Does SSA Qualify Hepatitis as a Disability?
Hepatitis B and C are serious viral infections of the liver that can lead to long-term complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even liver failure. People with acute hepatitis B infections may not experience any symptoms and the infection might go away on its own, but recurrent chronic hepatitis B can cause major damage to the liver. Hepatitis C is more serious in that it does not have a vaccine and is more likely to develop into a chronic condition requiring intensive treatment. People with hepatitis C are also at an increased risk of developing liver cancer or needing a liver transplant. If symptoms from either of these conditions significantly limit daily activities, individuals may qualify for disability benefits.
How Do I Get Approved for Benefits with Hepatitis?
The Social Security Administration evaluates applications for disability due to hepatitis using related listings for liver disorders such as Chronic Liver Disease (Listing 5.05), Weight Loss due to any Digestive Disorder (Listing 5.08) and Liver Transplantation (Listing 5.09). In order to receive disability benefits through these listings, individuals must have lab results showing greatly reduced function within their livers as well as evidence of comorbidities associated with their condition.
For those who have received a liver transplant or developed severe complications such as liver cancer, the SSA will find them disabled automatically under Listings 5.09 and 13.19 respectively under their Compassionate Allowances program. It is important that individuals who suffer from chronic hepatitis B or C seek medical attention right away in order to manage their condition properly and get access to all available benefits while dealing with this potentially debilitating virus. To learn more, read here.
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