Can I Get SSDI for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) isn’t listed in the Social Security Blue Book. That means there’s no specific listing of symptoms or test results that qualifies a person with IBS for Social Security disability (SSDI).
That doesn’t mean you can’t get SSDI for IBS. But, the applicant must establish that they meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.”
What Does “Disabled” Mean for SSDI?
For the SSA to consider a person disabled, they must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medical condition or combination of medical conditions. The condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to end in death.
What is Substantial Gainful Activity?
Substantial gainful activity is work activity that requires significant mental or physical activity, and that you perform for financial gain. Work you do without pay may still be considered SGA if it is the type of work people usually do for pay.
The SSA will also determine that you are able to engage in SGA if you earn above a certain threshold in a month. For 2025, the cut-offs are $1,620/month for most SSDI applicants and $2,700/month for blind applicants. Note, though, that simply earning below that threshold won’t establish that you’re disabled–you must be unable due to your medical condition.
Proving You Can’t Work Due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Like all SSDI claims, your case will depend largely on medical documentation. You will have to show not only that you have been diagnosed with the condition or conditions, but also the nature and extent of your symptoms and how they impact your ability to manage day-to-day activities.
If you aren’t currently working at a level that disqualifies you, the SSA will next consider whether your medical condition prevents you from doing the type of work you have done in the past. If you can still perform your past work, the SSA will find that you are not disabled.
If you can’t perform work you’ve done in the past, the SSA will move on to determine whether there are other types of work you can do. This is a two-step process. First, the SSA determines your residual functional capacity–the heaviest work you can do in spite of your medical condition.
Next, the SSA looks at a grid that factors in other variables like your age, educational level and skills from past employment.
Get Help with Your SSDI Application for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
As you can see, the process of proving that you are disabled when your condition is not listed in the Social Security Blue Book is complicated. Most SSDI applicants are initially denied, which can mean waiting months or even two years or more to work your way through the appeals process.
At Disability Help Group, we know the SSDI application and appeals processes inside out, and can help you put together the strongest application or appeal possible. To learn more, call 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
