Social Security

[somuchmore2]

What could be put-falls and/or road blocks with obtaining SSA Disability?

I am thinking of applying for benefits due to cirrhosis stage IV with anemia/fatigue.  

Recently experienced my 2nd varices bleed.

[somuchmore2]

A. Hemorrhaging from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices or from portal hypertensive gastropathy, demonstrated by endoscopy, x-ray, or other appropriate medically acceptable imaging, resulting in hemodynamic instability as defined in 5.00D5, and requiring hospitalization for transfusion of at least 2 units of blood. Consider under disability for 1 year following the last documented transfusion; thereafter, evaluate the residual impairment(s).

I have recently had a esophageal varices bleed which did require 2 units of blood.  This section indicates that I could go to Disability which would be evaluated after 1 year.

I just hesitate going down this road unless it is possible.

[flyinlynn]

You will need your doctors concurrence so I guess discussing with your doctor would be a good place to start

I read that as you are under disability for one year after the event then evaluate your status one year post the event to see if you are still disabled

However, I hear it is hard to qualify for disability likely taking a year or more but you could then get back pay.

it is ridiculous how long it takes to get approved for disability while meanwhile the bills keep coming  

[flyinlynn]

You could maybe doo if you can get a consultation (hopefully free) with a disability attorney they should also be able to give you good advice

[flyinlynn]

Do you have any symptoms of decompensated cirrhosis? Are you incapable of work in any capacity? These are the kinds of questions to be answered.

Also from what I have heard it takes a year or more of being disabled to even begin to qualify.

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis 10 years ago. I had grade 3 varicies without bleeding that required banding. I also have a low platelet count about 110. Other than that I have no symptoms. I suppose I am fortunate.

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm#5_05


5.05  Chronic liver disease,with:

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A. Hemorrhaging from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices or from portal hypertensive gastropathy, demonstrated by endoscopy, x-ray, or other appropriate medically acceptable imaging, resulting in hemodynamic instability as defined in 5.00D5, and requiring hospitalization for transfusion of at least 2 units of blood. Consider under disability for 1 year following the last documented transfusion; thereafter, evaluate the residual impairment(s).

OR

B. Ascites or hydrothorax not attributable to other causes, despite continuing treatment as prescribed, present on at least 2 evaluations at least 60 days apart within a consecutive 6-month period. Each evaluation must be documented by:

1. Paracentesis or thoracentesis; or

2. Appropriate medically acceptable imaging or physical examination and one of the following:

a. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less; or

b. International Normalized Ratio (INR) of at least 1.5.

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OR

C. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis with peritoneal fluid containing an absolute neutrophil count of at least 250 cells/mm3.

OR

D. Hepatorenal syndrome as described in 5.00D8, with one of the following:

1. Serum creatinine elevation of at least 2 mg/dL; or

2. Oliguria with 24-hour urine output less than 500 mL; or

3. Sodium retention with urine sodium less than 10 mEq per liter.

OR

E. Hepatopulmonary syndrome as described in 5.00D9, with:

1. Arterial oxygenation (PaO2) on room air of:

a. 60 mm Hg or less, at test sites less than 3000 feet above sea level, or

b. 55 mm Hg or less, at test sites from 3000 to 6000 feet, or

c. 50 mm Hg or less, at test sites above 6000 feet; or

2. Documentation of intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting by contrast-enhanced echocardiography or macroaggregated albumin lung perfusion scan.

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OR

F. Hepatic encephalopathy as described in 5.00D10, with 1 and either 2 or 3:

1. Documentation of abnormal behavior, cognitive dysfunction, changes in mental status, or altered state of consciousness (for example, confusion, delirium, stupor, or coma), present on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart within a consecutive 6-month period; and

2. History of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or any surgical portosystemic shunt; or

3. One of the following occurring on at least two evaluations at least 60 days apart within the same consecutive 6-month period as in F1:

a. Asterixis or other fluctuating physical neurological abnormalities; or

b. Electroencephalogram (EEG) demonstrating triphasic slow wave activity; or

c. Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less; or

d. International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 1.5 or greater.

OR

G. End stage liver disease with SSA CLD scores of 22 or greater calculated as described in 5.00D11. Consider under a disability from at least the date of the first score.