When chronic liver disease turns life-threatening, disability benefits can be a lifeline. But a diagnosis alone isn't enough to qualify for Social Security disability insurance. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict medical criteria for liver disease claims—and denials are common without the right evidence.
Louisiana disability attorney Phillip M. Hendry can help you understand the SSDI medical listing for liver disease and gather the necessary proof to qualify. Don't let the SSA minimize the severity of your condition. Here’s what you need to know.
What Conditions Does SSDI's Liver Disease Listing Cover?
The SSA evaluates liver disease under section 5.00 Digestive Disorders. Specific requirements are covered in Section 5.05, Chronic Liver Disease (CLD). To meet this listing, your medical records must show one of the following conditions:
- Chronic liver failure
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Liver transplant
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Ascites or hydrothorax
- Bleeding esophageal or gastric varices
- Hepatorenal syndrome
A diagnosis isn't enough on its own, though. SSA also requires specific test results, hospitalizations, or other proof of severity.
Test Results Needed to Prove Eligible Liver Disease
Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to show:
- Abnormal blood tests indicating loss of liver function
- Elevated serum creatinine levels
- Low serum sodium levels
- Fluid in the pleural cavity or peritoneal cavity
- Liver biopsy confirming cirrhosis
Your symptoms and treatment history also provide key evidence. Qualifying impairments often involve uncontrolled ascites, multiple hospitalizations for encephalopathy, or recent massive hemorrhage.
Meeting Disability Criteria: It's Not Just About Diagnosis
SSA is looking for evidence that your liver disease is so advanced that you can't work any job. You'll need medical records showing your limitations—not just a diagnosis. These may include:
- Imaging scans and lab panels tracking disease progression
- Hospitalization records for liver-related emergencies
- Treatment notes detailing medication side effects and responses
- Logs of physical exam findings over time
Winning SSDI for liver disease is a complicated process. An experienced disability attorney knows what proof you need and how to counter SSA's common objections.
The Financial and Emotional Toll of Advanced Liver Disease
Liver failure doesn't just steal your health—it can also drain your savings and independence. Even with insurance, treatment costs add up fast. Meanwhile, worsening symptoms can make even basic self-care a struggle, let alone full-time work.
Monthly SSDI payments can help you afford essential medical care and living expenses when working isn't possible. Benefits also qualify you for Medicare coverage, expanding your treatment options.
For many people with chronic liver disease, SSDI is the difference between getting by and falling behind. However, the application process is fraught with challenges that can trip up even the most deserving claimants.
Why SSDI for Liver Disease Gets Denied—and How to Fight Back
SSA denies most initial applications, often due to insufficient medical evidence or paperwork mistakes. Claimants then face multiple levels of appeals, each with its own rules and deadlines. A single misstep can derail your case.
Common SSDI Application and Appeal Pitfalls
- Incomplete or outdated medical records
- Missing test results or hospital records
- Inadequate physician statements
- Errors in work history or job descriptions
- Missed filing deadlines
An SSDI denial isn't the end of the road, but you need a strong case strategy to win on appeal. That's where an experienced disability lawyer comes in.
Don't Face SSDI Alone: Get an Attorney Who Knows the Listing
Applying for disability with liver disease means more than checking boxes on a form. You need a compelling evidentiary record that removes any doubt about the severity of your condition.
Attorney Phillip M. Hendry can take the burden off your shoulders. He understands the SSDI medical listings inside and out—and he knows how Louisiana Disability Determination Services applies them. Let him put that knowledge to work and maximize your chances of approval by:
- Ensuring your claim file is complete and accurate
- Obtaining persuasive opinion evidence from your doctors
- Highlighting key medical records that prove disability
- Preparing you to testify convincingly at your hearing
- Crafting a winning theory for your unique case
When liver disease steals your livelihood, don't let an SSDI denial take even more. Phillip M. Hendry and his skilled legal team stand ready to build the strongest possible disability claim. Your financial security is worth fighting for.