What are the challenges of filing for disability with Crohns Disease?

One of the main challenges of filing for disability when you have Crohn's Disease is the nature of the disease itself, and being able to successfully prove that your case is so acutely chronic that you are unable to work. Regardless of what disability a person has, it always comes down to whether or not Social Security finds you to be so profoundly disabled that you cannot work to earn a living and support yourself.

Crohn's Disease is challenging because it is often characterized by periods of remission and flare ups. The length of your remissions and the frequency and length of your flare ups will have to be extremely well documented by your medical records and your attendance at work. Crohn's Disease is one of the medical conditions listed in the Social Security "blue book" which means it is recognized as potentially disabling and they have established criteria with which to evaluate your case.

Building Your Claim for Disability with Crohn's Disease

If you have not regularly received treatment for your illness, it may be difficult to prove that you are disabled. Social Security will look for proof that you are unable to participate in significant gainful activity in spite of consistent treatment, medication, or even corrective surgery. The medical records that you provide when you file your claim should include:

• Results of any endoscopy you have had
• Imaging results from x-rays, sonograms, CAT scans or MRI
• Laboratory test results
• Lists of medications taken
• Surgeries 

Social Security will evaluate the effect that the treatment you receive has on your condition to help them determine if you should be able to continue to work. It is extremely important for you to work with an attorney who specializes in Social Security disability cases to ensure that you present the most complete and compelling claim possible.