Ulcerative Colitis and Disability

Published on: July 22, 2014

Ulcerative Colitis And Disability

If you suffer from ulcerative colitis in Tampa (a condition similar to Crohn's Disease), you know the hardship it causes you. However, if you've stumbled upon our blog here at DEF for the first time, there are some things you should know about the condition and whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Read on. You'll find some valuable information about ulcerative colitis and benefits.

Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involving the large intestine (colon) and is characterized by ulceration and episodes of bloody diarrhea. Inflammation usually starts in the rectum, advancing into the lower intestine (sigmoid colon) and then on to the entire colon. Inflammation involves the mucosal and, to a lesser extent, the sub mucosal layers of the large intestine, causing diarrhea. Ulcers form in places where inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon. The ulcers bleed and produce mucus and pus.

Ulcerative colitis may manifest itself at any age; it typically develops in adolescence to young adulthood, between the ages of 15 and 25. People over 55 are also slightly more likely to develop ulcerative colitis. Women are 30% more likely to develop ulcerative colitis than men. As we've noted before, age can be a determining factor when the SSA evaluates your claim for ulcerative colitis and disability. A consultation with a compassionate accredited SSDI advocate will help you understand all that you need to know about filing for SSDI or SSI in Tampa.

Ulcerative Colitis and Disability in Tampa?  

As with almost every potential disability claim, there are many factors that figure into whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) will award you benefits based on your diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. If you'll look at one of our recent posts about five things you should know before filing for SSDI, you'll see that the outcome of your claim is dependent on your condition and on whether or not you can return to work in some capacity. It is to your advantage to seek counsel when you make the decision to file a claim for ulcerative colitis benefits in Tampa.

Ulcerative Colitis and Disability: There are Several Ways to Get Your Benefits

Ulcerative colitis is evaluated under the disability listing for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Social Security's listing of potential disabilities (Blue Book). For you to qualify under that listing, it's required that you have a diagnosis of IBD, plus a specific exacerbation, such as anemia, perineal disease with an abscess or fistula, a bowel obstruction or a tender abdominal mass.  Contact an experienced, knowledgeable SSDI advocate. He or she will take time to explain everything you should know about qualifying for disability and ulcerative colitis.

If you don't have one of the requisite complications or evident weight loss, you can also qualify for disability benefits if you can prove that your symptoms make it impossible to do full-time work. For instance, if your diarrhea requires frequent and unplanned trips to the restroom, or your fatigue and anemia prevent you from working at an acceptable pace, the SSA may determine that you are unable to work and award you benefits.

Ulcerative Colitis and Disability: Where to Start?

Getting SSDI can be difficult and time consuming. It takes a toll on your mind and your body and can exacerbbate your existing condition. . Don’t' go it alone!

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