Unable to work: The painful reality for some living with IBS

On Behalf of | Jun 23, 2016 | Disability

There is having an upset stomach — occasionally — and living with ongoing stomach and digestive issues that seem to just not want to quit. The two are quite different. While it is normal for a person to experience gastrointestinal discomfort from time to time, it is quite another to be living your life day-to-day in pain. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that holding down a job may even be impossible.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS, is one of such painful functional gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation — or alternating bouts of both — and a tight, bloated feeling. Many also report difficulties with sleep, which translates into lethargy and fatigue during the day. While for some, IBS can be managed through diet and lifestyle, others are simply unable to find relief.

In addition to having IBS, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, some people with the disorder also suffer from other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to always take your health seriously and bring up any symptoms and concerns to a doctor in order to receive a full and complete diagnosis.

Are disability benefits possible?

Applying for disability related to IBS is difficult. Some insurance companies may try to minimize the impact of the condition, even pointing to the fact that IBS is not necessarily a qualifying condition by the Social Security Administration. However, this does not mean that the pain is not real or that there are not options. Rather, it is just best to be prepared and understand this could be an uphill battle if trying to fight this alone. Whether you are getting ready to apply for the first time, or your claim has already been denied, you will want to work with an attorney moving forward.

At Willeford & Toledano, our law firm focuses on denied disability claims in plans that are covered by employer-provided insurance claims. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, also known as ERISA, is a complex area of law. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of this area of law and are dedicated to helping residents in Louisiana and the surrounding areas to receive much needed benefits.