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Social Security Disability For Diverticulitis

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Is Diverticulitis a disability?


Getting diagnosed with a physical illness is something that can limit you from performing your daily life activities. At times, it can also limit you from working. Diverticulitis is a health issue that effects the digestive system of an individual.

Diverticulitis is when small bulges or pockets form in the digestive tract. It occurs in the lower part of the patient’s large intestine or in the colon. When these pockets become infected or inflamed, the condition is called diverticulosis.

Diverticulitis can be either mild or severe. Thankfully, patients who have mild conditions do not need to consider surgery as a form of treatment. On the other hand, people who suffer with severe symptoms of diverticulitis that cannot be controlled by other treatments, may have no other option left besides surgery. Patients who need surgery (and are limited in their ability to perform work) can appeal for social security disability benefits.

While Diverticulitis is not listed in the Social Security Administration’s Bluebook, matching symptoms and conditions to a similar health listing, can allow the individual to apply for disability benefits. A social security disability lawyer can help by ensuring all of the details of the paperwork and the supporting documentation for Diverticulitis disability are complete. An attorney will work with the applicant from start to finish, including being present for any hearings, as well.

Disability For Diverticulitis

Symptoms & Causes of Diverticulitis

When a patient is diagnosed with small and bulging pouches in the digestive system, it is diagnosed as Diverticulitis. It can cause fever, abdominal pain, nausea, changes in the patient’s bowel habits, and more.

Recurring and severe cases would need surgery. Otherwise, if the patient immediately visits the doctor upon getting unexplained abdominal pain and fever, the chances of surgery decreases.

Below are the symptoms that patients will likely experience.

  • Patients suffer from pain in their abdominal area which worsens with movement.
  • Patients get fever and chills.
  • Bloating and gas are significant symptoms.
  • One can also suffer from diarrhea, nausea, constipation, and vomiting.
  • A loss of appetite can occur with changes in eating habits.

Patients might suffer from other severe symptoms if they do not seek medical treatment during the initial days of mild symptoms. When Diverticulitis does not get treated correctly, different complications can arise. Some of the additional symptoms include:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Infection of the abdominal lining that is caused by the rupture of the diverticulum (also known as peritonitis)
  • Blockages in the colon or the small intestine
  • Hole in diverticula or colon (perforations)
  • Collecting pus in diverticula (abscesses)
  • Abnormal passageways developing between the intestines and other areas (fistulas)

When the doctor recommends surgery, it is as a result of serious complications (like peritonitis and perforations). Hospitalization is required.

Treatment options depend on the severity of the infection. Sometimes, bowel rest (i.e., no solid food) or even bed rest is recommended. Patients will be required to make changes to their diet. Doctors prescribe antibiotics for treating Diverticulitis.

In rare cases, when the severity increases, surgery is suggested in the initial Diverticulitis episode. However, if the individual has recurrent Diverticulitis episodes, the treatment may require removal of the affected area of the colon through surgery. In these instances, the individual can consider applying for disability for Diverticulitis which can offer financial relief.

Can you get disability for Diverticulitis?

The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book omits Diverticulitis as a disability. Individuals can still receive disability for Diverticulitis; however, patients must have symptoms and circumstances that are closely related to another condition listed in the Blue Book. Given that, one who meets these criteria can qualify for SSD benefits.

Inflammatory bowel disease has multiple symptoms that are similar to that of Diverticulitis. If the patient suffers from these symptoms, appealing for disability benefits is possible. The disability listing also includes disability benefits for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The symptoms that can support the patient getting disability benefits include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Peritonitis

Obstructions, peritonitis, and fistulas are the common complications that a patient with Inflammatory Bowel Disease suffers from and surgery is often required for such complications. To get disability benefits under IBD, the patient must exhibit the following:

  • Two bowel obstructions within the last six months which have required some hospitalization or surgery.

Alternatively, you can also show two following issues in the previous six months:

  • Peritonitis with an abscess or fistula (with uncontrollable pain and medication that has occurred twice in the last six months)
  • Abdominal mass felt through a physical examination (with intractable pain alongside medications which occurs approximately twice in last six month)
  • Low serum albumin
  • Need for nutrition through tubes and catheter
  • Severe anemia or
  • 10% of weight loss of the entire body weight

Why should you hire an attorney to get SSDI/SSI benefits for Diverticulitis?

To get SSDI/SSI benefits For Diverticulitis, professional assistance from a legal professional can help you achieve your success. While success is never free of cost, an attorney plays a significant role in fighting for your SSD case to drive social security disability benefits for Diverticulitis.

Getting diagnosed with Diverticulitis will never lead you to receive SSD benefits directly. A lawyer understands the complicated process that is required to receive SSD benefits, and they work accordingly. They will utilize their knowledge and experience to exhaust all avenues to get the SSD benefits.

Nationwide Disability Representatives is an experienced disability law firm with rich industry experience. They have handled numerous disability cases, including for Social Security Disability for Diverticulitis. Our SSD attorneys have detailed knowledge of the Blue Book listings, and the documents needed to prove your disability.

We will provide extensive legal help until you receive the benefits you deserve for your disability and other loss due to the Diverticulitis.

Commonly asked questions about Diverticulitis disability claims

Q1: Is Diverticulitis considered a severe disability case?

No, Diverticulitis is not classified as a disability in the SSA Blue Book. However, if the claimant has other symptoms that are related to those of other listed disabilities, then he/she may get the benefits.

Q2: Can the patient get Diverticulitis after the surgery?

The patient might have a recurrence, but another surgery might not be required.

Q3: Will a lawyer help me get Diverticulitis disability benefits?

Yes, an SSD lawyer can help you get Diverticulitis disability benefits. They have in-depth knowledge about the law and can help you with the application process, gathering related documents and representing your case in front of the court.