Diverticulitis is a debilitating condition that affects the colon and large intestine. While certain medications and a change in diet can alleviate the symptoms, it’s still possible for this condition to persist. If you face severe symptoms for more than 12 months after an initial diagnosis, then you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Benefits.
Before you pursue the claims process for benefits, it’s important to understand the types of symptoms you can experience as well as how their frequency can affect your eligibility.
What Is Diverticulitis?
According to The National Library of Medicine, the official definition of Diverticulitis is an infection or inflammation that occurs within the bulgy pouches that protrude outwards in the colon or intestines. Diverticulosis is a condition where these small pouches exist but are free of infection or inflammation.
Studies have shown that both conditions listed above develop in adults over the age of 40 who consume a low-fiber diet. Other risk factors of this infection of the lower digestive tract include being male, overweight, eating a diet that is high in fat and red meats, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking and not exercising.
Most individuals with diverticulitis or diverticulosis do not experience any symptoms. One of the most common ways your healthcare provider discovers that you have this condition is through a colonoscopy or CT scan. Some of the most common symptoms of Diverticulitis include:
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping. More specifically pain or sensitivity of the lower left side of the abdomen.
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloating
- Gas
- Chills
- Rectal Bleeding
- Constipation
Does Diverticulitis Qualify For Disability Benefits?
Both diverticulitis and diverticulosis are serious medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract and share similar symptoms to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Unlike IBD, both of these conditions are not listed as examples under the Blue Book’s digestive system category due to successful treatments that can alleviate symptoms for most individuals.
If you experience pain and discomfort from diverticulitis or diverticulosis for over 12 months, then you might qualify for diverticulitis disability benefits. Claimants with strong claims typically experience at least two of the following instances within the past six months:
- Two bowel obstructions that lead to hospitalization or surgery
- Losing 10% or more of your body weight
- Nutrition supplied through tubes or a catheter
- Severe Anemia
- A painful abdominal mass that is not alleviated by medication
- Peritonitis with an abscess or fistula
- Low serum albumin
Hire A Trusted Social Security Attorney in Charlotte, NC
Communicating with the Social Security Administration throughout the claims process can be exhausting. Of all claimants that attempt to file for Social Security Disability alone, only 28% are approved.
Whether you’re pursuing the SSD application process for the first time or looking to file an appeal, contact a Social Security Attorney in Charlotte, NC who is ready to help you. At Collins Price, we work diligently throughout the claims or appeals process to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
If you’re unable to work because of the pain and discomfort of your diverticulitis, please contact us today. There is no charge for our services unless we win your claim. Request your free consultation online or by calling us directly, toll-free at 1.877.296.1030.
