Excruciating pain, uncontrollable diarrhea, debilitating fatigue—if this is your daily reality with celiac disease, working a steady job may feel impossible. Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) exists for precisely this reason, but the path to benefits is rarely simple.
As a Louisiana disability attorney with decades of experience, Phillip M. Hendry has guided countless clients through the SSDI maze, securing the support they need to move forward. If you’re trying to get SSDI benefits for celiac disease, here’s what you need to know.
Why Is SSDI for Celiac Disease So Challenging to Obtain?
Securing SSDI benefits for celiac disease comes with unique hurdles that can overwhelm applicants. Understanding these obstacles is the first step to overcoming them.
The SSA's Strict Definition of Disability
Celiac disease doesn't have its own disability listing in the SSA's official impairment catalog, the Blue Book. That means you must prove your symptoms are severe enough to meet or equal a similar listing, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or malnutrition disorders. The SSA outlines the requirements in Section 5.00, Digestive Disorders. A knowledgeable Louisiana SSDI attorney understands the rules and can build your claim strategically from the start.
Lack of Objective Testing for Symptom Severity
While blood tests and endoscopies can definitively diagnose celiac, no single medical test can quantify the intensity of your symptoms. Keeping detailed records of your flares, treatments, and limitations is essential to paint an accurate picture for the SSA. Your disability lawyer will ensure this documentation creates an undeniable portrait of impairment.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Successful SSDI Claim?
Winning SSDI benefits requires a substantial amount of compelling medical evidence. Here's what you'll need to build a robust claim:
Thorough Medical Records Showing Diagnosis and Treatment
Gather all records related to your celiac diagnosis and ongoing care, including:
- Endoscopy and biopsy results confirming intestinal damage
- Antibody blood tests measuring your immune response to gluten
- Treatment notes detailing your gluten-free diet adherence
- Nutritionist assessments of any vitamin deficiencies or malnutrition
- Symptom journals logging the frequency and severity of your flares
Proof of Work-Related Limitations
Your medical evidence must clearly show how your celiac symptoms limit your ability to perform work-related tasks. Potential examples include:
- Frequent, unpredictable diarrhea that requires unscheduled restroom breaks
- Debilitating abdominal pain that affects concentration and productivity
- Hospitalization for severe malnutrition or dehydration from flares
- Anemia causing extreme fatigue and weakness on the job
An experienced Louisiana SSDI lawyer will work with your doctors to obtain detailed statements and assessments that clearly convey the depth of your limitations to the SSA. Generic notes are rarely enough.
Why Having a Louisiana Disability Attorney Is Critical
Navigating the SSDI system is far easier with a skilled legal advocate in your corner. Discover the difference a dedicated disability attorney makes:
Avoiding Common Application Mistakes
SSDI paperwork is notoriously complex, with even minor errors causing costly delays or denials. Working with a skilled representative from the beginning eliminates unnecessary mistakes that could derail your claim. Plus, you can focus on feeling your best while your legal team handles the heavy lifting.
Gathering the Right Medical Evidence
A savvy disability attorney knows precisely what the SSA needs to see to approve your claim. They'll collaborate with your medical team to highlight the unique challenges of your case, using the appropriate language and details to demonstrate your eligibility under SSA rules.
Representing You Through Every Step, Including Appeals
Partnering with a Louisiana SSDI lawyer means you're never alone in this process. From initial application to arguing your case in front of a judge, you'll have a knowledgeable, compassionate advocate by your side, fighting tirelessly for the benefits you deserve. Even if you've been denied before, the right attorney can often turn a no into a yes.
When celiac disease has robbed you of your livelihood, you need—and deserve—support. The road to SSDI benefits may be winding, but with an experienced disability attorney as your guide, you can confidently move toward a brighter future. If you're ready to explore your options, we're here to guide you forward, one step at a time.