GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING & DISABILITY
GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE & FILING FOR SSD BENEFITS
When a person suffers from gastrointestinal bleeding, they are often dealing with severe symptoms. These symptoms can include vomiting blood, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and chronic fatigue due to blood loss. However, simply having gastrointestinal bleeding does not automatically qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits.
There is evidence that hiring an attorney with experience raises your chances of winning your SSDI and SSI benefits by 30%. It is also smart to hire an attorney to help you at your hearing. After all, you are the star witness at your hearing. If you hire an attorney with experience, they can also prepare you to testify at your hearing. Learn about how to prepare for your hearing.
For the Social Security Administration (SSA) to award you benefits, you must meet specific medical and legal criteria. This article will help you understand how to file for SSDI and SSI benefits if you suffer from this condition.
HOW TO FILE FOR SSD BENEFITS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
If you have a GI bleed that keeps your from working for over one year, then you should apply for SSD benefits. There are two forms of benefits for which you can file: Social Security Disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. You can file an application on the Social Security’s website. Below, you will find an explanation as to each type of benefit:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
SSDI benefits are for those who have worked and can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you receive from SSDI benefits is based on the Social Security taxes you paid during your work history. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have enough “work credits.”
A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you need depends on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you can only apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a needs based benefit. It is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who has a high monthly income cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your home with whom you share expenses, not just your income and assets.
If you have a spouse who earns more than $5000 a month, for example, then that income will prevent you from getting SSI benefits. The same is true if you are relying on your mother to pay your bills and she makes $5000 a month. You cannot qualify for SSI benefits, no matter how severe your medical condition, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.
WHAT IS GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING?
A gastrointestinal bleed can occurs anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract includes the esophagus and the stomach. It also includes the small and large intestine, as well as the rectum and the anus.
Bleeding can occur in any of these locations. You may discover that you have internal bleeding in the GI tract because you vomit blood or have bright red blood in your stool. Some people experience chronic fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, or pain due to chronic blood loss. You may also have anemia due to blood loss. These symptoms can make daily life extremely difficult and can certainly interfere with your ability to work.
The severity of gastrointestinal bleeding varies. In some cases, it is a temporary issue. If that is true, then you will not qualify for SSD benefits. In other cases, it becomes a chronic condition that requires hospital visits or even surgery. If your symptoms persist for 12 months and keep you from holding a job, then you should file for SSD benefits.
COMMON CAUSES OF GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE
There are many underlying causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. One of the most common is peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine. These ulcers are often the result of infection or chronic use of medications. Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, can also lead to bleeding. In people with liver disease, esophageal varices—swollen veins in the esophagus—can rupture and cause life threatening blood loss.
Another cause is a Mallory-Weiss tear, a tear in the lining of the esophagus that occurs after severe vomiting. Gastrointestinal cancers, such as stomach or colon cancer, may also result in bleeding. Diverticular disease—small pouches that form in the walls of the colon—can become inflamed and bleed as well. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, often cause bleeding. Other sources of GI bleeding include:
- Esophageal Varices: Swollen veins in the esophagus, often caused by liver disease, that can rupture and bleed.
- Mallory-Weiss Tears: Tears in the esophagus due to severe vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal Cancers: Tumors in the stomach, colon, or other parts of the digestive system.
- Diverticular Disease: Small pouches that form in the colon and can bleed.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the GI tract.
- Angiodysplasia: Abnormal blood vessels in the GI tract that can bleed.
- Infectious Diarrhea: Infections that cause irritation and bleeding in the intestines.
- Polyps: Growths in the colon that may bleed or turn cancerous.
Each of these conditions has its own treatment path. Some cases can be controlled with medication, while others may require surgery or ongoing treatment.
THE SSA’S DEFINITION OF DISABILITY
The SSA only grants benefits to those who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. To qualify, you must:
- Be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Have a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Show that your severe medical condition prevents you from doing your past work or any other work in the national economy.
In the case of gastrointestinal bleeding, your condition must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to work at any job. Even if you work a part time job, it is likely that it will prevent you from getting benefits. Your medical condition must be so severe that you cannot work at any job.
EVIDENCE THAT PROVES YOUR GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING CASE
One of the most important aspects of any Social Security disability claim is medical evidence. A diagnosis alone is not enough. You must show how the condition limits your ability to work. This requires detailed medical records and tests.
It is your responsibility to gather your medial records. You should gather hospital records, emergency room visits, and any test results related to your condition. Endoscopy and colonoscopy reports are essential, as they show where the bleeding is located. Blood tests indicate whether you have anemia or low hemoglobin levels. All of these records support your claim that your medical condition is causing chronic blood loss.
In addition, your doctor writes progress notes. These notes describe your symptoms, treatment, and how well you are responding to medications. If you have had surgery for your gastrointestinal bleeding, include those notes as well. You want to build a history that shows your condition is severe and resistant to treatment. Your case will be stronger if your records show consistent treatment.
MEETING LISTING 5.02 WITH THE SSA BLUE BOOK
The SSA uses a manual called the Blue Book to evaluate medical impairments. Gastrointestinal bleeding falls under Listing 5.02, which addresses the chronic symptoms of the disease. In order to meet the listing under step three, you must prove you have every element in the listing.
SSA Listing 5.02 requires:
- Documented gastrointestinal hemorrhaging from any cause,
- Requiring blood transfusion of at least 2 units of blood,
- At least three times in a six month period,
- With at least 30 days between transfusions.
If you meet these criteria, then you may qualify for benefits without further evaluation. The SSA will consider you under a disability for one year following the last transfusion. However, most people do not meet the listing exactly. Therefore, if you don’t meet the listing, then the SSA will move on to assess your physical ability to work, which is your RFC.
WHAT IS RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY (RFC)?
When you do not meet a listing, the SSA evaluates your residual functional capacity (RFC). This is an assessment of your ability to perform activities at work despite your condition. The SSA will look at your physical limits. For example, chronic blood loss may cause severe fatigue, making it difficult to stand or walk for long periods.
You may also experience weakness or cognitive problems due to anemia. Additionally, you may feel dizzy. Frequent appointments with your doctor, hospital stays, or severe symptoms may cause you to miss work. If you have information from work that documents how often you miss work, then submit it to the SSA.
In determining your RFC, the SSA will consider whether you can do seated work. Seated work involves sitting most of the day and lifting up to 10 pounds. If you cannot do seated work on a regular basis, then the SSA is likely to award benefits.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ONGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT
It is not enough to simply visit the doctor once and get a diagnosis. The SSA needs to see that you are getting regular treatment for your condition. This demonstrates that your condition is ongoing and serious. It also shows that you are trying to manage your symptoms. You must also follow your treatment plan.
Treatment for gastrointestinal hemorrhaging may include medications like proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid. Also, you can take iron to treat anemia or have iron infusions. In severe cases, you may require regular blood transfusions.
Additionally, your doctor may use medical procedures to stop active bleeding. Surgery may be necessary to remove tumors, polyps, or sections of the bowel that are bleeding. Dietary changes, such as eliminating trigger foods or adopting a special diet, may also be part of your treatment plan. Keep track of every treatment you try and how it affects your symptoms.
WHEN TO FILE FOR SSD BENEFITS FOR GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
If your gastrointestinal bleeding has lasted for at least a few months and your doctor expects it to continue for a year or longer, you should consider filing for SSD benefits. You do not need to wait a full 12 months before starting your application for benefits. However, your condition must prevent you from working for at least one year.
Additionally, you may have other medical issues besides gastrointestinal bleeding. You may also have other physical conditions, like Diabetes or IBS. Physical issues, like pain or feeling sick from bleeding, can also cause depression and anxiety. If you start having mental issues, then seek treatment for that too. The SSA should consider all of your physical and mental symptoms.
Filing as early as possible can help you avoid delays. It can also give you a protective filing date. Waiting too long can cause you to lose out on past due benefits. Or, it can even make it so your work credits expire. Therefore, as soon as you know you will not be able to work, file an application for SSD benefits.
WHY HIRING THE BEST SSD LAW FIRM HELPS YOU
The SSD benefits review process can be long and frustrating. Your lawyer understands the SSA’s rules. She also knows how to gather the right medical evidence to support your claim. Your attorney can obtain statements from your doctors, prepare you for your hearing, and make legal arguments that improve your chance of success.
When you are seeking an attorney to win your SSD benefits, you need to find one you can get along with. However, you also need to find one who has years of experience doing this kind of law. Many law firms state they practice Social Security law, but the truth is they do very few SSD cases. Therefore, you should hire a law firm that focuses only on Social Security cases.
Our SSD law firm has helped over 20,000 clients win benefits. We know what it takes to build a winning case. Additionally, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. We offer a free review of your case. Finally, you only pay an attorney fee if you win benefits. Learn about how the attorney fee works in SSD cases.
CONTACT THE TOP SSD LAW FIRM NEAR YOU TODAY
If you are suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding and can no longer work, then contact us. We are the top SSD law firm in Utah. You may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Don’t try to face the SSA alone. Let us guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.
We can help you apply for benefits. Also, we can help you appeal an SSA denial. Additionally, we will represent you in court at your SSA hearing. We will help you be a witness in your case. If necessary, we can appeal your case to the Appeals Council.
Likewise, we file appeals in Federal Court. Finally, we can represent you where you live. For example, we can help you if need an attorney in Utah, Nevada, or Idaho. Additionally, we can help you if you live in Colorado or California. Learn about Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits.
Your ability to get Medicaid and Medicare depends upon whether or not you win SSDI and SSI benefits. Find information about Medicaid benefits. Also, you can learn about Medicare benefits. Even how much money you receive when you retire is part of this process. Learn about retirement benefits.
In order to fight the SSA’s denials, you need a lawyer with experience. Hire us. Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall and Andria Summers also have many years of legal experience. We have won over 20,000 SSD and SSI claims. If you can’t work due to gastrointestinal bleeding, then hire us. We will do everything we can to win your SSD benefits.
