HEPATITIS & DISABILITY
WHAT IS HEPATITIS?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, it can be caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. The most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C. However, there are other types such as hepatitis D and E.
Hepatitis can range from a mild illness with few symptoms to a serious, deadly condition that can cause liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. It also includes jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Acute Hepatitis lasts less than six months and chronic Hepatitis lasts longer than six months. Hepatitis viruses (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C) cause most cases of hepatitis. Each type of hepatitis has different symptoms, causes, and treatments.
No matter what type you have, if your symptoms prevent you from working for over 12 months in a row, then you can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEPATITIS
HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation. It is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is comes from contaminated food or water. Or, by close contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus and may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Most people with hepatitis A recover fully within a few weeks or months, and there is no specific treatment for the infection. Treatment typically involves managing symptoms and getting plenty of rest. In some cases, you may need a hospital stay if your symptoms are severe.
You can get a vaccine to prevent yourself from getting hepatitis A. You should also practice good hygiene (such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water) and avoid risky behaviors such as eating dirty food.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,185 cases of hepatitis A in the United States in 2019. However, it is important to note that this is only the number of reported cases and the actual number of people with hepatitis A may be higher.
HEPATITIS B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through blood and other body fluids, such as semen and vaginal fluids. HBV can spread through sexual contact, sharing needles, exposure to blood or bodily fluids, or from mother to baby during birth.
Most people with hepatitis B have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, which can include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. However, in some cases, hepatitis B can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
There is no cure for hepatitis B, but antiviral medications can help slow or stop the disease. Treatment usually involves managing symptoms and getting regular check-ups to monitor liver function. In some cases, people with chronic hepatitis B may require a liver transplant.
Prevention of hepatitis B can happen through vaccines and practicing safe sex. You can also avoid it by not sharing needles and avoiding blood or body fluids.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 862,000 people living with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the United States in 2021. However, it’s important to note that this is an estimate and the actual number of people with hepatitis B may be higher or lower.
HEPATITIS C
Hepatitis C is a virus spread by direct contact with an infected blood. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus spreads through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. HCV can also spread through sharing needles and using dirty tattoo or body piercing equipment. It can also be transmit through a blood transfusion before 1992, an organ transplant from an infected donor, and less commonly through sexual contact.
Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms, but in some cases, symptoms can include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice. In some cases, hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer, which can be life threatening.
There are several medications available to treat hepatitis C, which can cure the infection in many cases. Treatment usually requires a combination of medications taken for several weeks or months. Treatment success depends on the type of hepatitis C virus, the amount of your liver damage, and other medical factors.
You can prevent hepatitis C by avoiding risky behaviors such as sharing needles and exposure to blood or body fluids. You can also avoid it by practicing safe sex. There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C.
According to the CDC, about 2.4 million people in the United States had chronic hepatitis C virus infection in 2021. It’s important to note that this is an estimate. The actual number of people with the disease may be higher or lower. Additionally, there were 17,097 reported cases of acute hepatitis C in the United States in 2021.
HEPATITIS D
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV can only infect people who are already infected with the B virus (HBV), as it needs HBV to replicate and survive.
Hepatitis D transmits through blood contact, sexual contact, or exposure to dirty needles. It can also pass from mother to child during birth.
The symptoms of hepatitis D are similar to those of hepatitis B and may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice. In some cases, hepatitis D can cause severe acute liver disease or chronic hepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis D, but the medications used to treat hepatitis B may also work for hepatitis D. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. Prevention of hepatitis D can occur through vaccination against hepatitis B, as hepatitis D only occurs in people who are already infected with HBV.
HEPATITIS E
Hepatitis E is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which is transmitted through dirty food or water or by close contact with an infected person.
Hepatitis E is most common in countries and regions with poor hygiene. In developed countries, hepatitis E is rare. It usually occurs through travel to endemic areas or by eating dirty food.
Symptoms of hepatitis E are similar to those of other types of hepatitis and may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice. For those with hepatitis E the symptoms will resolve within a few weeks.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis E. Therefore, you must deal with the symptoms and getting plenty of rest. In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital if your symptoms are severe. This is particularly true for pregnant women who are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
You can prevent yourself from getting hepatitis E by using good hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid dirty food or water and avoid contact with blood or body fluids. There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis E in the United States, although vaccines are available in some other countries.
Hepatitis E is a relatively rare viral infection in the United States and doctors are not required to report cases to health departments. As a result, it’s difficult to determine the exact number of people with hepatitis E in the United States. However, the CDC reports there were 236 cases new cases in the United States in 2019.
SSA EVALUATES HEPATITIS UNDER LISTING 5.05
The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers Hepatitis under Section 5.05 of the Blue Book. The Blue Book is a guide the SSA uses to determine whether a person meets SSA rules. To meet listing 5.05, you must have medical evidence of chronic liver disease with one of the following:
- Ascites or hydrothorax
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- Hemorrhaging from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- End stage liver disease
To meet this listing, you must have medical evidence that your chronic liver disease causes one of the above problems and that it results in at least one of the following:
- Inability to perform any gainful activity
- The ability to perform basic work activities
- A need for multiple visits to the hospital or extensive medical treatment
In addition to giving the SSA medical evidence of the above issues, you must also have a liver biopsy which supports a diagnosis of hepatitis.
It is important to note that meeting this listing is just one way to qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Even if your condition does not meet a specific listing, you may still win benefits. However, you must show that your symptoms prevent you from doing your past work and any other job in the national economy.
YOUR RESIDUAL FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY CAN HELP YOU WIN BENEFITS
If you don’t meet or equal SSA listing 5.05 under step three, then you can still win benefits if your condition impairs your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC is SSA’s finding of what you can physically do in a work setting, considering your symptoms.
Your RFC includes your physical and mental limits. In terms of physical limits, the SSA tries to define your ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift, during the course of an 8 hour workday. Likewise, the SSA will include your ability to carry, pull, and push. Also, with this disease they will consider your fatigue.
In terms of mental limits, the SSA will consider any memory issues, your ability to concentrate and follow instructions, and your pain level. Find out how the SSA defines work. A limited RFC proves you cannot work.
In order to figure out your physical RFC, the SSA will examine your medical records. They will take into account what your doctor records show about your medical records. Additionally, the SSA has their own doctors review your medical records. These doctors work for DDS, the state agency who reviews all cases. The SSA will take the medical opinion of these doctors into account too. Likewise, if they need more information, they may send you to a medical exam. Learn what to expect at SSA’s doctor exam.
HAVE OTHER DOCUMENT YOUR FATIGUE FROM HEPATITIS
The SSA will also consider descriptions of your symptoms from your family and friends. Find out what types of evidence the SSA must consider. For example, your family or friends could write a statement how your hepatitis causes fatigue.
Fatigue is a common symptom of hepatitis, particularly in the acute phase of the illness. People with this condition may experience fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy, which can make it difficult to carry out everyday activities. If you need to lie down up to two hours during the course of an 8 hour day, then it will be impossible for you to sustain a 40 hour a week job.
In chronic hepatitis, fatigue may be a long term symptom that lasts for years. Fatigue can vary from person to person and depends on the type and stage of hepatitis. In acute hepatitis, fatigue is a common symptom that lasts for several weeks or months.
If you have severe fatigue, then that impacts your RFC. Find out how your RFC and the GRID rules can award benefits.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSD AND SSI BENEFITS
You do not need to apply for Social Security benefits by yourself. You can always call our law firm and we will help you win benefits for cancer of the female genital tract. We can help you file your SSDI and SSI application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
- Inform the SSA they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
- Submit an appeal if you receive an initial denial from SSA
- Help you schedule and confirm your SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
- Prepare you to be a good witness at your SSA hearing
- Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
- Read about job expert testimony
- Learn about medical expert testimony
- Request review of a decision at the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete the application. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. If you don’t send it back, the SSA will not process your application. Sign it and send it back as soon as you can.
WE OFFER A FREE CONSULTATION ABOUT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
If you need help filing for SSDI and SSI benefits for hepatitis, then reach out to Cannon Disability Law. Taking the first step by calling us. All you need to do is contact our legal team.
Additionally, we offer a free review of your case. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case for free. Then, we will let you know if you have a chance to win benefits. We do not charge you for our review of your case.
In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. We are experts at what we do and we will put our knowledge to work for you. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.
We help clients win benefits in many states, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and California. Find out more about your benefits and how to apply in your state here:
- California SSDI and SSI benefits
- Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
- Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
- Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
- Utah SSDI and SSI benefits
No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. Also, there will be no attorney fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. We will do our best to help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for hepatitis.
YOU ONLY PAY ATTORNEY FEES IF YOU WIN YOUR BENEFITS
The SSA has capped attorney fees in Social Security cases at 25% of your past due SSD benefit or $7200, which ever amount is less. The cap is going up to $9200 in November 2024. This is the most your attorney can charge when they win your case.
For example, if your attorney wins your SSDI case and your back benefit is $10,000, then the attorney fee will be 25% of the back benefit, or $2500. In such a case, you would not pay the $7200 cap. Instead, the attorney fee is 25% of the back benefit, which is less than the cap. This is what happens in most SSDI and SSI cases.
In another example, if you attorney wins your SSDI case and your back benefit is $100,000, the attorney fee is not $25,000, which is 25% of the back benefit. Instead, the attorney fee would be $7200. Because $7200 is the most your attorney can charge you after winning your case at the hearing level or below. That is true even if 25% is higher than the $7200 cap.
Additionally, your attorney can only charge an attorney fee if they win your case. In other words, if you do not win your benefits, then you do not pay an attorney fee. This means that your attorney has worked for up to two years on your case for free. So, if you don’t get benefits, your attorney doesn’t get paid. Obviously, your attorney has a good reason to win your case. Because we don’t get paid unless you win your benefits.
IS IT WORTH THE ATTORNEY FEE TO HIRE AN SSD LAWYER?
It isn’t easy to get Social Security benefits and the application process can be frustrating for most people. But, having an attorney throughout this appeal process can help. When you have a law firm with experience handling your Social Security case, the SSA makes sure they follow their own procedures.
Additionally, when you have an attorney with legal experience, they will have access to Social Security’s decisions throughout the process. They can also submit medical evidence that may be missing from your case on your behalf.
There is evidence that hiring an attorney with the proper 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 prepare you to be a good witness at your hearing. Learn how to prepare for your hearing.
HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
The SSA benefits application and appeal process can be long and complex. If you have hepatitis, then worrying about benefits is the last thing you want to do. Hire Cannon Disability Law to give you legal advice and walk you through the application process. In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due due SSD benefits for our clients.
If you want to win SSDI and SSI benefits, then hire an attorney with the legal experience to win your case. We do not charge you any money up front to help you or for you to become our client. You only pay us an attorney fee when you win benefits. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay an attorney fee.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LAW FIRM
If you want to learn more about our lawyers and staff, then read our About Us page. For example, you can learn about Andria Summers, who has 21 years of experience working at our SSD law firm. She can also help you with your Medicare advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSDI and SSI cases.
Additionally, Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win benefits for over thirty years. Ms. Cannon has years of Federal Court experience. She has also taught law school and written a book on SSDI benefits. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSD benefits.
In the last 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases. Additionally, we have won over $100 million in ongoing and back due benefits for our clients. Many of our clients, due to our work, do not have to attend a hearing. Instead, they win their case at an earlier level of appeal.
Make sure that you hire an attorney with the experience to win your benefits. Too much is at stake to attempt to win benefits on your own. We are Social Security law experts. You can trust us to help you win your benefits for hepatitis. We want to make the difficult process of winning benefits as easy as possible for you. For help, contact us today.
