Can I Get Social Security Disability for Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can make you sick if you eat gluten. Gluten is present in foods containing wheat, rye, and barley; and individuals with Celiac disease who consume these foods are susceptible to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. Celiac disease can be diagnosed through a blood test or a sample collection of your small intestine and generally can be treated by removing gluten from your diet.

If you have Celiac disease, then you might be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits from the federal government, depending on how long it took to diagnose your condition.

SSDI Requirements for Celiac Disease

To qualify for SSDI, individuals must meet specific requirements that establish their disability and eligibility for government compensation. These criteria look at a minimum work history, the duration of the condition (lasting more than a year), and the inability to engage in work for a year or longer.

It is rare for people with this condition to meet all listed requirements because symptoms of Celiac disease generally subside when you eliminate gluten from your diet. Therefore, you would not be able to qualify for SSDI if your symptoms have improved within twelve months of your diagnosis. However, for cases where the diagnosis took over a year for you and your doctor to figure out you have Celiac disease, benefits can be obtained for the period where you could not work due to the disability.

Social Security has a “blue book” that has a list of medical conditions, and the certain disorders and evidence needed to prove that the condition was disabling. While Celiac disease is not directly listed in the book, it can be listed under a related digestive system listing, given that the disease can be severe. Applicants must provide documentation proving his or her symptoms lasted for over a year, were severe enough to prevent them from earning a consistent living, and include a doctor’s note confirming they followed medical advice before getting treatment.

Speak to an SSDI Attorney if You Had Celiac Disease Undiagnosed or Treated for Over a Year

By applying for SSDI, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the pain and inconveniences caused by Celiac disease. With the help of an experienced SSDI lawyer, you can get necessary benefits to make up for missed income. Reach out to Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law for a free consultation as we assist you through this complex and demanding application process.