Social Security Disability or SSI due to Crohn’s Disease

A      person can qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits if he suffers from Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a step-by-step evaluation to determine if someone is medically qualified for disability benefits. At the third step of the process, the SSA looks to see if the person has an impairment or several impairments that meet or equal a “listing.” The listing is as follows:

5.06 Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)documented by endoscopy, biopsy, appropriate medically acceptable imaging, or operative findings with:

A. Obstruction of stenotic areas (not adhesions) in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilatation, confirmed by appropriate medically acceptable imaging or in surgery, requiring hospitalization for intestinal decompression or for surgery, and occurring on at least two occasions at least 60 days apart within a consecutive 6-month period.

OR

B. Two of the following despite continuing treatment as prescribed and occurring within the same consecutive 6-month period:

1. Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or

2. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or

3. Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping that is not completely controlled by prescribed narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or

4. Perineal disease with a draining abscess or fistula, with pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or

5. Involuntary weight loss of at least 10 percent from baseline, as computed in pounds, kilograms, or BMI, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or

6. Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.

If the applicant does not qualify for benefits based on this Listing, the condition can still be considered when determining whether he can return to past employment or whether jobs exist in the local and national economy. For instance, if lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or pushing/pulling are significantly limited, these factors might eliminate jobs existing in the local or national economy to the point a claimant is found disabled.

Claims are often denied and you should seek experienced legal advice immediately.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, or long term disability matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website.