Liver Disease and Social Security Disability

Tens of thousands of individuals suffer from some form of Liver Disease in the United States alone. While the severity of Liver Disease can vary, it can often be a painful and debilitating condition for many of the individuals who suffer from it. In some cases, Liver Disease may even be life-threatening. Needless to say, some of the people suffering from Liver Disease are unable to work due to their condition. Without a source of income or any means of medical insurance, Liver Disease can cause a serious financial burden. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can help. If you are suffering from Liver Disease and are interested in applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can assist you in filing your Social Security Disability claim.

Liver Disease - Condition and Symptoms

Liver Disease is a broad term used to describe a variety of diseases that prevent the liver from functioning properly. In most cases, three-quarters of the liver must be affected before a decrease in liver function is noted. The term “hepatic disease” is also used to describe these conditions. Liver Disease often causes jaundice and increased bilirubin levels. People suffering from Liver Disease may also experience chronic fatigue and weakness, fever, muscle pains and other debilitating symptoms.

The liver is the body's largest solid organ. It is located in the upper-right portion of the abdomen. The liver is made up of two main lobes. Blood is supplied to the liver from two different sources. The body's hepatic artery supplies blood that is pumped from the heart to the liver. The portal vein provides nutrients from the intestine and spleen. Unlike most of the organs in the human body, the liver can actually repair itself. Unfortunately, if enough liver cells are damaged the liver may not be able to repair the damage that has been done.

A variety of conditions can cause Liver Disease including cirrhosis, acute liver failure and hepatitis. These conditions can cause a person to become very, very ill. As a result of the Liver Disease, it may be impossible for the individual suffering from the condition to perform substantial gainful work activity. If you suffer from Liver Disease and have been unable to work due to your condition, you may want to consider applying for Social Security Disability benefits to help offset the financial stress caused by the condition.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Liver Disease

The Social Security Administration looks for specific criteria when processing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits based on Liver Disease. Cases of Liver Disease can vary greatly from one person to the next, so it can be hard to understand which cases of Liver Disease qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and which do not.

As a general rule, your Liver Disease must include a history of massive hemorrhage due to shunt placement and esophageal varices, ascites, persistent hypoablbuminemia of 3.0 gm per deciliter or less, a serum bilirubin of 2.5 mg per deciliter or greater persisting for at least 5 months, mental limitations, and/or hepatic cell necrosis lasting at least three months. If you do not meet all of these requirements, it does not necessarily mean that you will not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. It only means that you will have to work harder to prove that your condition completely prevents you from being able to work.

When applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to Liver Disease it is imperative that you have all of your medical records in order. The examiner will want to see a complete medical history including test results, treatment approaches and how your condition responded to treatment. When visiting your doctor, make sure you discuss how your Liver Disease prevents you from being able to perform work activities. It will help your Social Security Disability case if these issues are noted in your medical records.

Liver Disease and Your Social Security Disability Case

While Liver Disease can be a very serious condition, it is also very complex. Because of this, proving that your Liver Disease prevents you from being able to work may be a challenge. If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to Liver Disease and your specific condition does not meet each of the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s requirements, you may want to retain the services of a Social Security Disability attorney to assist you in your claim. A Social Security Disability attorney can help you gather the medical evidence you need to submit a successful Social Security Disability application.

If, for some reason, your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you may still be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits but you will need to appeal the decision within 60 days of the notice of denial. A qualified Social Security Disability attorney can help increase your chances of successfully filing an initial Social Security Disability claim or appealing a denied claim.