You may be unable to work if you are affected by Crohn’s disease in Los Angeles. While the symptoms of this condition may be treated – allowing you to live a relatively normal life – flare-ups and the initial onset of the disorder may prevent you from going about your day-to-day activities.
Many individuals with Crohn’s disease end up applying for benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) could deny your claim. If this occurs, you may be able to appeal their decision with a Los Angeles Crohn’s disease attorney. Find out more by calling (800) 794-0444 to speak with a team member at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Work with a Team That Understands Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is considered a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While Crohn’s disease could impact any part of your digestive tract, it most commonly affects the small intestine (specifically the ileum) and the large intestine (specifically the colon).
Individuals who experience Crohn’s disease may go through periods where the disease is inactive. There are a number of treatments available for Crohn’s disease that may limit the symptoms you experience from this illness. However, there is no cure currently available to get rid of Crohn’s completely. If your Crohn’s disease is currently active, you may end up experiencing:
- Diarrhea and bloody stool
- Pain in your abdomen
- Sores in your mouth, low appetite, and weight loss
- Fever and fatigue
- Inflammation of your joints, skin, liver, and eyes
Particularly severe effects of Crohn’s disease may prevent you from performing the tasks required by your job. If the effects of the disorder impact you for a lengthy period of time – at least five months – you could then be able to apply for SSDI benefits in Los Angeles.
Crohn’s Disease May Qualify You for Disability Benefits
All cases of Crohn’s disease do not come with the same level of severity. Relatively minor symptoms for Crohn’s disease may not allow you to qualify for disability benefits. In fact, the SSA may only approve your disability claim if you:
Have an Obstruction of Your Small or Large Intestine
You may develop an obstruction of your digestive system if you have Crohn’s disease. This obstruction could qualify you for disability benefits, but only if it requires you to go the hospital at least twice within six months. Additionally, you must require surgery or intestinal decompression to qualify for benefits in this situation.
Experience at Least Two Other Crohn’s Disease Symptoms
You could also qualify for disability benefits if you experience a number of less severe symptoms within a six-month period. The following symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease could allow you to qualify for disability benefits:
- Anemia or low serum albumin
- The presence of a tender abdominal mass
- A fistula or draining abscess
- Extreme weight loss
You may be able to request disability benefits if you require enteral nutrition – also called tube feeding – on a daily basis. All of these symptoms may be diagnosed by a medical professional in California. Note that you cannot diagnose yourself with Crohn’s disease or any of its possible symptoms.
For a free legal consultation with a Crohn’s Disease Lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (800) 794-0444
The SSA May Deny Your Disability Claim for Crohn’s Disease
The severe health effects of Crohn’s disease may prevent you from working in the state of California. In this situation, you may be able to request disability benefits through the SSA. However, your request could be denied in some cases. Sometimes, the SSA denies disability benefit claims if:
- You did not work long enough to qualify for SSDI benefits
- You did not wait an appropriate amount of time to apply for benefits
- You did not provide sufficient medical documentation regarding your condition
In some cases, there may be little you could do to appeal your claim. For example, you may only be eligible to receive SSDI benefits if you paid into the SSA for a set amount of time before developing an illness. Additionally, there is a five-month waiting period before you may apply for SSDI benefits after you develop an illness or ailment. During this period, you may be unable to secure compensation.
In this situation, you could rely on short-term disability coverage offered by your employer, in some cases. You may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, even if you did not pay into the SSA. SSI benefits are available based on your income level and level of need.
Los Angeles Crohn’s Disease Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Appealing a Denial for Benefits if You Have Crohn’s Disease
If you received a denial for SSDI benefits in Los Angeles, you may be able to appeal this decision. A Los Angeles Crohn’s disease lawyer may be able to demonstrate that you are dealing with symptoms that prevent you from working by going over your medical records.
Note that you must have a diagnosis for your condition provided by a medical professional to secure disability benefits through the SSA. A lawyer cannot provide you with a diagnosis but can help you get your medical paperwork in order to demonstrate the severity of your condition.
Additionally, a lawyer may be able to help you show that your condition is likely to last a significant amount of time. Generally, SSDI benefits are only available if your ailment is likely to last at least a year. A medical professional may be able to provide an estimate on the length of time required to resolve your medical condition. Taking the steps to gather information and build your appeal may allow you to get compensation through SSDI benefits in Los Angeles.
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Get Help from a Los Angeles Crohn’s Disease Attorney
Make sure you are prepared to appeal a denial of benefits from the SSA by reaching out to Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. You may contact the office of a Los Angeles Crohn’s disease lawyer to discuss your legal options right now. We do not shy away from tough cases and we can provide you with a free consultation today.
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