SSDI Disability Claims Based on Liver Disease

Law Offices of Stuart Pastor — Austin and Plano, Texas

Claims for Social Security Disability Insurance arising from liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis C are typically challenging. This is especially true when the primary disabling symptom of the condition is fatigue. Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom of hepatitis C, but the majority of people who test positive for hepatitis C are able to work, and the degree of fatigue reported by hepatitis C patients is not correlated with the severity of liver disease or the level of virus in the body.

Report Your Symptoms and Limitations Arising from Liver Disease and Hepatitis C to Your Doctor.

Social Security will examine your medical records to obtain information about your symptoms and functional limitations. Your physician will be asked to give his or her opinion about your functional limitations. Your doctor will not be able to accurately answer this question unless you inform your doctor of the full extent of your symptoms and limitations.

Sometimes people with cirrhosis or hepatitis C are able to perform various activities, but are exhausted afterwards and need to rest following the activity. Some people with cirrhosis or hepatitis C experience so much fatigue by a certain time of day that they have to lie down and sleep. Your doctor should be made aware of whatever limitations you experience. Similarly, you should tell your doctor of the adverse effects you experience from the medications that you take.

Do not assume that because you told your doctor once about the adverse effects of medications or your functional limitations that he or she will assume that you continue to experience them. As long as you continue to experience a particular symptom, limitation on your activity, or adverse drug effect, you should be reporting it to your physician.

Social Security will look to your medical records as a source of information about these matters. A conflict between what you tell Social Security and what your medical records reveal can result in the denial of your claim.

There are certain tests to which Social Security attaches special importance. If these tests have not been performed, an experienced Social Security disability attorney may suggest that your doctor or an appropriate physician perform the tests to strengthen your case. Even if your case has been denied it is possible that such tests have been performed, and the results are supportive of your claim, but the person who decided your case overlooked them. An experienced Social Security disability attorney will highlight the medical findings in your medical records that support your claim under the guidelines that Social Security has issued.

Contact My Office to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Attorney

I have successfully represented many people suffering from liver diseases. If you or a family member suffers from such a disability, please do not hesitate to call me toll-free at 1-888-616-6162 or send me an e-mail. I will personally answer your questions.

We Can Start Your Case with a Phone Call

For some of my clients, traveling to a lawyer's office is difficult. I am happy to use telephone conferences, and the exchange of paperwork by mail to get your case started. In some circumstances I am available to make home visits.

Three Convenient Office Locations:
In Austin: 512-687-3443
In Dallas: 214-800-2022
In Plano: 972-599-2600

Toll Free: 888-616-6162

Or send an e-mail.