Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome a Disability?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms of IBS can include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily activities, including work. This raises the question: is irritable bowel syndrome a disability? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question and provide information about how to apply for disability benefits if you are unable to work due to IBS.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, a person must meet the medical criteria for disability as outlined in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. This list contains medical conditions that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a person for disability benefits if certain criteria are met. Unfortunately, IBS is not included in this list.

However, that does not mean that a person with IBS cannot qualify for disability benefits. Instead, the SSA will evaluate the person’s medical evidence and residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if they are unable to work due to their IBS.

Medical Evidence

When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to provide medical evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include medical records, lab reports, imaging studies, and statements from your treating physicians. The medical evidence should show that your IBS symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform basic work activities.

It is important to note that the SSA will not consider your symptoms alone when evaluating your claim. Instead, they will look for objective medical evidence to support your claim. This means that you should have a formal diagnosis of IBS, as well as evidence that your symptoms are not controlled by medication or other treatments.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Mucus in the stool

These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to perform basic work activities, including sitting, standing, walking, and lifting. Additionally, the need for frequent bathroom breaks can make it difficult to maintain a regular work schedule.

Residual Functional Capacity

When evaluating a disability claim, the SSA will also consider the person’s residual functional capacity (RFC). This is a measure of the person’s ability to perform basic work activities despite their medical condition. The SSA will evaluate the person’s physical and mental abilities to determine if they are capable of performing sedentary, light, or medium work.

If the person’s RFC is such that they are unable to perform even sedentary work, the SSA may find them disabled and award disability benefits. However, if the person is capable of performing sedentary work, the SSA may deny their claim.

Applying for Social Security Disability

If you are unable to work due to your IBS, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. To apply for disability benefits, you will need to complete an application and provide medical evidence to support your claim. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office.

When completing your application, be sure to provide detailed information about your IBS symptoms and how they affect your ability to work. You should also provide all relevant medical evidence, including records from your treating physicians and any imaging studies or lab reports.