It is common for people to live with medical conditions that are not obvious to the eye. Some individuals may avoid even talking about their condition because it can seem embarrassing. However, it is necessary to come to terms with their condition if it seriously affects their day-to-day life. In some cases, issues like ulcerative colitis may even prevent a person from being able to work.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause severe physical discomfort as well as physical reactions in the body, such as nausea, vomiting, and persistent and severe diarrhea. In some cases, individuals may be able to request an accommodation from their employer that could help them manage their condition in the workplace and still perform their jobs, such as having a desk close to the restroom. Of course, some individuals may have such severe symptoms that such accommodations may not help.
Fortunately, individuals may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if they meet certain requirements, such as:
- Having medical records to show an accompanying issue, such as an obstruction or narrowing of the small or large intestine that meets specific stipulations
- Developing short bowel syndrome, which is also listed in the Social Security Administration evaluation documents
- Experiencing unintentional weight loss
It is important to keep in mind that each person’s case and the way that a specific medical condition affects them is different. Though the SSA may consider ulcerative colitis a qualifying condition under the inflammatory bowel disease section, it is still possible for someone with a debilitating condition to be denied SSDI benefits. Fortunately, individuals who experience a denial could move forward with the appeals process in hopes of obtaining financial assistance.
