In recognition of the physical and financial burdens that may be imposed upon recipients of liver transplants, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers recipients to be disabled for a full year following the procedure. So, while you are likely to be eligible for disability benefits during each of the 12 months that follow your operation, you will still need to complete and file an application with the SSA that proves that you meet the eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
If you need to undergo liver transplantation, the Indiana digestive system disorder attorneys from Hankey Marks & Crider can help you understand whether you are eligible for benefits from the SSA and, more importantly, help you complete and file your application with the SSA. That being said, we understand just how much you may depend on the outcome of this claim, and our firm has the experience and resources necessary to help you work though every aspect of your application.
Medical Eligibility Requirements for Benefits
Assuming that you have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or that your income qualifies you for Supplemental Security Income, you will need to prove that you meet the SSA’s listing requirements for “Liver Transplantation.” As such, it will be necessary to provide documentation that you required a liver transplant to deal with one of the following problems:
- Progressive liver failure
- Acute fulminant hepatitis—including viral, toxin-induced, and drug-induced iterations
- Metabolic liver disease
- Hepatic malignancy
Once the SSA accepts your application, the SSA will consider you to be disabled for the year that follows your operation. After the year has passed, the SSA will then reevaluate your medical condition to determine whether you are eligible for benefits based on your residual impairment. In order to determine your eligibility, the SSA will consider the following:
- Functionality of your post-transplant liver
- The frequency and severity of rejection episodes
- The necessity of antiviral therapy after the transplant
- Comorbid complications
- Any other adverse treatment effects
Though all of this can be somewhat overwhelming—particularly as you are preparing for such a serious procedure—our legal team will be there to help you work through each and every aspect of the application process for your benefits.
Consult with a Digestive System Disorder Attorneys in Indiana
If you have to undergo a liver transplant operation, there is a good chance that you will be eligible to access SSD benefits for at least the 12 months that follow your operation. Once you reach out to a lawyer at Hankey Marks & Crider, we can help you ensure that your application is as complete as it can be and filed on time. To speak with a member of our legal team about the particulars of your benefits claim, please call our offices at (317) 634-8565 today.