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SSDI Cases for Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is a medical condition caused when the body's immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may be awarded in cases where Crohn's disease prevents occupational functioning.

  1. List of Impairments

    • The Social Security Administration (SSA) includes Crohn's disease on their "listing of impairments," a list that includes medical conditions accepted as being severe enough to potentially prevent gainful employment. Crohn's disease is not listed as a condition accepted as severe enough for automatic awarding of SSDI benefits.

    Medical Records

    • The SSA requires medical records that support the diagnosis of Crohn's disease and state how these symptoms impair ability to sustain gainful employment. The initial application includes releases for SSA to obtain these records, or you can obtain and submit the records to SSA on your own.

    Compliance with Treatment

    • SSA considers compliance with medical treatment as part of the criteria for approving or denying SSDI benefits. If you are not compliant with medical services, SSA will likely deny your benefits application, as obtaining adequate medical treatment could potentially allow you to sustain employment.

    Ability to Work

    • SSA considers the effect of your disability on sustaining any type of gainful employment, not just previous types of employment. SSA also considers whether reasonable accommodations, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, can be made to allow you to sustain gainful employment. For Crohn's disease, reasonable accommodations may include sick days and frequent bathroom breaks.

    Appeals

    • If your initial application is denied, you have the right to appeal within 60 days. Consult with a disability attorney who can help you with your SSDI appeal case.

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