This post discusses how SSA will evaluate your claim for Social Security Disability for Short Bowel Syndrome. If you or someone you care for is unable to work due to Short Bowel Syndrome read on.
Short bowel syndrome is a condition in which your body is unable to absorb enough nutrients from the foods you eat because you don't have enough small intestine. The small intestine is where most digestion occurs. A portion of your small intestine may have been surgically removed due to various reasons (including trauma) or you may have been born with damaged or missing intestines. Via The Mayo Clinic. Surgical removal of the small intestine can be a form of treatment for other digestive ailments, such as Crohn's disease. Via WebMD.
Symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, malnutrition, fatigue, vomiting and weakness, to name a few. X-rays (including a barium swallow) are used to diagnose small bowel syndrome. There is no cure but medications, surgery and intestinal transplant are treatment options. Via NIH.
The Social Security Administration can evaluate Short Bowel Syndrome under Listing 5.07, Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). This listing requires resection of more than one-half of the small intestine, with dependence on daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter. In my experience, most clients do not meet this listing because it describes an extreme case.
Based on the reports of my clients, the main symptom of Short Bowel Syndrome is diarrhea which is unpredictable. Also, recurrent difficult trips to the restroom can leave you exhausted. Work requires regular attendance and the ability to perform required duties. If you are unable to go to work or stay on your job due to the symptoms from Short Bowel Syndrome, you may be found disabled.
If you or someone you care for is unable to work, apply for Social Security Disability for Short Bowel Syndrome as soon as possible and call The Bishop Law Firm. We want to help!
Resources:
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/short-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/CON-20037215
- https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/crohns-disease-and-disability/
- http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/short-bowel-syndrome
- http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome/Pages/facts.aspx#symptoms
- https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm#5_07
