from a digestive disorder

What If My Digestive Disease Is Not Listed?

If your digestive disease is not listed or you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you may still qualify for disability benefits by showing that your digestive disorder prevents you from working. You will need to undergo a residual functional capacity (RFC) test to determine how your medical condition impacts your ability to work and carry out daily activities.

It is best to have the RFC test performed by your treating doctor as he or she is already familiar with your condition and medical history. Alternatively, the SSA could send you to an independent doctor to complete the test. Your physical and mental limitations will be evaluated as it pertains to your disorder.

If the SSA determines that you can perform your previous work despite your condition and limitations, your claim will be denied. Otherwise, the SSA will examine your physical and mental RFC in addition to other factors, such as your age, education, and work history to determine whether you get benefits.

Medical Evidence Needed to Qualify

Medical evidence is critical to the potential success of your claim. To establish your disabling condition and the functional limitations it imposes, you will need the following medical evidence:

A statement from your treating doctor that discusses your ability to work or complete daily tasks
A statement from a specialist regarding your digestive disease
Hospital records showing that you have sought treatment for your disorder
Test results such as endoscopies, x-rays, blood tests, MRIs and ultrasounds

Reach Out to a Disability Lawyer

If you need help applying for benefits, our licensed disability attorneys at Dayes Law Firm are here to help. Over the years, we have helped countless individuals obtain the disability benefits they were eligible for. We are prepared to provide legal counsel during the claims process or appeal a denied claim on your behalf. There are no upfront fees for our services unless we help you obtain benefits for your digestive disorder.