Over 64.2 million people received some type of benefits from a Social Security Administration (SSA) program in the year 2014, and 86 percent of those received payments for a disability from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Gastroparesis is one such disability that may qualify you for SSI benefits. Let’s take a closer look at this disorder and how you can apply for SSA benefits after a diagnosis.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis is a disorder affecting the proper functions of digestion. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a series of twisting and turning tubes, comprised of muscle contractors called sphincters that help food move through your body and then out.
A healthy GI tract uses muscle contractions and enzymes to push digested from the stomach, through the large and small intestines, and out the anus. In a GI tract with gastroparesis, these sphincters and enzymes fail to push waste through, or move waste through much too slowly. Since these functions are largely controlled by the vagus nerve, damage by serious illness or injury can seriously affect the proper functions of digestion. Although people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gastroparesis, no known cause exists.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
This disorder can become incredibly uncomfortable and damaging, so it’s important to look out for common symptoms of gastroparesis, including:
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Nausea
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Feeling full after eating small portions
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Vomiting undigested food hours after eating
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Acid reflux, also known as heartburn
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Abdominal pain
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Bloating
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Lack of appetite
Symptoms may present mildly at first and worsen over time, and is sometimes difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many other illnesses. Additionally, as with most disorders, gastroparesis symptoms may become worse after partaking in certain behaviors, such as:
Diagnosis and Treatments
Unfortunately, gastroparesis isn’t curable; it’s a chronic condition that comes and goes. For this reason, it’s important to get a diagnosis so doctors can help you become as comfortable as possible, as well as help you stay active while managing it. Common methods of diagnosis include:
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Upper GI endoscopy: In this procedure, doctors use a thin, flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end to see inside the GI tract. It is inserted through the mouth, and the patient may be anesthetized during the process to avoid severe discomfort. This method can reveal blockages or malfunctions in the GI tract.
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Upper GI series: This series uses X-ray technology to take pictures of the patient’s GI tract. A radiologist who specializes in digestion will analyze the photos. X-rays of the GI tract only require that a patient does not eat or drink for eight hours before the event.
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Ultrasound: Using ultrasound technology, which uses sound waves to create a picture, doctors can look inside the GI tract to determine any problems without an invasive procedure. The patient must only lie down while the doctor runs the imaging tool over the abdomen.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, doctors might use other methods to diagnose and look more closely at the GI tract to determine the cause.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
After you’ve visited a doctor and been diagnosed with gastroparesis, you might feel confused and scared about the future. Since treatments are limited and the disorder is difficult to manage, you might be wondering about your ability to work and provide for your family. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits can help ease your mind. To apply, you’ll need:
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Results of your endoscopy, GI series, X-rays, or other diagnostic method
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The official diagnosis from your primary physician
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A properly completed application
It’s important to note that it can be difficult to compile the correct information and complete the application properly. To ensure turning in a complete and correct application, it’s important you consult a disability lawyer before submitting the application to the SSA.
We Can Help You
If you or your loved one has been recently diagnosed with gastroparesis and need help or have questions about your application, allow us to guide you through it. The experienced team at Keefe Disability Law has helped many others receive benefits for their disorders, and we can help you too. To get started on your application, start a live online chat with us today.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
Related Links:
- SSDI for Crohn’s Disease
- Benefits of Hiring a Social Security Attorney
- Do All Disabilities Qualify for SSA Benefits
FAQs
Someone with gastroparesis alone may have his or her application denied. However, if the same person has an endocrine system disorder and gastroparesis, he or she may stand a better chance of approval. A residual functional capacity (RFC) form can also improve a claimant's chance of approval.
How to answer Social Security Disability questions? ›
- 7 tips for answering questions at a disability hearing.
- Only answer questions if someone asks you directly.
- Be specific.
- Don't over-explain.
- Don't exaggerate or minimize your symptoms.
- Answer based on how you feel most days.
- Stay consistent with information in your application.
- Be polite.
What is the easiest condition to get disability? ›
What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common.
What must a claimant be able to demonstrate in order to collect Social Security disability benefits? ›
For you to be considered to have a disability by Social Security's definition, your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities — such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering — for at least 12 months.
How bad can gastroparesis get? ›
Some of the possible complications of gastroparesis can be life-threatening if they're very severe. These complications are related to malnutrition, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and blood sugar fluctuations with diabetes. Your healthcare provider will work with you to minimize the risk of these complications.
Is gastroparesis a critical illness? ›
Gastroparesis is a common problem in the ICU. Disorders of gastric emptying are the cause of intolerance to nutrition through the GI tract in a large proportion of critically ill patients.
What not to say on a disability function report? ›
When telling Social Security about your daily activities, avoid general statements like "I get up, shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, go outside to read, eat lunch, etc." These can give the impression that your days are typical and without difficulty.
How should I answer the disability question on an application? ›
You can keep it simple. You have the right to request accommodations without stating your disability. For instance, as a person who is hard of hearing, you might say, “I benefit from closed captions.
What can you not say in a Social Security disability interview? ›
Ten Things You Should Never Say When Applying For Social Security Disability
- “It's not that bad. ...
- “I'm getting better.” ...
- “I can work, but no one will hire me.” ...
- “It hurts.” ...
- “I'm not being treated.” or “I stopped treatment.” ...
- “I have a history of drug use/criminal activity.” ...
- “My relative gets disability.”
What gives 100% disability? ›
The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.
Neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injuries. Cognitive and mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, dementia, depression, intellectual disabilities and schizophrenia. Cancer.
What are 3 ways a person may become ineligible for disability benefits? ›
Here are some common leading reasons claims are often denied:
- Lack of medical evidence.
- Prior denials.
- Too much earnings.
- Failure to follow treatment advice.
- Failure to cooperate.
What is the maximum back pay for SSDI? ›
How Far Back Will SSDI Cover? Minus the five-month waiting period, you should receive back payments for any delays. The maximum SSDI will provide in back payments is 12 months. Your disability would have to start 12 months before you applied to receive the maximum in SSDI benefits.
What disabilities are hard to prove? ›
Degenerative Conditions: Degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, can be difficult to prove because their effects worsen over time. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Conditions such as autism can be difficult to prove due to the fact that they require more assessments.
Is it hard to work with gastroparesis? ›
Gastroparesis can disrupt daily activities, including work. People with gastroparesis are often concerned about whether to disclose the condition to their employer and colleagues, and how to manage the workload when they are experiencing gastroparesis-related absences.
How disabling is gastroparesis? ›
A disease like gastroparesis can cause several symptoms that can make it difficult to function, such as vomiting, severe pain, and general difficulties with digestion.
What is the severity score for gastroparesis? ›
The severity scores of four gastroparesis-related symptoms (nausea, early satiety, postprandial fullness, upper abdominal pain) range from 0-none to 4-very severe.
Is gastroparesis a debilitating disease? ›
Severe Gastroparesis: The stomach's emptying is significantly impaired, and symptoms become more severe, leading to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and a substantial impact on quality of life.