Strategies for Getting SSDI Benefits for Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging
When your stomach, esophagus, or small intestine are hemorrhaging so much blood that you need to have transfusions, you know that a serious problem is going on. Thankfully, so does the Social Security Administration.
That’s why gastrointestinal hemorrhaging qualifies as a disability. All you have to do is meet their eligibility requirements. How do you meet these requirements and get the Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits you need?
The first method is to look at Listing 5.02 in their Listings of Impairments and prove that you match the criteria they have set down.
What exactly is the Listings of Impairments? It’s a guide to all of the debilitating conditions that the SSA officially recognizes as disabilities. In it, you can find a definition for each impairment as well as a list of requirements that you need to meet to get benefits. If you match these requirements, you automatically qualify for benefits.
But what happens if you can’t meet the requirements? Luckily, there’s a second method. Instead of matching the specific criteria that the SSA has included, you need to show them that your medical issue is equivalent to a condition in the book. As you might imagine, doing this isn’t as simple as meeting predetermined criteria, so you should always try to qualify through the Listings first.
Criteria to Get SSDI for Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging
The requirements you need to meet to match Listing 5.02 are quite specific. However, you should know that there is still some wiggle room. Talk to an experienced disability attorney about your specific situation to learn what options you have.
What are the criteria for this listing?
- You must suffer from gastrointestinal hemorrhaging that requires a blood transfusion
- Each transfusion must require two or more units of blood
- Over a consecutive six-month period, transfusions must occur on three occasions or more
- During the six-month period, transfusions must be at least 30 days apart
If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible for disability benefits for one year. After that, any ongoing impairment you’re suffering from will be evaluated to see if you are eligible for further benefits.
One of the most important things you can do to support your claim and help your case is to provide medically acceptable test results. Here are some of the tests the SSA accepts for this gastrointestinal hemorrhaging:
- Hematocrit
- Upper GI endoscopy
- GI bleed localization study
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Winning SSDI for Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging by the Second Method
Many people decide to give up if they can’t match the requirements of their listing, but doing this can be a mistake. Remember, there is a second method you can use to get benefits.
Those who can’t meet a particular listing can still utilize the Five Step Sequential Evaluation Process to prove to the SSA they have a condition that is the equivalent of a condition already in the Listings of Impairments.
How do you prove equivalency?
You provide compelling evidence to show the SSA that your condition has prevented you from working for at least 12 straight months. Doing this may not sound too difficult, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that it is easy. For the best chance at getting a positive outcome, you definitely want a knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyer by your side to guide you through the process.
Find out what it takes to prevail in your SSDI claim in our free ebook, The Social Security Disability Puzzle.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
