Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits
The SSA addresses digestive impairments in its Listing of Impairments under Listing 5.00: Digestive Disorders. These listings cover gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, chronic liver disease and liver transplantation, inflammatory bowel disease, short bowel syndrome, and weight loss due to digestive disorders. The listings contain specific symptoms and test results you must demonstrate to the SSA in order to be found disabled based on your medical records. If you review this listing but find that you do not experience all of the requirements of a listing, it does not mean that you are not disabled under the SSA's rules; it simply means that you will have to provide additional evidence to show that you are disabled. For example, a medical expert may review your records and determine that even though you do not precisely meet every requirement of a listing, your symptoms are sufficiently similar to those requirements that your impairment "equals" the listing. Further, even if none of the listings apply to your combination of impairments, the SSA will evaluate the extent to which your symptoms affect your physical and/or mental capabilities to perform work. In my experience as an Indiana Social Security disability attorney, I find that many of my clients do not meet or equal one of the listings, but instead have such a reduced capacity to perform job-like activities that they are considered disabled.
While the symptoms of IBS can vary, some of the more common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Excessive bowel movements
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Gas and bloating
The preceding is for your information only and is not intended as legal advice.
If you or someone you know is suffering from anemia and is unable to work due to this disabling condition, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits. 
Believe it or not even individuals suffering from severe