Pittsburgh
Leaky Gut Syndrome Lawyer

On This Page

1. Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome
2. Is Leaky Gut Syndrome a Qualifying Impairment Under SSA Rules?
3. What If I Do Not Meet the Criteria Under an Impairment Listing?
4. Getting Disability Benefits and Meeting the Technical Criteria
5. Appealing Your Case After the SSA Denies Your Claim
6. Talk to a Pittsburgh Disability Attorney About Getting Benefits for Leaky Gut Syndrome

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome, also called intestinal permeability, can cause stomach pain as well as digestive issues that make it difficult to work a job and earn a living to support your family. If your symptoms or other related conditions make it impossible to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability for leaky gut syndrome. Your disability benefits could include those from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

At Berger and Green, we can help you understand your eligibility for disability and fight for the full benefits you deserve. We offer free case reviews and handle applications and appeals on a contingency basis. This means you pay nothing unless we get you the benefits you deserve. Call our Pittsburgh office today at 412-661-1400 for a complimentary consultation.

Is Leaky Gut Syndrome a Qualifying Impairment Under SSA Rules?

The SSA’s Blue Book of impairment listings does not have a specific entry for leaky gut syndrome. Often, though, those who have this condition may qualify based on a concurrent diagnosis or a complication of the syndrome. There are a number of conditions commonly seen in conjunction with leaky gut, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Crohn’s disease;
• Lupus; and
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Based on your own health history and diagnosis, you may meet the criteria in an impairment listing for one of these conditions.

If you are not sure whether your condition qualifies you for disability, you should discuss your inability to work with your doctor. They may be able to explain if you meet the medical criteria under an applicable impairment listing or help you identify another listing you may qualify under. They can also ensure you have all the medical documentation the SSA needs to see to prove your disability.

What If I Do Not Meet the Criteria Under an Impairment Listing?

You can still qualify for disability without meeting the criteria under an impairment listing. This requires an evaluation of your residual functional capacity (RFC). The SSA disability examiner will evaluate your RFC if you do not qualify based on an impairment listing.

Determining your RFC occurs in one of three ways:

• The disability examiner assigns your RFC based on your medical records and supporting evidence;
• Your doctor supplies information about your limitations and determines your RFC; or
• The SSA asks you to undergo a consultative medical exam with a third-party doctor, and they assign your RFC based on this evaluation.

If your RFC evaluation finds you cannot work your last job—or any other job you qualify for—you will likely meet the criteria to draw disability.

Our attorneys are familiar with the RFC process. If you are unsure whether the daily limitations your leaky gut syndrome poses are enough to qualify, call us. We can offer our advice and guidance.

Getting Disability Benefits and Meeting the Technical Criteria

While showing you suffer from a qualifying medical condition is difficult, it is not the only part of your disability claim you need to worry about. There are also technical qualifications you must meet. Your local Social Security field office evaluates your technical eligibility as the first step in approving your claim. If you do not meet the technical criteria, the SSA will issue a technical denial of your benefits without forwarding your application to Disability Determination Services.

SSDI Technical Qualifications for Benefits

SSDI has two primary technical qualifications: a limit on your earned income and a work credits requirement. You cannot work and earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit and still receive approval for benefits. In addition, you need to have the required number of work credits, which you earn by maintaining a long work history and paying into Social Security through a job during the last five years.

SSI Requirements You Must Meet to Qualify

While there are no work credit requirements for SSI, this program has very strict income limits. In addition, the SSA requires qualifying applicants to hold a very small number of personal resources to qualify. The SSA allows for certain exemptions and deductions when calculating your total income and assets.

It can be difficult to determine if you meet the technical qualifications for SSDI or SSI benefits. Our lawyers can examine your records and offer advice on which program you are most likely to qualify for.

Appealing Your Case After the SSA Denies Your Claim

The most common outcome of applying for disability is to receive a letter of denial from the SSA. If this happens to you, do not panic. It does not mean you will never qualify for benefits. It simply means it is time to begin the disability appeals process.

You only have 60 days to request an appeals hearing, so it is best to act quickly. We can walk you through this process before we begin investigating your claim. If you decide to move forward with an appeal, we will represent you to an Administrative Law Judge during your hearing. Just call us as soon as possible after you get your denial letter, and we can handle your appeal for you.

As we wait for the date of your appeals hearing, we will look into the reason the SSA provided for denying you benefits. We know what the SSA is looking for in a successful claim. We will do everything we can to either collect the evidence it needs to approve your claim.

Most of our well-qualified clients receive monthly benefits and back pay based on the Administrative Law Judge’s decision. If you do not, we can continue the appeals process or discuss other options.

Talk to a Pittsburgh Disability Attorney About Getting Benefits for Leaky Gut Syndrome

Berger and Green can help you get approved for the disability benefits you deserve. We can file your application or your appeal to fight a denial, or just double-check your initial claim for you. Call us today for a free consultation. You can reach our Pittsburgh office at 412-661-1400.