People who suffer from cirrhosis of the liver and are unable to work might qualify for monthly Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two separate programs that provide financial assistance to people who cannot work because of a medical condition. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for individuals without a long work history and limited resources. Similarly, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits for those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system.
Just because you believe you are suffering from a debilitating medical condition does not mean that the SSA will agree with you. The disability claims process is long, arduous, and frustrating. Many eligible disabled individuals are denied due to the SSA’s efforts to ensure only deserving claimants are approved. Our Fayetteville Social Security Disability lawyers have been helping people suffering from chronic conditions navigate the disability waters for over twenty years.
If you cannot work because you have cirrhosis of the liver, contact our law office to start the application process. With decades of experience behind us, our attorneys and staff know what type of evidence the SSA requires. Call (479) 316-0438 to schedule an appointment.
Cirrhosis is a Chronic Medical Condition That Could Prevent You From Working in Arkansas
There are different varieties of cirrhosis. One kind develops from excessive use of alcohol. However, there are non-alcoholic forms of cirrhosis as well. Some of the common causes include fatty liver disease, alcoholism, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Cirrhosis is a chronic condition that progressively replaces healthy liver tissue with fibrous scar tissue, resulting in a loss of liver function. If cirrhosis is severe, it could incapacitate someone to the point where their ability to work is impacted.
Your liver is located in the upper abdominal region. This large organ is designed to perform a variety of valuable functions, including detoxifying the body, purifying the blood, and secreting bile so you can digest fats. While the liver can regenerate itself, the process often leaves fibrous tissue and nodules called cirrhosis.
The symptoms of cirrhosis will depend on the severity of damage to your liver. Some common ones include loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, abdominal fluid build-up, swelling of the legs, and rapid weight loss.
Without proper treatment, cirrhosis could lead to a decrease in mental functions, malnutrition, or a coma because of the toxins in your system. In some cases, increased blood pressure caused by the damaged liver could cause blood vessels to rupture or burst.
If any of these symptoms adversely impact your ability to work, contact our Bentonville disability lawyers immediately to determine if you could be eligible for benefits.
Qualifying for Social Security Benefits for Cirrhosis in Arkansas
For disability purposes, cirrhosis is classified as a chronic liver disease. Therefore, to meet the requirements for SSDI or SSI using the SSA’s classification, you must prove that you meet certain criteria.
For instance, you must suffer from hemorrhaging from your esophagus or stomach varices. Or you could provide medical documentation that high blood pressure in your abdominal arteries required hospitalization and a transfusion of two units or more of blood.
You might be eligible for benefits if you can show that you have abdominal swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in your peritoneal cavity that continues despite continuing medical treatment. This condition must be present at least twice within two months. Furthermore, a spontaneous bacterial infection of the abdominal wall could be attributed to severe cirrhosis. Finally, if your liver function has failed, you could qualify for benefits.
Our experienced Bella Vista Social Security Disability lawyers will work with your healthcare providers and other medical professionals to gather the necessary evidence to demonstrate the severity of your disability.
Residual Functioning Capacity, Medical-Vocational Allowance, and Cirrhosis in Arkansas
In some cases, a person’s complications and symptoms from cirrhosis will not meet the requirements listed in the SSA’s Blue Book. However, you could still qualify for benefits using the medical-vocational allowance with a residual functioning capacity (RFC) test.
The SSA could complete an RFC to determine how your condition and symptoms limit your ability to work. It is not uncommon for our Arkansas disability lawyers to advise having your treating physician complete the RFC. Your doctor has an intimate knowledge of your case and more experience providing treatment for your condition. In most cases, your doctor’s RFC will more accurately reflect your limitations.
Medical Tests Could Establish the Severity of Your Cirrhosis
During the diagnosis and treatment of your cirrhosis, you have undergone extensive diagnostic testing, including CAT scans, MRIs, biopsies, blood tests, urine tests, and the examination of tissue samples. The disability claims process is demanding and detailed, so it is vital to have sufficient and relevant medical evidence to support your claim.
In some situations, the SSA might request a medical evaluation with a physician of their choosing. These evaluations are usually conducted to confirm symptoms and conditions. If one is scheduled, you must attend. However, they are not a replacement for medical treatment or medical documentation. Our Crawford County disability lawyer will carefully review what medical documentation you should provide.
Our Arkansas Social Security Disability Attorneys Have the Experience to Help You
Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are available to provide financial assistance to those who cannot work because of a chronic condition, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Unfortunately, the claims process is difficult and fraught with hurdles. Our experienced Fort Smith disability attorneys are available to help you obtain the benefits you need and deserve. You can set up a free appointment with our law office by calling (479) 316-0438.