Hepatitis C is a blood-borne illness that causes liver disease and causes a host of symptoms that can prevent someone from performing normal work activities. Common symptoms of the hepatitis C virus (HVC) include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue.
Chicago Lawyers Experienced At Handling SSDI And SSI Claims Related To Hepatitis C And Liver Disease
At the Des Plaines, Illinois, law firm of Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. we serve SSDI and SSI claimants in Chicago, Illinois, and across the nation. Our firm has effectively assisted numerous clients in pursuing successful Social Security Disability claims related to hepatitis C. The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists hepatitis C under Digestive System — Chronic Liver Disease, on the list of impairments eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
However, just being diagnosed with hepatitis C does not automatically qualify an infected person for Social Security Disability benefits. Our Chicago Social Security Disability lawyers have extensive experience helping people living with hepatitis C understand the application process, gather the necessary medical information to present to the SSA, and properly fill out Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications for hepatitis C.
Medications And Hepatitis C
The two approved drugs for treating hepatitis C are interferon and ribavirin. The current treatment of choice for hepatitis C is a combination therapy using pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This combination therapy can eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HVC) in 50 percent and 80 percent of patients. However, side effects can be debilitating and include fatigue, arthritis and joint pain, vision problems, and cognitive problems. The SSA must consider the effects of medications used to treat hepatitis C when making a determination as to Social Security Disability benefits.
Applying For SSDI Or SSI Benefits In Relation To Hepatitis C
While the SSDI and SSI application process is intended to allow claimants to handle Social Security Disability claims without legal counsel, especially as they relate to listed impairments such as liver disease related to hepatitis C, only 35 percent of all SSDI and SSI applications are approved at their initial filing. As experienced Social Security Disability lawyers, we understand the application process, what medical information needs to be presented to get Social Security Disability benefits, and how to appropriately fill out application forms for hepatitis C. In addition, we have extensive experience handling Requests for Reconsideration, and hearings before Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) when SSDI and SSI benefits are denied.
