Disabled individuals suffering from digestive disorders may be able to receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. Digestive disorders include inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis; gastrointestinal hemorrhage; short bowel system; malnutrition; and liver dysfunction. Additional problems and complications, including obstructions, may also lead to disabilities.
Additional conditions, such as a colostomy, may be considered a disability when it causes the sufferer to be unable to maintain adequate nutrition which leads to an inability to participate and perform in gainful activity. Complications from colostomy can lead to disability which may qualify the sufferer for SSD benefits.
When evaluating medical conditions that prevent a disabled individual from working, potentially qualifying them for disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will require medical records, such as clinical and laboratory records, documenting the condition. The SSA will also assess the severity of the medical condition, the impact of treatment, any improvement and may require information related to treatment, medication and dosage, response to treatment, any adverse response to treatment and the expected duration of treatment.
SSD benefits are generally available for disabled individuals who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last for 12 months or longer or result in death. In addition, to qualify for SSD benefits, the disabled applicant must have adequate work history. A variety of medical conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits so it is important for disabled individuals to be aware of the options available to them and to thoroughly understand the application process for benefits.
Source: Social Security Administration, “5.00 Digestive System – Adult,” Accessed June 27, 2016
