Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a painful gastrointestinal disorder that affects your intestinal tract. Out of the 40 million Americans who suffer from this disorder, at least 80% suffer from mild to moderate IBS that can be controlled through dietary changes, exercise and stress management.
Others, however, suffer from a severe form of the disorder that prevents them from performing basic tasks or working. If you or a loved one are living with severe irritable bowel syndrome and are unable to work, then you might qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
Symptoms of IBS
There are four categories of IBS symptoms:
- Mostly diarrhea and abdominal discomfort (IBS-D).
- Mostly constipation and abdominal discomfort (IBS-C).
- Alternating loose stools and constipation with abdominal discomfort (IBS-mixed).
- An undefined type of IBS where symptoms vary between the ones above and additional symptoms like mucus in the stool, urgency to go, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation during bathroom trips.
Additional symptoms of IBS that are unrelated to the digestive system can also include:
- Migraine headaches.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
The cumulative effect of these symptoms can prevent a person from working or performing daily tasks.
Proving Your Disability: IBS
Those who are not able to control their symptoms with lifestyle changes may have to impose significant restrictions in their daily lives. They may find it difficult to perform normal tasks such as taking trips to the grocery store, working, exercising at the gym, and traveling long distances without access to a bathroom.
One challenge with obtaining Social Security disability benefits for IBS is that the SSA’s Blue Book does not list it as a qualifying disability, which makes approval more complex. Because of this, applicants must demonstrate that their IBS symptoms “meet or equal” the criteria for another similar impairment.
The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine eligibility, where it considers factors such as the severity of your medical condition, the restrictions it imposes on your work, and your ability to adjust to other types of work.
You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you can prove that you suffer from IBS symptoms that are painful, disruptive, and distracting enough to keep you from working a full-time job. The key to getting approved for these benefits involves meeting the digestive system listing requirements from the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book.
Seeking Disability Benefits for IBS
To establish a strong foundation for your IBS disability claim, you’ll need a diagnosis and history of medical care from your treating provider. This demontrates that you have made attempts to treat your condition. Unsuccessful treatment for your irritable bowel syndrome will help your claim appear stronger during the application process.
Medical evidence is critical for SSA’s decision-making process. This should include thorough clinical documentation such as endoscopy, x-rays, and reports from your physician about your condition’s impact on your ability to work. The SSA will consider the frequency and severity of your symptoms and how they limit your daily activities.
One example of this includes how your symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain, and cramping interfere with your ability to focus and work at an acceptable pace. The SSA will take the frequency of these documented symptoms into account when they view your claim.
Another example involves taking frequent and unscheduled bathroom breaks, or the inability to be far from a bathroom. Needing to go to the bathroom over three times an hour would obviously interfere with your ability to work, even if each bathroom visit was as short as only five minutes. Over time, this would cut down on your work production enough that it might be impossible to hold your current or any future jobs.
While a claimant can give testimonials of these occurrences, testimonials from former employers, family members and medical professionals describing your challenges also strengthen your claim.
What If My Claim is Denied?
It’s common for claims related to IBS to be denied at first, often due to insufficient medical evidence. If your claim is denied, don’t lose hope. With additional documentation or support from a disability attorney, many claims are approved during the appeal process.
Meet Our Social Security Lawyers In Charlotte, NC
Most claimants do not pursue the Social Security Disability claims process alone. With this gastrointestinal disorder or any serious medical condition, you can focus on taking care of yourself while a trusted lawyer fights for the successful resolution of your claim. If you’re asking yourself “Where can I find a reliable disability attorney near me in Charlotte, NC?” Look no further than Collins Price Attorneys and Counselors At Law for help.
At Collins Price, our Social Security Disability lawyers have successfully helped claimants across the Carolinas get the benefits they deserve. If you’ve previously been denied Social Security Disability benefits, then our lawyers can also help you through the appeals process. Schedule your free consultation with disability lawyers in Charlotte now.
