Today, we’ll discuss how to win a Social Security disability case dealing with gastrointestinal issues, specifically focusing on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and related conditions like colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions can be challenging, but there are key strategies that can make a significant difference in your case.
First and foremost, when it comes to Social Security and gastrointestinal issues, it’s crucial to establish a strong medical record. This means regularly seeking medical attention. Let me illustrate this with an example:
Imagine five individuals with varying degrees of irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel syndrome. One of them visits their doctor every six months and occasionally mentions their condition, while another goes monthly. When it’s time to go to court, the person who’s been diligent about their medical visits has seen their doctor 24 times, while the less frequent visitor has only been four times. Now, when a judge assesses these cases, they have limited resources to allocate. Naturally, they will favor the individual with the extensive medical record of 24 visits. So, frequency matters.
Within your medical records, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for specific details. They need to see the frequency of your symptoms, including the number of bowel movements you experience daily. For instance, stating that you have severe irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease is not enough. It should include information like having ten bowel movements a day.
Additionally, your medical records should reflect any weight loss, deficiencies in vitamins due to malabsorption, or issues revealed in your bloodwork. These are indicators that strengthen your case. Furthermore, hospitalizations can significantly impact your Social Security case. If your condition is severe enough to warrant hospital stays, it’s essential to document these experiences in your medical records.
Finally, having a supportive doctor can be a game-changer. We often send questionnaires to our clients’ doctors, seeking information on the frequency of symptoms, missed work days due to the condition, and their overall support for the disability case.
If you have questions or need assistance with any Social Security disability case, especially those involving gastrointestinal issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (800) 419-7606. We’re here to help.
