Liver Disease and the SSA

A word about liver disease

The terminology “liver disease” does not refer to one specific disease or disorder of a human being’s liver.  It is a generalized classification for the numerous diseases and disorders which physically impede or inhibit the proper function of the liver.  In some cases, the disease or disorder is treatable and curable.  However, in many instances they are much more serious and disabling, therefore making it less likely that the afflicted individual will be able to either hold down their current job or seek gainful employment.

A person’s disability is evaluated and determined by the Social Security Administration through their Digestive System – Chronic Liver Disease List which lists the liver impairments that are eligible for SSDI benefits.  However, just because you were diagnosed with a disease or disorder of the liver does not mean that you automatically qualify for these benefits.  Due to the difficult, time-consuming application process, many individuals have sought the services of a Social Security Disability attorney.

Additionally, it is important to remember that it isn’t just the disease or disorder that disables the afflicted individual.  Sometimes, the extreme side effects of the person’s medication also make it impossible for a person to leave the home to earn a living.  Again, these side effects are a possible qualifier for SSDI benefits.  Side effects can include:

• arthritis and joint pain
• cognitive problems
• fatigue
• vision problems

All of these can negatively impact an individual’s ability to work and earn a living.  The SSA must therefore consider the consequences of these side effects as also being impairments of a person’s ability to work.

The application process

Although disability claims for benefits due to liver disease are not taken lightly by the SSA, sometimes their initial ruling on your claim will result in denying benefits because they feel that your condition isn’t severe enough to be an eligible impairment.  However, despite the requirements of the impairment listings, it is still possible, with the assistance of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney, for you to win your specific disability case.

In order to do this, it is necessary to prove that any and all complications, limitations, medication side effects, and symptoms arising from the disease or disorder have left you unable to perform any job reliably.  Taking all of the above into consideration, it is always wise to enlist the expertise and skills of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney.