Crohn’s Disease and Social Security

 Posted on July 07, 2022 in Social Security Disability

According to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Crohn's disease, named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn in collaboration with colleagues Dr. Leon Ginzburg and Dr. Gordon D. Oppenheimer, was first classified as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in 1932. Crohn's was later removed from the IBD classification and received its own designation as a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's commonly affects those between the ages of 16 to 40 years of age. Even more interesting, Crohn's primarily affects those living in northern climates and is not gender-specific.

If you are living with Crohn’s disease, it can be difficult to maintain a “normal” lifestyle. With this in mind, you may be eligible for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Common Indicators of Crohn’s disease

For the estimated 780,000 Americans who have been diagnosed with Crohn’s, the disease can be life-altering. Those living with this chronic condition usually find their lives disrupted by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Persistent diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Bowel movement urgency
• Abdominal cramps
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Constipation often leading to bowel obstruction

If you suspect that you might be suffering from this chronic inflammatory disease, an immediate consult with your doctor is in order. Only medical testing can support a professional diagnosis of Crohn’s.

Seeking SSDI Benefits

Receiving the diagnosis and living with this chronic disease can be debilitating, but assistance may be available. Crohn's is currently included on the list of approved disabilities and those diagnosed may opt to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if their employment and daily living function have been compromised.

To receive consideration for benefits, the following employment-related criteria must be met:

• Applicants 24 years and younger must have been employed for at least one and half years during the three years preceding the onset of the disability.
• Applicants between the ages of 24 to 30 years of age must have been employed three years out of the six years preceding the disability.
• Applicants 31 or older must have been employed five years out of the 10 years preceding the disability.

In addition, you must provide the following medication documentation:

• A detailed treatment plan
• Degree of disease severity
• Clinical records
• Lab results
• Endoscopy results
• Operation history
• Prescribed medication history

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is likely to review additional criteria, as well. For example, if symptoms have responded favorably to treatment, then the diagnosis of Crohn's may not be considered a disability. If symptoms have not responded to treatment, or if the disease has been compounded by medication side effects, then Crohn's may be considered a disability.

For those whose daily lives have been redefined by living with Crohn's and those satisfying the defined criteria, it may be time to file for disability with the SSA. Filing a claim for disability can be a lengthy process, and a denial will only make things more difficult. With this in mind, it is important to work closely with a qualified disability attorney who can guide you through the application and appeals processes.

Call a Dallas SSDI Benefits Lawyer

If you are living with Crohn's and reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the team at The Law Offices of Coats & Todd can assess your situation and discuss your options for filing a claim for SSDI benefits. Our attorneys understand the criteria guidelines set by the SSA for Crohn’s disease, but more importantly, we understand your SSA rights while living with Crohn’s. Call 972-671-9922 for a free case review with a North Texas disability attorney today.

Sources:

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/