SSD for Crohn’s Disease
Hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. have Crohn’s disease. The severity of the condition varies significantly. That means some people with Crohn’s disease will meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled,” and others will not. Here’s what you need to know if you have Crohn’s disease and are considering applying for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits.
About Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is estimated to impact about 2.4 million Americans. Some of the most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are:
- Abdominal pain (often in the lower right area)
- Diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Ulcers
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Fistula or abscess
- Arthritis
- Skin problems
- Eye inflammation
- Fever
You may have noticed that several of the common symptoms/conditions associated with Crohn’s disease aren’t gastrointestinal symptoms. If you are having stomach pain, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal issues, make sure to tell your doctor about any other symptoms you are experiencing, even if you don’t think they’re related.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition, but generally isn’t constant. Most people with Chron’s go through periods when they have no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis and complicate eligibility for SSD benefits.
Treatment for Crohn’s Disease
Once Crohn’s disease has been identified the treating physician may recommend one or more of the following treatment options:
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Nutritional supplements
- Antibiotics
- Aminosalicylates to reduce inflammation
- Immunosuppressants and/or corticosteroids
Some people who suffer from Crohn’s disease also pursue alternative therapies, such as bowel rest, acupuncture, and biofeedback. If you are considering integrating alternative therapies, including nutritional supplements your doctor has not recommended, it is important to coordinate with your doctor.
SSD Eligibility for Crohn’s Disease
Digestive tract disorders are addressed in the Social Security Blue Book. Crohn’s doesn’t have its own listing, but is evaluated under the larger category of irritable bowel disease. To meet the listing criteria, an SSD applicant must show one of the following:
A – Obstruction of stenotic areas in the small intestine or colon with proximal dilation requiring at least two hospitalizations for decompression or surgery within a 12-month period. The hospitalizations must be at least 60 days apart, and the obstruction and dilation must be confirmed by imaging or surgery, OR
B – Two of the following occurring within a 12-month period, at least 60 days apart:
- Anemia with hemoglobin of less than 10 g/dL, documented by at least two tests at least 60 days apart
- Serum albumin of 3 g/dL or less, documented by at least two tests at least 60 day apart
- Tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping
- Perianal disease with a draining abscess or fistula
- Need for daily supplemental tube feeding by gastrostomy, duodenostomy, or jejunostomy or daily intravenous nutrition through a central venous catheter
OR
C – Repeated complications occurring an average of three times/year, each lasting at least two weeks, within a 12-month period AND
- Marked limitation of activities of daily living, or
- Marked limitation of the ability to maintain social functioning, or
- Marked limitation of the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner, due to problems with concentration, persistence, or pace
As you can see, significant and very specific medical documentation is required to show that you meet the Blue Book criteria for inflammatory bowel disease conditions like Crohn’s disease. If you suffer from this condition, it is very important to keep up with your medical care. Of course, the main reason to see your doctor regularly and follow all medical advice is to minimize symptoms and stay as healthy as possible. But, having a consistent medical record will also be critical if you decide to pursue disability benefits.
An Experienced SSD Benefits Advocate Can Help
A disability benefits advocate can help determine whether you have sufficient medical evidence to support an SSD claim, or additional testing may be required. Your advocate can also help put together the strongest application possible, and can explain how you might be eligible for SSD even if you don’t meet the listing criteria.
Most SSD claims are initially denied, and the appeal process can take two years or more. So, it’s best to get knowledgeable guidance from the beginning. To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 right now, or fill out our contact form.