Pittsburgh
Ulcers Lawyer

On This Page

1. Get Disability Benefits With Ulcers
2. Qualifying for Disability Benefits Based on Your Ulcers and Other Symptoms
3. Getting Disability for Ulcers If You Do Not Meet a Blue Book Listing
4. Understanding the Technical Qualifications for Disability Benefits
5. Appealing a Denied Claim for Disability Benefits
6. Talk to a Pittsburgh Disability Lawyer About Benefits for Ulcers

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Get Disability Benefits With Ulcers

If your ulcers and other symptoms do prevent you from earning a living, you may qualify for monthly income and other benefits from a disability program, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

At Berger and Green, our disability lawyers understand how to get Social Security Disability for ulcers in Pittsburgh, PA. Our team can double-check your disability application before you file it, or we can help appeal your denial if the Social Security Administration (SSA) did not accept your initial claim. Call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-661-1400 for your free case review.

Qualifying for Disability Benefits Based on Your Ulcers and Other Symptoms

To get disability benefits based on your diagnosis and symptoms, you need to meet the qualifications under an applicable impairment listing in the SSA’s Blue Book. You could qualify for benefits under several different listings in the Blue Book.

Section 5.02 – Gastrointestinal Hemorrhaging

The most common way people with disabling stomach ulcers meet an impairment listing is by meeting the criteria based on their gastrointestinal bleeding. If your ulcers cause serious enough bleeding that you needed a number of blood transfusions, you could qualify under Section 5.02. You will need to ensure your medical record includes evidence to show:

• You required three or more blood transfusions during a six-month period;
• These blood transfusions were never less than 30 days apart; and
• You needed a least two units of blood each time.

Section 5.06 – Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Some people who suffer from chronic stomach ulcers also have impairments related to IBD. Ulcerative colitis, especially, can cause chronic ulcers as well as other symptoms that prevent you from working and earning a living. To qualify based on an IBD diagnosis, your medical evidence will need to show you meet the specific criteria outlined in Section 5.06 of the Blue Book.

Section 8.04 – Chronic Infections of the Skin or Mucous Membranes

The stomach is not the only place you can develop chronic ulcers. If you suffer from ulcers of the skin or mucous membranes, you may qualify for benefits under Section 8.04 of the impairment listings. The criteria outlined in this listing include chronic infections that persist for three months or more despite well-documented treatment.

You may qualify under additional impairment listings, depending on your medical history, symptoms, and prognosis. Your doctor can help you understand if your medical records provide enough evidence to convince the SSA of your disability.

Getting Disability for Ulcers If You Do Not Meet a Blue Book Listing

You can still get disability benefits if you do not meet a Blue Book listing. This may be possible based on your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). To assign your RFC, a doctor will evaluate your ability to work. There are three ways this might occur:

• A doctor from the SSA will evaluate your abilities based on the information in your application and medical records; or
• Your doctor will evaluate your abilities based on their records and knowledge of your condition; or
• You will undergo an examination with a doctor assigned and paid for by the SSA.

They will look at the tasks you can do, how long you can work, and how often you can work. If you cannot work a previous job or any other job you qualify for, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Understanding the Technical Qualifications for Disability Benefits

As one of the first steps of the disability application process, the staff from your local Social Security field office will check to make sure you meet the technical qualifications of the disability program. If you do not, they will issue a technical denial. Our attorneys can review your information to determine if you meet the qualifications for each program.

SSDI Qualifications

SSDI requires you to have a certain number of work credits to receive benefits. This means you will need to have worked for several years before your illness or injury. The number of credits you need will depend on your age at the time you apply for benefits.

Qualifications for SSI Benefits

SSI is an income-based program. It requires your household to meet strict income and asset limits to qualify. Some assets do not count toward your total, such as your home, your vehicle, and the tools you use for work.

Appealing a Denied Claim for Disability Benefits

If the SSA denied your application, you can file an appeal and ask an Administrative Law Judge to overturn the denial. We can help you fight a denial and try to get you the monthly benefits and back pay you need and deserve.

You only have a short period to request an appeals hearing, so it pays to call us as soon as possible after receiving your denial notice. After you call us, you can expect:

• A free consultation to discuss your application and health condition;
• Our team to request a hearing date on your behalf;
• Help understanding why the SSA denied your claim;
• Our help in building a strong case for the benefits you need; and
• Representation during your hearing with the Administrative Law Judge.

If we can convince the Administrative Law Judge to approve your application, you will begin receiving monthly benefits. You may also receive significant back pay.

Talk to a Pittsburgh Disability Lawyer About Benefits for Ulcers

The attorneys from Berger and Green know how hard it can be to get disability benefits. We are here to help you fight for the benefits you need and deserve, even after a denial. Let us review your case and file your appeal for you.

Call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-661-1400 for a free consultation.