Severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can make working difficult due to frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide financial support if Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis prevents you from maintaining gainful employment. However, getting approved requires sufficient medical evidence.
As a Louisiana disability lawyer who helps claimants document complex conditions, Attorney Phillip Hendry understands the challenges of pursuing IBD disability benefits, and is here to help claimants get the benefits they deserve.
How IBD Effects Employability
Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that encompasses disorders causing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Symptoms can include:
- Severe abdominal pain and cramping
- Frequent diarrhea
- Urgent bowel movements
- Fatigue and weakness due to malnutrition
- Unintended weight loss
- Anemia from intestinal bleeding
- Nausea and loss of appetite
For some, IBD symptoms are so severe that sustaining full-time work is impossible. Frequent unscheduled restroom breaks, debilitating pain, and unpredictable flare-ups make it challenging to adhere to a regular schedule or meet productivity expectations. The ongoing stress and anxiety can further exacerbate symptoms.
Qualifying for IBD Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates IBD under Section 5.00 of the Blue Book and lists several strict requirements. Your medical records must show specific instances of hospitalization due to complications of IBD or other severe medical findings within a six-month period.
Given the strictness of these criteria, some IBD claimants don't meet the SSA requirements for IBD disability benefits. However, you may still qualify under a medical-vocational allowance if you can prove your symptoms prevent you from working full-time.
Documenting Your IBD Symptoms
Whether applying for SSDI under the Blue Book listing or a medical-vocational allowance, thorough medical records are critical for a successful IBD disability benefits claim. Important evidence includes:
- Endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging results (such as CT scans or MRIs)
- Lab work results that show deficiencies or other pertinent abnormalities
- Records of surgeries, emergency visits, and hospitalizations
- A detailed statement from your gastroenterologist describing your diagnosis, treatments tried, frequency and severity of symptoms, and how your limitations affect your ability to work
The more detailed your medical evidence, the better. For example, "patient has 10 to 15 watery bowel movements per day resulting in accidents" paints a clearer picture of your limitations than simply "patient has diarrhea."
Document any medication side effects, such as drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, or difficulty concentrating. Sometimes, the side effects are as disabling as IBD itself.
Your medical records should span at least 12 months whenever possible to illustrate the ongoing nature of your condition. Since IBD symptoms can wax and wane, the goal is to show that your "good days" aren't frequent or sustained enough for full-time work.
Proving Your IBD is a Severe Impairment
In addition to clinical test results, personal accounts can also help demonstrate the severity of your symptoms. It’s helpful to keep a journal to record:
- Accidents due to lack of bowel control
- Daily stool frequency and consistency
- Frequency, duration, and intensity of abdominal pain
- Unintended weight loss
- Difficulties performing daily activities due to symptoms
- Mental health struggles like anxiety or depression
Testimony from loved ones can also bolster your case. Statements might describe how often you miss family events due to symptoms, the accommodations you need at home, or your drastic physical and emotional changes since diagnosis.
We've found that many clients underestimate the full impact of their IBD until they start tracking their symptoms more closely. What felt "normal" after years of illness is often quite disabling when considered objectively.
Residual Functional Capacity and Vocational Experts
Residual functional capacity (RFC) is the work an individual can do despite their limitations. An RFC assessment translates IBD symptoms into concrete work limitations, such as:
- Needing six or more urgent restroom breaks per day
- Being off-task at least 20 percent of the day due to fatigue and pain
- Missing two or more days per month due to severe flares
Your disability lawyer may recommend having a vocational expert review your RFC results to determine if your limitations rule out work. The expert considers factors like your age, education level, and prior job skills to determine if you can engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). An official vocational expert opinion can significantly strengthen your case.
Get Help from an Experienced Disability Lawyer
Applying for SSDI benefits due to a digestive disorder is a challenging process, especially when you're already coping with painful, unpredictable IBD symptoms. An experienced disability attorney can ensure you have the evidence needed for approval.
At Phillip Hendry Law, we handle complex disability claims. We know the level of detail and analysis the SSA needs for you to get IBD disability benefits, and we're here to help you get the benefits you deserve.