Crohn’s Disease and Social Security Disability Benefits

Chicago Social Security Disability Attorney

What Is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines. The disease causes a number of symptoms including but not limited to: diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and severe abdominal pain. It is a fairly rare disease for which there is currently no cure. If you or someone you know suffers from Crohn’s disease and want to see if you qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI), feel free to contact Pearson Disability Law Firm LLC for a free consultation at 312-999-0999.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s disease is absolutely recognized by the Social Security Administration! If Crohn’s disease is preventing you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI). When you apply for disability benefits with Crohn’s disease, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing you will be found disabled. If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)) and determine whether you are entitled to disability benefits.

Is There A Specific Listing For Crohn’s Disease?

The Social Security Administration recognizes Crohn’s disease under Listing of Impairments 5.06: Inflammatory bowel disease. Listing 5.06 can be found on the Social Security Administration website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to know whether you will meet the listing. If you or a family member suffers from Crohn’s disease and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact our attorneys at 312-999-0999.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes! If you do not meet Listing 5.06 and Crohn’s disease is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. They do this by dividing "work" into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her disability claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for Social Security disability benefits.