Filing for Social Security Disability with Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging
Simply suffering from gastrointestinal hemorrhaging does not mean that you would automatically qualify for benefits through Social Security Disability. There are various issues to be considered before one can qualify for the benefits.
For instance, you must have suffered from the disease for at least 12 months or be expected to suffer from the disease for at least 12 months. In addition to this, there must be evidence in the form of medical records—including documented clinical and laboratory findings.
The report should also include any medically acceptable images (e.g., x-rays, scans). A suitable means should also be used to show that the technique your doctor used in evaluation and diagnosis was the proper one. The effects of the treatment being used is also assessed, so as to show whether the treatment is bringing any improvement in the patient’s condition and whether it is the most appropriate treatment available.
To qualify for the benefits, you must have had gastrointestinal hemorrhaging from any cause that required a blood transfusion. It doesn’t matter if you required hospitalization or not. The blood transfusion required should have been at least 10cc of blood per kilogram of body weight and it should have occurred at least three times in a period of six consecutive months. Also, the transfusions should have occurred at least 30 days apart during that period of six months.
Other items required include:
- Record of treatment
- Response to treatment
- List of hospitalizations
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging – Condition and Symptoms
Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging is the loss of blood from any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is mainly divided depending on the part of the gastrointestinal tract where the bleeding is occurring.
If the bleeding is in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is referred to as upper gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. If it occurs on the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, then it is referred to as lower gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.
Gastrointestinal hemorrhaging has various causes, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophageal varices, Mallory-Weiss tears, gastrointestinal cancers, inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining from ingested materials, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infectious diarrhea, angiodysplasia, and polyps.
The disease also has various symptoms and effects, such as:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pale appearance
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Vomiting of blood
- Maroon or bright red stool
Your Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging Case
If you are severely disabled due to Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging that prevents you from maintaining gainful employment, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. Even though total disability due to Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging may be difficult to prove, working closely with medical professionals and disability attorneys and advocates can increase the likelihood of receiving a favorable decision.
If you’d like to speak with a disability attorney for a free disability evaluation, you may do so by completing the form here.
