Is Ulcerative Colitis a disability that can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? Yes, Ulcerative Colitis can qualify for disability benefits. However, whether you qualify will depend on your symptoms and your functional capability determined by your medical records. If Ulcerative Colitis prevents you from working, Disability Apply can help you apply and obtain SSDI benefits. To determine if Ulcerative Colitis is a disability for an individual, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step evaluation process. Which consists of the following questions:
- Are you currently working?
- Is your Ulcerative Colitis severe?
- Is Ulcerative Colitis in the list of disabling conditions?
- Can you do the work you previously perform?
- Can you do any other type of work?
Continue reading to find out how Ulcerative Colitis can be considered a disability and how a disability attorney from Disability Apply can help.
If Ulcerative Colitis prevents you from working, Contact us today to get started on your application. We can assist you through the entire process, even if you have been previously denied!
Are you working?
SSDI is funded through payroll taxes. You are considered an insured worker if Social Security contributions have been deducted from your paycheck at least 5 out of the past 10 years. If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis and are still working you could still qualify as long as your earnings average less than $1,310 per month. This amount is referred to as substantial gainful activity (SGA), and it changes each year. If you are not working or your monthly earnings average $1,310 or less, the SSA will move on to look at your medical condition.
Is your Ulcerative Colitis severe?
A Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis will not be enough for you to qualify for SSDI benefits. To be considered to have a disability by Social Security’s definition, your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities. These include but are not limited to:
- Lifting,
- Standing,
- Walking,
- Sitting, and
- Remembering
In addition your condition must be severe that is expected to affect you for at least 12 months or result in death.
If you are seeking disability benefits, plan to seek disability benefits, or if your disability application has been denied in the past, contact Disability Apply to schedule a free case evaluation.
Is Ulcerative Colitis Found In The List Of Disabling Conditions?
The SSA’s Impairment Listing manual- commonly called the Blue Book- includes Ulcerative Colitis under Section 5.06 – Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Symptoms include but are not limited to diarrhea, fecal incontinence, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. According to the SSA, to qualify for disability under Ulcerative Colitis, you must have medical documentation that show:
- Obstruction of stenotic areas in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilatation, requiring hospitalization for intestinal decompression or surgery, and occurring on at least two occasions at least 60 days apart within a consecutive six month period.
OR
2. Two of the following, despite treatment and occurring within the same consecutive six month period, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart:
- Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10.0 g/dL.
- Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less.
- Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed medication.
- Perineal disease with a draining abscess or fistula, with pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed medication.
- Involuntary weight loss of at least 10 percent from baseline.
- Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.
Need immediate support with your disability claim? Contact us today to get started. You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket!
Is Ulcerative Colitis Keeping You From Working?
In addition, to qualify for SSDI benefits, your condition must prevent you from the work you previously performed. Once established that you can’t perform any of the work from the past, the SSA will investigate if there is any other type of work you can do. They will consider your age, education, past work experience, and other skills to evaluate whether you can be employed. If you can’t do other work, you will be approved for disability benefits.
For a full analysis of your claim, contact us today. Our skilled, qualified agents have years of knowledge in this field and are ready to answer your questions.
Unsure If You Qualify for Disability Benefits?
If you suffer from Ulcerative Colitis you may qualify for benefits. We understand that it’s challenging to know exactly whether your condition fits within the SSA framework for disability benefits. That’s why we’re available to help! Complete this form or Contact us today to get started to discuss whether applying for Social Security Disability benefits is right for you. We are prepared to walk you through this difficult time.