Liver Disease and Social Security Disability Benefits

Liver Disease and Social Security Disability

The most common liver disease is cirrhosis of the liver which is a chronic condition which causes good liver tissue to be replaced by nodules and fibrous scar tissue. Unfortunately, a lack of healthy liver tissue can cause potentially life-threatening decrease in liver function.

Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by over consumption of alcoholic beverages or Hepatitis C. Medication and abstaining from alcohol may slow or stop the damage caused by some types of liver conditions but most damage cannot be reversed. Some patients, however, may benefit from a liver transplant.

Can I win SSDI or SSI for Severe Liver Disease?

Liver disease, specifically Cirrhosis of the liver, can be considered disabling and may qualify for either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), if the claimants condition meets the listing outlined in the SSA Listing of Impairment (SSA Blue Book) under the section devoted to chronic liver disease or the claimant can prove that they are unable to work and can win benefits under a medical vocational allowance.

If you have liver disease or Hepatitis C, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your medical records and evaluate whether or not your functional limitations and symptoms are severe enough to keep you from working for at least 12 continuous months.

Generally, the Social Security Administration examiner is looking for ascites, high levels of serum bilirubin levels and esophageal varices. Most SSI or SSDI claimants will also need to have a biopsy which indicates that they have chronic liver disease.

One of the most common complaints from patients, who have severe liver disease, is fatigue. Make sure your doctor and your medical records clearly state your level of fatigue and what types of work activities you have difficulty completing. If you suffer severe side-effects from your medications or if you have to lie down and take naps, this can also interfere with your ability to complete a full eight-hour work day.

I have severe liver disease, why was I denied?

Assuming you have met the non-medical criteria for either Social Security Disability Insurance (you have the appropriate number of work credits to be considered insured) or Supplemental Security Income (your income and resource levels are under the allowable federal limit) and you are not currently working too much, you may have been denied disability benefits for any of the following reasons:

Your medical records are not sufficient to prove your disability claim. Have you had all the appropriate tests performed? Are your medical records legible? Is the doctor willing to complete a Residual Capacity Form (RFC Form) outlining your specific work limitations to support your claim?

If you had all the appropriate tests performed, did the test results support your claim? If they did, is it possible that the disability examiner failed to follow the appropriate disability determination guidelines or overlooked the test results?

Have you talked to a Social Security Disability lawyer who can review your medical records and determine what additional information you need to prove your condition is severe and you are unable to work?

Hiring a Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you would like a Social Security Disability attorney to review your SSI or SSDI claim you can fill out the FREE evaluation form and a Social Security Disability advocate will call you to review your claim or you can call our office at1-800-641-3759 to talk to someone now.