Ulcerative Colitis and Social Security Disability Benefits
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which is classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). UC causes inflammation and ulcers in the innermost lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a debilitating condition that can greatly impact a person’s ability to work and participate in daily activities.
Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can vary widely, but typically include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, ulcerative colitis can be so severe that it affects a person’s ability to work and earn a living. If this is the case, they may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits for Colitis
For those who suffer from severe symptoms of UC, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits to help with the financial burden of the disease.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, an individual must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This definition is broken down into two categories:
- A physical or mental condition that prevents an individual from engaging in any substantial gainful activity; and
- A condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least twelve months.
The SSA evaluates disability claims based on a five-step process.
Step 1: The first step is to determine if you are engaging in substantial gainful activity. If you are, then you will be found ineligible for benefits. If not, then the SSA will proceed to step two.
Step 2: SSA will evaluate if your condition is considered “severe” and if it is significantly interfering with your ability to work.
Step 3: SAA will determine whether the applicant’s condition meets or medically equals a listed impairment in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, such as ulcerative colitis.
The SSA lists UC as a disabling condition in Section 5.06 of its Listing of Impairments. To meet the listing, you must have recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss, along with one of the following:
- Anemia due to blood loss
- Elevated sedimentation rate
- Abnormally high white blood cell count
- Abnormal x-ray or other imaging of the GI tract
- Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy showing active inflammation
If your condition meets the criteria for a listed impairment, then you will likely be approved for benefits.
Step 4: If you do not satisfy the requirements of the listing, you can still be awarded benefits if you can show that your UC symptoms limit your ability to work. SSA will need to determine whether you can perform the work you did prior to the onset of the disability. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not eligible for benefits. If the answer is no, then you can proceed with the fifth step.
Step 5: This final step requires the SSA to determine whether the applicant can perform other types of work. If the answer is yes, then the applicant is not eligible for benefits. However, if the answer is no, then the applicant is approved for benefits.
Additionally, the SSA may require the applicant to provide additional evidence, such as medical records and other relevant documents, to verify the severity of their condition and their inability to work.
Ultimately, the decision about whether an individual is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits is made by the SSA. If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney or advocate who can help you understand the process and make sure you have the best chance of success.
Conclusion
Ulcerative colitis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right medical treatment and lifestyle modifications, you can still live a full and satisfying life. If your condition prevents you from working, Social Security Disability benefits can provide you with the financial security and peace of mind you need to focus on your health. So don’t be afraid to put in an application and fight for the benefits you deserve!
Are you looking for reliable and experienced social security disability attorneys? If so, then you should look no further than Avard Law. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling various types of disability claims, including those for physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities. We take the time to listen to our clients and understand their particular situations. Then, we work with them to determine the best course of action and make sure that they get the benefits they deserve. Let us make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Schedule an appointment with us today!