Crohn’s Disease Social Security Disability Attorneys
According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, as many as 780,000 Americans may be afflicted with Crohn’s disease. This chronic disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) from the mouth to the anus. There are treatments to help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but there is not yet a cure.
Crohn’s disease can significantly limit a person’s personal and professional life. In severe cases, a person with this disease might even lose the ability to work. Hankey Marks & Crider is here to help those who have lost their wages due to Crohn’s disease.
If you are not able to work due to Crohn’s disease, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Contact Hankey Marks & Crider to speak with one of our Indianapolis Social Security attorneys.
Hankey Marks & Crider has over 75 years of combined legal experience, and we pride ourselves on the successes that we have had for our clients. Our clients are our top priority, and we work tirelessly to get them the best possible outcome each and every time.
Do not hesitate to call us. Don’t miss out on income that you are entitled to. Contact us online or call us now at (317) 634-8565 for a free consultation.
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation defines Crohn’s disease as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease. That means it will be persistent throughout a person’s life, and ongoing treatment is required. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not yet fully understood, but there are three factors that contribute to the development of this disease: genes, the immune system, and environmental factors.
What Are the Types of Crohn’s Disease?
The type of Crohn’s disease you have is dependent on what part of the gastrointestinal tract is affected. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation lists the five types of Crohn’s disease:
Ileocolitis (Ileoceceal Crohn’s Disease)
Ileocoltis is the most common form of Crohn’s disease. Ileocolitis affects the last part of the small intestine (ileum) and the first part of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms can include diarrhea, cramping, pain in the middle or lower right of the abdomen, and significant weight loss.
Ileitis
Ileitis is a type of Crohn’s disease that only affects the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. It can be hard to distinguish ileitis from appendicitis because they present pain in the same area. Symptoms can include diarrhea, cramping, pain in the middle or lower right part of the abdomen, and significant weight loss. In severe cases, complications may include fistulas or inflammatory abscess in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen.
Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease
Gastroduodenal Chron’s Disease affects the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Jejunoileitis
Jejunoileitis is a type of Chron’s disease that is characterized by inflammation of the upper half of the small intestine (jejunum). Symptoms can include diarrhea, mild to intense abdominal pain following meals, and fistulas.
Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis
Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis affects the large intestine (colon). Symptoms can include diarrhea, rectal bleeding, skin lesions, and joint pain.
How Does Crohn’s Disease Cause Disability?
Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. However, in some cases, people can also experience symptoms in other parts of the body, including eyes, skin, and joints. The symptoms are unpredictable and can flare up at any time without warning.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation lists the following as symptoms of Crohn’s disease:
- Abdominal pains and cramps
- Persistent diarrhea
- Fever
- Rectal Bleeding
- Constipation
- Urgent need for bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Loss of normal menstrual cycle
What Are Complications of Crohn’s Disease?
Crohn’s disease symptoms can range from mild to severe, and these symptoms can intensify over time. Depending on the severity, Crohn’s disease symptoms can cause complications that can limit or eliminate a person’s ability to work.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation lists the following as complications caused by Crohn’s disease:
- Abscess
- Anemia
- Bone loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Fissures
- Fistula
- Increased risk of colon cancer
- Malabsorption and malnutrition
- Perforated bowel
- Stricture
- Ulcers
Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Income?
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is a federal, tax-funded insurance program that provides benefits to eligible individuals. In order to be eligible, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, as well as have a disability or illness that prevents you from working, such as Crohn’s disease.
Determining whether you are eligible for SSDI benefits can be difficult, and applying for those benefits can be even more difficult. If you’ve applied and have been denied benefits, filing an appeal is also challenging. Therefore, we recommend working with an experienced lawyer to help you throughout the entire process of obtaining Social Security disability income.
If you are not eligible for SSDI, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is for disabled individuals with limited income. A lawyer will be able to determine which benefits you are eligible for.
How Can Hankey Marks & Crider Help Me?
You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, but that does not mean that your application will be accepted. A small error in completion of the form may cause the application to be denied. This is unfair and unjust, and the attorneys at Hankey Marks & Crider never want this to happen to you.
At Hankey Marks & Crider, we hold the Social Security Administration (SSA) accountable for providing benefits to all qualified individuals. If you or a loved one has Crohn’s disease, can no longer work and has paid into Social Security, our legal team can help get you the income that you are entitled to.
Our attorneys are here to review eligibility, help you apply for benefits, or help you appeal your claim if needed. Contact us online or call us now at (317) 634-8565 for a free consultation.