Liver Disease

Liver Disease, Alcoholism & Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration’s Blue Book characterizes liver disease as anything causing liver inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis or fibrosis) or liver cell death (necrosis). For someone with alcoholic liver disease to be considered possibly eligible for Social Security disability, they must have suffered from liver disease for at least six months. SSA’s Blue Book further defines chronic liver disease as something that cannot be reversed through treatment. For example, applicants with drug/alcohol-induced, ischemic or viral hepatitis may not qualify for Social Security disability because this type of acute hepatic injury is generally reversible.

 

What Other Requirements Are Involved With Obtaining Social Security Disability for Liver Disease?

 

Meeting SSA’s requirements for alcoholic liver disease also includes providing documentation to the SSA that a physician has endorsed a diagnosis of chronic or end-stage liver disease. Complications of liver disease must include one or more of the following:

 

  • 1. Gastrointestinal or esophageal hemorrhage
  • 2. Bacterial peritonitis
  • 3. Fluid in the pleural or peritoneal cavity
  • 4. Hepatic encephalopathy or hepatopulmonary syndrome

 

What Are Functional Limitations?

 

The Social Security Administration will evaluate a person’s application by determining the degree of their “Residual Functional Capacity” or RFC. This questionnaire should be completed by the applicant’s physician and submitted along with additional clinical documentation. The main purpose of an RFC is to give SSA representatives an idea of how much physical activity the applicant is capable of performing. The final RFC rating, along with the applicant’s age, education level and job skills/experience, contributes significantly to the decision made by the SSA regarding disability relief.

 

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer Today

 

Professional preparation of the application package is vital to obtaining a quick response from the SSA. Most claims submitted are initially denied to discourage people from reapplying.

 

Get the legal assistance you need for obtaining SS disability by calling 877-978-3405.