Digestive problems can cause individuals a great deal of discomfort and pain. They can also affect their social and work lives seriously.
Individuals grappling with digestive illnesses may wonder if they qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. It depends on the type of illness and its impact.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for SSDI in Missouri due to a digestive illness, an individual must meet certain criteria established by the Social Security Administration. He or she must have a condition that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity and will last at least 12 months (based on medical prediction) or result in death.
Qualifying digestive illnesses
Several digestive illnesses may meet the SSA’s criteria for disability. These include, but are not limited to:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging
- Short bowel syndrome
- Digestive Cancers, such as stomach or colorectal cancer
For these illnesses to qualify an individual for SSDI benefits, they must seriously limit his or her ability to work. Liver transplantees automatically qualify for SSDI.
Application process
Individuals applying for SSDI in Missouri due to a digestive illness need to provide comprehensive medical documentation. This needs to include diagnoses, treatment plans and the functional limitations imposed by the condition. The application process entails a careful evaluation of medical evidence to determine eligibility based on the severity and duration of the digestive illness.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association, a 2022 survey found that 40% of Americans had some form of digestive illness that disrupted their lives. Such diseases have the ability to affect an individual’s ability to function normally in a workplace and perform regular job duties. When this is the case, they may qualify to receive SSDI benefits.
