Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions. Crohn’s disease can cause debilitating symptoms. Some people can effectively control their Crohn’s disease with medications. However, others continue to have ongoing and severe symptoms despite treatment. If your Crohn’s disease symptoms keep you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation in your digestive tract. This can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Crohn’s disease can also cause bowel obstructions. These symptoms can often fluctuate between periods of inactivity and flare-ups. Similar conditions include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Getting Disability for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security considers severe Crohn’s disease a significant impairment. However, you must show that have severe symptoms. They must interfere with your normal daily activities. Additionally, your Crohn’s disease must keep you from working for at least 12 months.
Social Security’s Listing for Crohn’s Disease
Social Security provides a listing of impairments, known as the “Blue Book”. The Blue Book provides specific conditions that you must meet to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security looks at Crohn’s disease under Listing 5.06 for inflammatory bowel disease.
Meeting Listing 5.06
First, you must have a diagnosis of IBD or Crohn’s. Next, Social Security breaks down the listing into an either/or requirement. To meet the listing, your Crohn’s may meet the listing under either 5.06A or 5.06B.
Under 5.06A, you must have a bowel obstruction in the small intestine or colon with dilation and swelling. Additionally, Social Security requires:
A hospitalization for surgery at least two times
At least 60 days apart
Within a consecutive 6 month period
Example 1: meeting listing 5.06A
For example, your Crohn’s disease has caused a bowel obstruction in January. You have been hospitalized and had to have surgery. You have another bowel obstruction in April, requiring another hospitalization and surgery. Since, you had two hospitalizations and surgeries within a 6 month consecutive period, you may meet Listing 5.06A.
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions: Listing 5.06B
Alternatively, your Crohn’s disease may meet the listing under 5.06B. This requires that you meet two conditions. You must also meet two of these conditions within a consecutive 6 month period.
Severe anemia with hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL in two blood tests 60 days apart
Low levels of serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less two times 60 days apart
A tender abdominal mass with abdominal pain and cramping not controlled by prescribed pain medication, present on two exams at least 60 days apart
Perineal disease with an abscess or fistula with pain not controlled by pain medication at least two times 60 days apart
Involuntary weight loss of at least 10% on two exams at least 60 days apart
The need for a feeding tube or feeding by central venous catheter
What if my Crohn’s disease doesn’t meet listing 5.06?
You may still qualify for disability benefits if you don’t meet the listing. Next, Social Security considers your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is what you can do despite your conditions. Particularly, Social Security considers:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
If you can show up to work consistently, arrive on time or have to leave early
Crohn’s Disease Work Restrictions
Crohn’s disease can cause difficulty holding on to a full-time job. The pain may interfere with your ability to bend, squat or lift and carry items. Your symptoms may cause problems staying in one position to perform work for long periods of time. You may also need to take frequent trips to the bathroom. This can result in problems getting your work done. You may also have to call out of work frequently during flare-ups.
Example 2: Crohn’s disease work restrictions
For example, Joe’s Crohn’s disease causes nearly daily abdominal pain. He also uses the bathroom frequently due to bouts of diarrhea. Joe often has to leave his work station to use the bathroom. He has to call out several times a month due to flare-ups. Social Security finds that employers would unlikely keep Joe as an employee due to his frequent and severe symptoms. Therefore, Joe qualifies for Social Security disability due to his Crohn’s disease.
Documenting your Crohn’s Work Restrictions
Social Security needs a record of your medical evidence. This includes clinical and laboratory findings. It should also include imaging studies. For example, you should provide endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, CAT scans and/or MRIs. You should also provide any operative reports. Additionally, Social Security looks at your treatment and your response to treatment. You should see your doctor regularly and follow all treatment recommendations. You must have ongoing and consistent treatment in order for Social Security to approve your disability claim.
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Filing for Social Security disability benefits can be overwhelming. There is a lot of paperwork. Unfortunately, Social Security only approves approximately 35% of claims. There are some things you can do to help get approved for disability benefits.
Make sure your application is complete
Before starting your disability application, make sure that you’re prepared. Social Security needs quite a bit of information to process your claim. Social Security has a checklist that you can follow. An experienced disability advocate can help you prepare filing your disability claim. Your chances improve when you give Social Security complete information. Missing information can often lead to a denial.
What information do I need to complete my application?
Most importantly, you must provide your doctors’ information and work history. You should provide all of the doctors you’ve seen since you stopped working or became unable to work. Medical information should also include any emergency room visits or hospital admissions. Additionally, you must provide your work history. Social Security only asks for jobs you’ve done in the last 15 years.
Getting approved for disability benefit by cooperating with Social Security
You need to cooperate with Social Security to be approved for disability benefit, should go to any medical appointments Social Security schedules. You will have forms to complete. These forms ask questions about your daily activities. They also ask for additional information about your past work. Often, Social Security will deny you if you don’t complete these forms. They will also deny you if you don’t go to any medical examinations. Correspondingly, you want to give Social Security a clear description of your past work. Social Security may deny your case if they don’t categorize your past work properly.
Example 1: How to be approved for disability benefits
Imagine, George filed for disability benefits. On his application, he listed his past work as a supervisor in a warehouse. Social Security needed more information about his job duties. Particularly, they needed to know if he hired or fired other employees. George provided a detailed description of his job. Social Security could properly categorize his past work. Based on the additional information, Social Security approved George’s disability benefits.
Maintain medical treatment
You must provide medical evidence to document any problems related to your medical conditions. You must show that your symptoms cause a serious problem in your functioning. Therefore, you should see your doctors regularly for all of your medical conditions. You should also make sure to follow all of your doctor’s treatment recommendations. This includes taking medications as prescribed. It also includes attending all appointments. Lastly, it can include following any lifestyle change recommendations.
Getting approved for disability benefits with the right medical evidence
Generally, medical evidence includes your doctor’s treatment notes, test results and imaging. As a rule, you should be in treatment with specialists. Frequently, records kept by specialists record your symptoms and problems better than a primary doctor. They focus on specific information that Social Security needs to approve your disability benefits. This can include special tests or examinations. It can also include your doctor’s opinion to explain how your conditions impact your functioning. Typically, your doctor can provide an opinion with a residual functional capacity or RFC form.
Example 2: how to be approved for disability benefits
Namely, Ashley suffers from depression and low back pain. She sees a psychiatrist and therapist regularly. They document that Ashley’s depression continue despite regular therapy and medications. She also sees an orthopedist for her back pain. Her orthopedist ordered MRIs and x-rays of her back documenting degenerative disc disease. Treatment notes also show serious problems with her range of motion. Both doctors provide RFC forms showing Ashley’s depression and pain cause significant problems with her functioning. Social Security reviews all of her evidence and finds that she can no longer work. Ashley is approved for disability benefits.
Follow up on the status of your disability claim
Checking on the status of your disability claim allows you to make sure Social Security handles your case properly. It lets you know if Social Security doesn’t have important medical records. You can confirm that they received your completed forms. It also ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines.
File appeals
You may think filing a new claim can be better than appealing a denied claim. Rather, you should appeal any denials. Re-filing doesn’t help getting approved for benefits. This only delays the appeals process. Social Security could deny you for the same reasons. Your chances for getting disability benefits improve when you appeal any denials. This can be especially true if you have to request a disability hearing.
Getting approved for disability benefits with a disability advocate
Hiring an experienced disability advocate can increase your chances of getting approved for disability benefits. First, a disability advocate helps you with your disability application or appeal. They can make sure that you provide all important information to Social Security. Second, your disability advocate explains the process. They know what it takes to get a claim approved. Lastly, they file any necessary appeals. Working with a disability advocates gives you an advantage at the hearing level. Your disability advocate prepares you for hearing. They also review your file. They help get any additional evidence that you may need to get approved for disability benefits.
Disability Help Group: Winning case study
To enumerate, Robert filed an application for disability benefits. He was unable to work after he suffered a stroke. Robert was denied for disability benefits. Ultimately, he had to file a request for hearing. Robert hired Disability Help Group (DHG) for assistance. His DHG advocate reviewed his file. Based on the medical records, she submitted a brief to the judge with reasons why Robert should be approved for disability benefits. The judge agreed and approved Robert’s case.
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Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is the SSDI Back Pay Calculator? Frequently, if Social Security approves your disability claim, you will receive back pay. Back pay refers to the payments for months between your application date and your approval date. Social Security calls to your approval date as your onset date. Sometimes, back pay can go back further than the filing date. Several factors considered include:
Your disability onset date
Your application date
The five month mandatory waiting period for SSDI
SSDI vs. SSI
Social Security offers two types of disability benefits. To qualify for disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you must have worked a certain number of years. To qualify for SSI, you must meet certain financial requirements. Many times, you can qualify to apply for both types of benefits. For example, you worked for many years. However, once you stopped working, you no longer have an income. You now rely on food stamps and help from family members. Since you paid into Social Security, you can file for SSDI. Additionally, you meet the financial requirements for SSI because you don’t have any income or assets. You will want to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
SSDI back pay
Under Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI), you can receive benefits back to the application date. However, you can also qualify to receive retroactive benefits. Retroactive benefits are paid for the months between when you became disabled and when you applied for benefits. Additionally, retroactive benefits can go back one year before the application filing date. It is important to use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: SSDI back pay and retroactive benefits
For example, Sue filed for benefits on June 1, 2019. Social Security found that she became disabled back in January 2018. However, her retroactive benefits can only go back to June 2018, one year before she filed her application.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
Social Security does not pay back pay for the first five months after your disability began. You start receiving benefits at the beginning of the sixth month. Typically, the 5 month wait period can be much shorter than the time it takes for Social Security to approve your application.
Example: SSDI back pay and the 5 month waiting period
As another example, Don was found disabled as of January 2020. Social Security approved Don’s claim in September 2020. Don has to wait five months from January before his benefits start. Therefore, his back pay goes back to June 2020.
Back pay for SSI
Unlike SSDI, Social Security doesn’t pay retroactive benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Social Security cannot pay you before your filing date. Under SSI, back pay starts one month after the filing date.
Example: back pay for SSI
Sarah filed for SSI benefits in January 2020. She told Social Security that she became disabled in August 2017. Social Security found Sarah disabled. However, her back pay started in February 2020, the month after she filed for SSI benefits.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: Back pay and your onset date
When you file for disability benefits, you tell Social Security when you became disabled. Social Security refers to this date as your alleged onset date. Generally, your onset date should be the date you stopped working. It can also be the date of an injury or illness. When Social Security finds you disabled, this date becomes your established onset date (EOD). Your EOD also determines when your back pay starts.
When Social Security finds a different onset date
Sometimes, your EOD doesn’t match your alleged onset date. This happens when Social Security finds that your disability began on a different date than what you put on your application. Common reasons Social Security finds a different EOD include:
A change in age categories – there are more favorable rules for disability the older you are. Specifically, they are more favorable for people over the age of 50. Therefore, Social Security can find you disabled once you reach the older age category.
Medical records and treatment – Social Security relies on medical records to decide if you qualify for disability benefits. So if your treatment started later, your condition worsened over time or if something new happened, Social Security can find you disabled at a later date based on your medical records.
Example: back pay and your EOD based on your age
For example, Donna filed for disability benefits. She told Social Security her disability started in February 2019. However, she turned 50 years old in September 2019. Social Security found she met the disability requirements when she turned 50. As a result, her back pay started in March 2020, five months after her established onset date. This is how you use the SSDI Back Pay Calculator.
Example: back pay and your EDO based on your medical records
Gary filed for disability benefits due to back pain. He told Social Security his disability started in October 2018, when he stopped working. Gary didn’t start seeing a doctor until February 2019. He continued to see his doctor regularly. His doctor ordered an MRI of his back in March 2019. The MRI showed severe degenerative disc disease. Hemet the disability requirements based on the MRI report. Therefore, his established onset date was March 2019. His back pay started in September 2019.
SSDI Back Pay Calculator: How does Social Security pay your back pay?
Social Security pays your back pay in lump sums. However, Social Security releases your back pay in different ways for SSDI and SSI. For SSDI, Social Security sends you one lump sum payment. This includes all of your back pay and retroactive benefits. Unlike SSDI, Social Security sends your SSI back pay in installments. They split these installments into three payments. Social Security sends these installments six months apart. Social Security does this because you cannot have more than $2000 at any time in order to receive your current monthly SSI payment.
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Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What is a Residual Functional Capacity Form? Residual functional capacity (RFC) forms can help support your Social Security disability claim. RFC forms explain how your symptoms impact your ability to perform work activities. Social Security does not award benefits on your diagnosis alone. Therefore, you must show that your medical conditions keep you from being able to work.
What is my residual functional capacity?
Residual functional capacity (RFC) is defined as the most you can do despite your medical impairments. An RFC can include both mental and physical limitations. Your RFC is very important. First, Social Security looks at whether your condition meets one of the medial listings. Most conditions won’t be severe enough to meet one of the medical listings. Therefore, Social Security needs to look at your residual functional capacity.
How does Social Security use residual functional capacity forms?
An RFC form helps Social Security understand how your conditions impact your ability to perform activities. The forms are used by SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office to process your claim. A Social Security medical consultant reviews your medical records. They complete an RFC form based on the information they have. Additionally, they will provide an explanation for their findings. Next, Social Security looks at whether or not your RFC lets them approve your claim.
Physical Residual Functional Capacity forms
A physical RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
How long you can sit, stand or walk at one time or in an 8 hour work day
How much weight you can lift or carry
If you need an assistive device such as a cane, walker, wheelchair or crutches
Using your arms and hands for activities such as reaching, pushing, pulling, gripping or grasping objects
If pain, fatigue, other symptoms or side effects from medications cause limitations with concentration, persistence or pace
Mental Residual Functional Capacity Forms
A mental RFC form includes questions about your ability to do things like:
Your ability to understand, remember or carry out instructions or interact with others such as supervisors, co-workers or the general public
Your ability to maintain attention and concentration
If your symptoms interfere with your ability to show up to work, arrive on time or have to leave early
Residual Functional Capacity forms for your doctors
Your treating doctors may also complete an RFC form. Having your doctor complete an RFC form can be very helpful. After all, they should know more about your health than anyone else. An RFC form should be very detailed. It should include all your medical symptoms and conditions. It should also include all of your treatment and any side effects from medications.
The importance of residual functional capacity forms
Social Security considers more than just your diagnosis. They need to understand how your conditions affect your functioning. Therefore, even if you think your medical evidence is strong, RFC forms can help strengthen your case. Many times, medical records do not clearly translate how your symptoms impact your functioning. Specifically, your doctor’s RFC form can:
Provide your treating doctor’s opinion about how significantly your conditions impact your functioning
Provide your doctor’s opinion in the specific way Social Security evaluates functioning
Can help win your disability case especially if you are appearing before an Administrative Law Judge
How a residual functional capacity form can help win your case
Social Security considers your age, education and work background when evaluating your claim. If you are under the age of 50, you must show that you cannot work at all. Social Security will consider other types of work, not just the work you have done in the past. An RFC form can help explain why you may not be able to work on a full time basis.
Example 1: Residual functional capacity forms
For example, say you are under the age of 50 and worked before as a cashier. You have a back injury that interferes with your ability to do this type of work. You also have side effects from your medications that make you drowsy. In an RFC form, your doctor states that you cannot sit for more than 4 hours or stand or walk for more than 2 hours in a work day. Your doctor also states that you have problems with attention and focus due to your medications. These limitations help support your disability claim because it shows that you could not work a full 8 hour day.
Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
Social Security recognizes that it may be harder for older individuals to learn new work. Therefore, there are more favorable rules for people 50 or older. These rules are known as the Grid Rules. They are even more favorable if you are 55 or older. Essentially, the Grid Rules consider your age, education and work background. If Social Security finds that you can’t go back to work you’ve done in the past 15 years, you might be disabled.
Example 2: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
For example, Ellen, a 53 year old woman previously worked as a cashier. She filed for disability because she developed osteoarthritis in her knees. She can no longer stand or walk for long periods of time. In an RFC form, her doctor stated that shecould not stand or walk for more than 2 hours a day but can sit for at least 6 hours a day. Her doctor also reported that she needed a cane when walking. She cannot work as a cashier. Even though she can do seated work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve her case.
Example 3: Residual functional capacity forms and the Grid Rules
In another example, Adam, a 57 year old, previously worked as a janitor. His job required him to lift and carry over 50 pounds occasionally. Adam injured his back and can no longer perform his job duties. In an RFC form, Adam’s doctor reported that Adam could not lift more than 20 pounds. He also reported that Adam could only stand or walk for 4 hours a day. Even though Adam could do other work, the Grid Rules allowed Social Security to approve his case.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
What Are Non-Medical Requirements for Disability? To receive Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. Typically, Social Security will make sure you meet the non-medical requirements before looking at the medical requirements.
General Non-Medical Requirements for Disability
The non-medical requirements for disability include any criteria not related to your medical or mental health conditions. This includes your proof of age. Generally, you can use your birth certificate as proof of age. Social Security will also ask you questions about your marital status and children.
Non-Medical Requirements for Disability and Work Status
Additionally, Social Security will also need to confirm that you are no longer working. Social Security defines disability as having medical conditions that keep you from working. Your conditions must keep you from working for at least 12 months. Therefore, if you are still working full time or are out of work for less than 12 months, you would not qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Non-Medical Requirements for SSDI
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you need to have worked a certain number of years. Any worker with a valid Social Security number who paid into Social Security may file for SSDI benefits. Social Security keeps track of your earnings and work credits. You receive work credits each year that you work and pay taxes. Generally, you need at least 20 work credits to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Non-Medical Requirements: SSDI Work Credits
Social Security disability work credits expire after a certain amount of time after you stop working. Your date last insured (DLI) is the last date you can qualify for SSDI benefits. Usually, your DLI covers five years after you stop working. However, your coverage may end in less than five years if your earnings were low. Your coverage may also be limited if your work was inconsistent.
Example : SSDI work credits
As an example, say you stopped working in June 2019. You worked consistently for the past 12 years. Your date last insured would expire around June 2024. Therefore, you are currently eligible to file for Social Security disability benefits.
Non-Medical Requirements: Expired DLI
You can still apply and qualify for SSDI benefits if your DLI has expired. However, you must prove that you were disabled before your DLI expired. Sometimes, this can be very difficult. The longer you wait to file for SSDI after your DLI expired, the harder it can be to prove your case.
Example: SSDI expired DLI
For example, Donna stopped working in June 2013 when her fibromyalgia symptoms became worse. She did not file for Social Security benefits until December 2019. Her DLI expired in June 2018. Donna must have medical evidence showing that her condition prevented her from working before June 2018.
Non-Medical Requirements for SSI
Supplemental Security Income is a financial needs-based program. To qualify for SSI, Social Security considers your income, assets and resources. Unlike SSDI, you do not need to have worked or earn any work credits. Both children and adults can file for SSI. However, Social Security looks at the income of the parents for children’s SSI eligibility.
What are the Financial Requirements for SSI?
SSI benefits have a very strict set of financial requirements. It is considered a “means-tested” benefit. To meet the SSI income requirements,
You must have less than $2,000 in assets (or $3,000 for a couple)
Have a very limited income
Are a US citizen (there are very few exceptions to this)
Can You File for Both SSDI and SSI?
In some cases, you can file for both SSDI and SSI. You may have earned enough credits for SSDI. You may also meet the financial requirements for SSI. Filing for both SSDI and SSI is referred to as filing for “concurrent benefits.” However, to receive concurrent benefits, you must be approved medically for SSDI but receive low monthly payments.
Example: non-medical requirements for SSDI and SSI
For example, you have worked consistently in the past. Unfortunately, you have had to stop working due to your medical conditions. Now that you are no longer working, your income is very limited. You may have to apply for state assistance or file for SSDI/SSI or rely on others for financial help.
Technical Denials
If you do not meet the non-medical requirements for disability, you will receive a technical denial. Social Security will send you notice of a technical denial pretty quickly. You cannot appeal a technical denial.
Medical Requirements for Disability
If you meet the non-medical requirements for disability, Social Security evaluates the medical requirements. Your claim will be sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS.) DDS contacts your doctors for you medical records. They may schedule examinations with a Social Security consultative examiner. DDS will determine whether you are medically disabled.
Getting Help with your Disability Claim
Working with an experience advocate can be beneficial. It can help improve your chances of winning your case. Your disability advocate understands both the medical and non-medical requirements for Social Security disability claims. They can help guide you through the process.
Disability Help Group, Call Now for a Free Case Review, 800-700-0652
Make sure you start your claim the right way and apply for all the benefits you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
