Applying for SSDI with Severe IBS or Digestive Disorders

If you’re living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or another digestive disorder, you already know how much it can take over your life. But while it can completely disrupt everything, many people don’t realize how hard it can be to get SSDI for IBS or digestive disorders.

When you’re in constant pain, never sure when you’ll need a bathroom, and dealing with fatigue, bloating, nausea, or weight loss, it can feel impossible to hold down a job. But even then, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system doesn’t make it simple to prove how serious IBS or other digestive conditions are.

That’s where we come in. We can help you build a strong case and fight for the benefits you deserve.

What Counts as a Qualifying Digestive Disorder?

IBS is just one of several digestive conditions that can qualify you for SSDI. Others include:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Celiac disease, if your symptoms persist despite a strict gluten-free diet
  • Gastroparesis, which delays stomach emptying and causes severe nausea or vomiting
  • Liver disease
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • and more.

To qualify, you’ll need to show that your condition is more than uncomfortable. It has to prevent you from working full time, even with medical treatment.

Why These Claims Often Get Denied

Digestive disorders, especially IBS, are sometimes seen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as “manageable.” They don’t always show up clearly on lab tests or imaging. And because symptoms can vary from day to day, it can be hard to prove just how unpredictable and disruptive they really are.

This means your claim could be denied if:

  • Your medical records don’t fully describe the severity of your symptoms.
  • You haven’t seen a gastroenterologist or followed up with specialists.
  • The SSA believes your condition could improve with treatment or diet changes.
  • There’s not enough evidence showing how the condition affects your work ability.

But don’t give up. The SSA denies the majority of claims. But you have 60 days to appeal your case, and you should.

Our lawyers work with you to find places where you could strengthen your claim, gather evidence, and fight on your behalf.

What You’ll Need to Strengthen Your SSDI Claim

To improve your chances of approval, you’ll need to gather strong medical evidence that shows the full impact of your digestive disorder.

That could include:

  • Records from your gastroenterologist and other treating doctors.
  • A history of hospitalizations, ER visits, or flare-ups.
  • Test results, like colonoscopies, endoscopies, or stool studies.
  • Treatment plans you’ve followed, including diet changes and medications.
  • Notes that explain your day-to-day symptoms and how often they interfere with daily life.
  • A letter from your doctor stating that your condition makes it impossible to work full-time.

It also helps to keep a daily journal of your symptoms. Tracking flare-ups, bathroom needs, and how often you miss work or can’t leave the house can provide helpful context.

This is especially true with digestive disorders, which need documentation but which some people find embarrassing. For a successful claim, you’ll want to get past the stigma and record your experience in as much detail as you can.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Build a Strong Case

The truth is, the SSDI system isn’t set up to make this easy. Even with serious symptoms, the SSA often denies much-needed benefits because the person’s claim doesn’t clearly explain the limitations they face.

That’s where we come in.

As Memphis-based SSDI lawyers, we can help you:

  • Work with your doctors to get stronger medical evidence
  • Explain to the SSA how your condition affects your ability to work
  • File your initial claim or handle an appeal if you’ve already been denied
  • Prepare you for a hearing and fight for your benefits in front of a judge

We understand how exhausting it is to fight for help when you’re already dealing with a painful and unpredictable illness. Let us take that burden off your shoulders.

Darrell Castle downtown Memphis attorneyLet’s Talk About What Comes Next

If you have IBS or another digestive disorder and can’t work because of it, you may qualify for SSDI. And fortunately, we can help you prove it.

Our award-winning attorneys have helped hundreds of people just like you get the benefits they need. We help gather the evidence, fill in the missing details, and get the expert opinions you need to prove your case.

We stand by you every step of the way. And we don’t make anything unless and until we win your case.

Whether you’re just starting the process or already received a denial letter, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you figure out your next step and fight for the support you deserve.

You’ve dealt with enough. Let us handle the paperwork, the system, and the appeals, so you can focus on taking care of yourself.