Qualifying for SSD with Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks the liver and causes inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the leading cause of liver cancer and most common reason for liver transplantation in the United States.

The most common types of hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, but there are also Hepatitis D and Hepatitis E infections.

• Hepatitis A – a severe liver disease that lasts a couple of weeks to several months, but will not develop into a chronic infection
• Hepatitis B – ranges from a mild illness to a long-term illness, leading to liver disease or cancer
• Hepatitis C – a critical illness that most often becomes a chronic condition, leading to liver cancer or cirrhosis (a condition caused by scar tissue in the liver that leads to loss of functions)
• Hepatitis D – uncommon in the United States, this type is a serious disease that reproduces from Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis E – uncommon in the United States, this type is an acute infection that doesn’t lead to a chronic illness

Social Security Disability for Hepatitis

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates chronic liver disease according to the following criteria:

• Portal hypertensive gastropathy or hemorrhaging from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices
  • What it is: hemorrhaging or bleeding from the stomach
  • How it is evaluated: requires hospitalization for transfusion of at least two units of blood
• Ascites or hydrothorax
  • What it is: the accumulation of fluid in the body surrounding the lungs
  • How it is evaluated: must persist despite prescribed treatment within a consecutive six-month period
• Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
  • What it is: an infection in the abdominal cavity
• Hepatorenal syndrome
  • What it is: rapid deterioration in kidney function
• Hepatopulmonary syndrome
  • What it is: lack of oxygen in the lungs creating shortness of breath due to broadening blood vessels
• Hepatic encephalopathy
  • What it is: loss of consciousness or coma due to liver failure
• End stage liver disease

Let Our Team Help you Qualify for SSD Benefits with Hepatitis

Chronic forms of hepatitis can cause symptoms that range from severe illness and infection to shortness of breath and even coma. If you have hepatitis, it may be impossible for you to hold down a steady job and earn the money you need for your living expenses and medical costs. Our Social Security Disability lawyers fight for the rights of people like you whose illnesses prevent them from working.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we navigate the SSA claims process on your behalf and help maximize your chances of qualifying for SSD with hepatitis. Don’t wait to get the help you need—contact our law firm today.