Usually getting Social Security benefits for Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) is very difficult for two reasons. First, the listing’s requirements are very difficult to meet. Second most gastroenterologists typically do not write in the medical records how frequently their patient uses the bathroom per day or how long the patient spends in the bathroom.

There is a presumptive disability for all forms of IBD. The listing number 5.00  covers almost all of the bowel diseases, including weight loss due to any digestive disorder: IBS, Crohn’s Disease, Colitis, Short Bowel Syndrome, and Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging. To qualify for weight loss a claimant needs to have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 17.50 on two evaluations that are 60 days apart over a 6 month period (5.08).

The listing for IBS (5.06) requires:

Obstruction of stenotic areas (not adhesions) requiring hospitalizations for intestinal decompression or surgery occurring on at least two occasions at least 60 days apart within a consecutive 6 month period.

Or

  1. Any two of the following six items within a 6 month period
  2. Hemoglobin of 10.0 g/dl present on two evaluations at least 60 days apart.
  3. Serum albumin of 3.0 or less, on two evaluations at least 60 days apart.
  4. Clinically documented tender abdominal mass palpable on physical examination with abdominal pain or cramping that is not completely controlled by prescribed narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or
  5. Perineal disease with a draining abscess or fistula, with pain that is not completely controlled by prescribed narcotic medication, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart
  6. Involuntary weight loss of at least 10 percent from baseline, as computed in pounds, kilograms, or BMI, present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart; or
  7. Need for supplemental daily enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or daily parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.

In my experience most claimants that cannot work due to a  bowel problem usually have more than the normal one bowel movement a day.  The most difficult part of these cases is proving how many bowel movements per day the claimant has or how long they are in the bathroom each time. Doctors who treat this disease very rarely write down the frequency of the claimant’s bowel movements per day.  It is very very important when you see the doctor that is treating your bowel disease you make sure he/she writes down how many bowel movements per day you have, and how long you are in the bathroom.  

Are you applying for Social Security Disability benefits for IBS or considering applying for Social Security benefits? Consider the Law Office of The Good Law Group for your representation. Contact us online or call #(847) 577-4476 for a free case evaluation.