Chicago Crohn’s Disease Attorneys
Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers
Crohns’ disease is a severe form of inflammatory bowel syndrome that generally affects the intestines. Crohn’s disease is the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which causes the intestinal wall to become thick. Individuals with Crohn’s disease suffer from a variety of symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, bowel problems, diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, joint pain, liver inflammation, ulcers, and swollen gums.
When Crohn’s disease is particularly severe, an individual may be unable to work as a result of his or her medical condition, in which case you may be eligible for social security disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI benefits may be available if you have earned enough “work credits” through the payment of social security taxes deducted from previous paychecks. The number of work “credits” required to receive SSDI varies depending on your age at the time of disability. SSI benefits may be available if you have limited income and resources and are unable to work due to paralysis.
In order to be eligible for either type of disability benefit, you must have a physical or mental medical condition that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities. If a medical condition is not on this list, however, that does not mean that an applicant will not qualify for social security disability benefits. Rather, the applicant must prove that the medical condition reduces his or her residual functional capacity to the extent that employment is not possible. The disability criteria for Crohn’s disease is set forth in Section 5.00 of the SSA “Listing of Medical Impairments.”
When evaluating an application for SSDI or SSI based on Crohn’s disease, the SSA will review all applicable medical records submitted with the application, such as MRI or CT scans, endoscopy results, operations, and laboratory tests performed with respect to Crohn’s disease. The SSA will also evaluate the severity and duration of your Crohn’s disease, any treatment that may improve the condition, and your “residual functional capacity,” which evaluates your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
The knowledgeable Chicago social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law have considerable experience guiding clients with a variety of medical conditions, including Crohn’s disease, through the entire claim process – from application filing to hearing. After thoroughly explain the Social Security laws and claim process to you, we will assist you with the preparation of your SSDI or SSI application in order to ensure that the necessary medical and vocational information is provided with your application.
If you suffer from Crohn’s disease and your condition prevents you from working, contact the knowledgeable Chicago disability law firm of Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation.
