Community Forum

Hello All,
 I was diagnosed with UC/Crohns in June, 2018. Since then, I’ve been in the hospital 8 times, with durations of each admission ranging from 10 to 15 days. 
  My question is related to Social Security Disability (SSD). Crohns and UC are both on the SSA list of “eligible” diseases that the SSA recognizes as eligible for SSD, but I have been denied benefits twice. 
  For clarification, I’m not asking the group to attempt to answer the “reason” I have been denied SSD. I’m actually looking for others that have already been down this road and might have information or guidance that might help me going forward.

Blessings-

Reply posted for lindsayrp.

Look, Its not a good thing that you go without your lawyer. A lawyer  is the only person who actually knows the realities of your case. So keep avoiding these things. 

Reply posted for pamsprayer.

SSDI is typically based on how many hours you've worked; the biggest reason they'll deny you is due to not having worked enough hours. SSI could be a better option for you, though it's not exactly permanent.

Since you've already been denied twice, you can always file an appeal/request to see an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
If you haven't already done so, I would suggest contacting a lawyer that only specializes in Social Security Disability. They'll not only be beneficial in helping to get all of your records from your doctor(s) and hospitalizations; they'll also be helpful in building a case for you.

I applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in early 2018 but contacted a lawyer before doing so. I got denied twice and appealed to see an ALJ; I just had my hearing on August 19th and got approved a few days ago.
Without my lawyer, I wouldn't have even made it to collecting my medical records. Doctors offices charge for them here, and with all my stuff, it would've gotten expensive very quickly.

It can be a lengthy and kind of disheartening process, but if you can get with a lawyer that knows their stuff and can help build a good case for you, it will likely result in a better outcome.

Good luck!

Reply posted for administrator.

Do I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as an IBD patient if I find that I can no longer work?
The determination of whether a person has a disability is not necessarily based on the name or diagnosis of the impairment, but rather it is made on a case-by-case basis. Whether a patient with IBD qualifies for disability insurance is based on their inability to work with their disease.  In each individual case, the effect of the impairment on the life of the individual is considered. Some impairment’s may be disabling for some but not for others.  Many IBD patients find that they may need to go through a few appeals to get a disability claim approved. The best resource there is for information about the SSDI application and decision process is the Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov.   There are more than 1 million adults with IBD and many of them can work.   It will be important for you to document how having the disease has made it impossible for you to work while having the disease and not just the fact that you have the disease.   Through a personal diary for example might you might document the number of hours and reasons you are away from work activity (this is only an example).   You must be specific about how having the disease interferes with your ability to work.
 
The following evidence will be helpful to bring to your appeal hearing:

• Notations on physician records such as repeated instances of pain, fever, fatigue, weight loss, or anxiety and how many times a day you must use the bathroom, whether you are able to travel to work by public transportation, whether you need to lie down for periods of time during the day, or are unable to perform any physical tasks necessary to your work.   The fact that you have symptoms do not matter.  What matters is how it prevents you from doing your job. 
•  A personal diary of symptoms and their effect on your daily activities. Keep records of work and social events you've missed because of your illness.   For example if you have 15 bowel movements per day and spend 2 hours of your work day in the bathroom make it difficult for your to do your job.  Also once you spend that much time in the bathroom, you may be too tired to work.   If you are anemic (low blood iron), you may be too tired to work.  If you take medication, how do the side effects of the medication affect you?
• Accounts from family, friends or co-workers of how your disability has affected your work or your ability to participate in family or social activities. 

1. Obtain Protected Filing Date – You have 6 months to submit all the require documents
2. Provide Employment History (resume with details of what you do).   Include if your job requires standing, lifting and other key functions of your job.
3. Medical Evidence – provide detail evidence – make sure the doctor includes info found in the list of disabling impairments – hospitalization, medications, update test records that include the ones specified on the list of disabling impairments, mental health issues, fatigue, EIC