What Digestive System Disorders Qualify for Social Security Benefits?

Do you suffer from a digestive system condition that is so severe it has left you unable to work? If so, you may qualify to receive social security disability (SSD) benefits to help support you financially during this difficult time. The digestive tract is made up of many organs that make up the digestive system. These organs include the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver and stretches from your mouth to your anus, allowing your to body to break down the food that you eat.

What Digestive Disorders Qualify to Receive Benefits?

There are many symptoms of digestive disorders that can prevent you from being able to perform your daily work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has compiled a list of conditions that qualify to receive benefits in a publication called the Blue Book. This book is a comprehensive list of what conditions qualify, as well as specific requirements each condition must meet to be eligible for benefits. Within the Blue Book, Listing 5.0 covers conditions that apply to the digestive system.

The digestive disorders and diseases that qualify under listing 5.0 are:

• Chronic Liver Disease – can be a result of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or alcoholic cirrhosis. This condition covers a wide range of liver pathologies including inflammation, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging – this condition can result from any cause, however, must be severe enough to require a blood transfusion in order to be eligible for benefits
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease – including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Short Bowel Syndrome – a condition in which your body is unable to absorb enough nutrients from food as the result of not enough small intestine
• Significant weight loss as a result of any digestive disorder
• Liver transplants – Receiving a liver transplant will automatically qualify you as disabled for at least one year after the date your transplant is completed

If My Condition Is Listed in the Blue Book, Do I Automatically Qualify to Receive Benefits?

Just because your condition is one of the above listed in the Listing 5.0 in the Blue Book, does not mean that you automatically qualify to receive SSD benefits. Not only do you have to have a qualifying condition, but you also need to prove that your condition will prevent you from working for at least a full calendar year. Each condition also has a complex breakdown of requirements you must meet to be eligible for benefits in which you will need to prove that you meet these requirements through extensive medical evidence. This evidence will come in the form of medical records from your primary physician, lab results, treatment recommendations as well as treatment results. An experienced disability attorney will help ensure that you are submitting all the required documents to give your application the best chance at being approved to receive benefits.

What if My Condition Is Not Listed in the Blue Book?

If your digestive system condition is not listed in the SSA Blue Book, however, your conditions are severe enough that they prevent you from working for more than one year, you may still be eligible to receive SSD benefits. Your application will require additional documentation to elaborate on your symptoms, provide evidence on how your condition is impacting your daily life, as well as the impact on your ability to work or to transition to a different line of work.

Are There Other Required Documents I Will Need to Apply for Benefits?

When you apply to receive SSD benefits, you will need to provide much more than your medical proof of diagnosis. You will be required to provide extensive medical records, personal financial records, records of your work history, treatment history, treatment results, and much more. If your application is missing any of the required documents, it may be rejected in the initial stage of the application, requiring you to start the appeals process. It is important to consult with a local disability attorney before you file your application for benefits. They will be able to review your application, make sure that you have all the necessary documents and records, as well as help you evaluate your best options for your specific case. If your initial application is denied, a disability attorney can also help you start the appeal process and gather the additional evidence that the SSA requests.

Are You Ready to File for Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you are out of work due to a digestive system condition and are ready to apply for benefits, your next step will be to consult with a disability attorney. After they help you file your “intent to apply,” they will work with you through each step of the application process. Complete our free evaluation to give details of your case, and a local disability attorney will contact you to discuss your options and the next steps you will need to take towards receiving benefits.