Leaky gut syndrome can cause a variety of health problems and can go undetected for years. The condition can result in a number of symptoms and conditions including:
- Hives
- Eczema
- Confusion
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Food allergies
- Nasal congestion
- Chronic inflammation
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Bowel disorders
- Acne
- Dermatitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome and Qualifying Criteria
When filing an application for Social Security Disability benefits an adjudicator is assigned to your case. The adjudicator in charge of your file will compare your condition to the conditions that are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is a publication that was created by the SSA to list all of the conditions that may qualify an individual for Social Security Disability benefits.
In order to qualify for disability benefits from the SSA, your condition must match one of the listings that is included in the Blue Book or it must equal one of the published conditions. In the case of Leaky Gut Syndrome, there is no specific listing for the condition. Because of this, you will need to apply for disability benefits based on a condition that has been caused by the Leaky Gut Syndrome, such as:
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Celiac Disease
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you are not suffering from a condition that is listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you must be able to prove to the SSA that your condition prevents you from performing any type of gainful work activity. This is done by filling out the Residual Functional Capacity form. This form will help the SSA determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits based on a vocational allowance.
If you do suffer from another condition that is associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome, such as cystic fibrosis, you will want to apply for benefits based on that Blue Book listing. You will need to provide medical evidence to the SSA supporting the fact that your condition meets the criteria of that specific listing. In the case of cystic fibrosis, you would be applying under Section 3.04 of the Blue Book. To prove that you meet the criteria of this section you must prove that:
- You have an FEV equal or less than the appropriate value specified by the SSA’s Blue Book criteria; or
- You suffer from episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia or hemoptysis or other respiratory failure that required physician intervention and occurred at least once every two months (or six times a year) for a period of 12 consecutive months; or
- You suffer from persistent pulmonary infection accompanied by superimposed, recurrent, symptomatic episodes of increased bacterial infection at least once every six months and that it required intravenous or nebulization antimicrobial therapy.
If you are unable to obtain medical evidence that proves that your condition meets the criteria listed in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits if you can prove that you cannot perform any type of work activity at all. You will, however, need to obtain as much medical documentation as possible in order to support your claim.
The Services of a Social Security Disability Attorney
Proving that you are entitled to Social Security Disability benefits when you suffer from a condition that is not listed in the SSA’s Blue Book can be complicated. Because of this, you may want to consult with a Social Security Disability attorney if you are filing a claim based on Leaky Gut Syndrome and have no other underlying or associated condition that is included in the Blue Book listings. A disability attorney will understand how to present your disability case to the SSA in such a way that they understand the severity of your condition and how it qualifies you for benefits. This will increase your chance of being awarded benefits during the initial stage of the application process.
