Social Security Disability Benefits for Crohn's Disease

Lawyers Helping People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receive Disability Benefits in Plano and Dallas

Disorders that affect the digestive tract can be very painful and debilitating. Crohn's disease is among the most severe of these types of disorders, and it is a health condition that may qualify a person for disability benefits through Social Security. This inflammatory bowel disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal system, but it most commonly affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. A person with Crohn's disease may experience severe symptoms such as stomach cramps and intestinal pain, as well as fever, fatigue, and persistent diarrhea. This disorder can also lead to other complications that affect a person's overall health, including weight loss, anemia, kidney stones, inflammation of the liver, joint pain and inflammation, constriction of the intestines, or fissures or fistulas.

In many cases, Crohn's disease develops gradually, and if a person's condition worsens over time, they may find that it affects their ability to work. In these cases, a person may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance based on their history of working and paying Social Security taxes. However, meeting the requirements to demonstrate disability can often be a complex process, and it is important to be represented by an experienced attorney when applying for benefits or appealing the denial of a Social Security disability claim. With more than 60 years' combined experience in Social Security disability cases, the lawyers of the Law Offices of Coats & Todd can provide you with legal help to ensure that you will be able to meet your financial needs.

Social Security Disability Requirements for Crohn's Disease

As an inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), Crohn's disease may qualify a person for disability benefits if their condition is severe enough. According to Social Security's listing of impairments, a person is considered to be disabled if they have experienced a bowel obstruction in either the small or large intestine that has required them to be hospitalized twice within six months for either surgery or intestinal decompression. A person will also be disabled if they have experienced two of the following issues within a six-month period:

• A tender abdominal mass documented through at least two physical examinations performed 60 days apart from each other, along with cramps or abdominal pain that cannot be fully controlled through prescription pain medication
• A perineal disease involving a fistula or abscess that is present in at least two physical examinations performed 60 days apart from each other, along with pain that cannot be fully controlled through prescription pain medication
• Severe anemia based on at least two blood tests performed 60 days apart from each other
• Low levels of albumin based on at least two blood tests performed 60 days apart from each other
  
• Involuntary weight loss that has resulted in a decrease of at least 10% from a person's starting weight, as documented through at least two examinations performed 60 days apart from each other
• A need for supplementary daily nutrition administered through a feeding tube or catheter

Even if a person has not met the specific requirements detailed above, they may still be able to show that they are disabled. If the effects of Crohn's disease have made it difficult or impossible for a person to work, and these effects have lasted for at least one year or are expected to last that long, a person can provide evidence showing that their condition has severely limited their ability to work. To demonstrate disability, a person will need to show that their condition has caused them to be unable to maintain gainful employment.

Contact Our Denton County Social Security Disability Attorneys

If you suffer from Crohn's disease and are unable to work, the Law Offices of Coats & Todd can help you apply for Social Security disability, and we will work to ensure that you will be able to receive the benefits you deserve. Arrange a free case evaluation today by contacting us at 972-671-9922. We assist with Social Security disability applications and appeals in Plano, Denton County, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, Collin County, Flower Mound, Denton, Frisco, and Dallas County.