Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Social Security Disability

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): What is IBS? IBS is a functional disorder of the gut.  The symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• A bloated feeling
• Gas
• Diarrhea or constipation — sometimes alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
• Mucus in the stool

  Many of my clients have IBS. It can be mild or severe. Can you get disability for IBS? The answer is it depends on your individual case. If a claimant has to have bathroom breaks every hour for fifteen minutes then it would be easier to show the Social Security Administration that you cannot work a full-time job. In order to receive social security benefits you do not have to show that you cannot work at all- you have to show that you cannot work a full-time job.  Most employers will not allow an employee to take prolonged bathroom breaks every hour.  However, I have had a vocational expert testify that most employers will allow an employee to take a five minute bathroom break each hour. You may also qualify if you meet a listing, but such a listing is for those with severe symptoms.  It can be found here-http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm#5_06. If your case is mild and you don’t need frequent bathroom breaks it would be more difficult to show why you cannot work a full-time job. However, there are other factors to consider. Do you have any other physical or emotional problems?   Do you have severe pain? Do you need to frequently obtain medical care for your condition? As you can see each case is individual and all of the factors involved must be looked at in each case. If you are uncertain if you qualify please call Brent Law Firm, PC at (716) 831-1111 and I would be more than happy to answer all of your questions about IBS. Please remember that this is just general information, and everyone’s situation is unique. This article should not be considered legal advice.