There are many kinds of liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other chronic conditions. These conditions can be disabling, and the treatments that are used to help with these conditions can also be disabling.
If you have a liver disease that has kept you from working, you may qualify for disability benefits. If your claim cannot be approved by meeting the criteria of the Blue Book listing, you may still qualify using a residual functional capacity (RFC) and a medical vocational allowance.
How To Use an RFC When You Have Liver Disease
The RFC is a form completed by a treating physician. It clearly details your restrictions and limitations, explaining what you can and cannot do. As an example, it may indicate that you cannot stand for more than an hour.
It may indicate that you cannot lift more than 5 pounds, that you cannot carry items, and that you cannot bend, or you cannot reach above your head. The RFC clearly details what you can and cannot do.
As an example, you are a 60-year-old machine operator at a factory. This is a job you have held since you were 20 years old. Because of your liver disease and its treatment, you suffer ongoing nausea, which requires frequent bathroom trips. Because of the pain you suffer, you cannot stand for longer than an hour, and you must reposition frequently.
You are unable to bend or squat, and you cannot reach above your head. You suffer dizziness and drowsiness because of the medications, and that makes operating a machine unsafe. All these details are clearly indicated in your RFC.
What To Include With Your RFC For Liver Disease
A medical vocational allowance takes your age, work history, work skills, educational background, medical conditions, and other things into consideration. When you apply for disability benefits and submit the RFC, you will need to provide other supporting documentation, such as your medical records. You should prepare a detailed list of all your medical providers and include dates of service and their contact information.
Your disability attorney will review your file and make sure that you have all the necessary documentation and supporting evidence to get your claim a fair review. Your file should provide the evidence that the disability examiner needs to get an overall picture of what you can and cannot do because of your liver disease.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need to show you have enough work credits. To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you will need to meet financial criteria so you must show proof of income and assets.
Get Help With Your RFC For Liver Disease
Disability attorneys understand the disability claims process. Your lawyer will know what documentation your claim needs to succeed. Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, so your attorney isn’t paid until you win your claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to share details with an attorney who handles disability claims in your area.
