Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of unknown cause. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits. This condition is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease.
Individuals who are unable to control the symptoms of IBS usually have many restrictions in their daily activities. IBS is not currently an impairment included in the Social Security Administration impairments listing manual (called Blue Book).
However, if it can be proven that your symptoms are so painful, disruptive, and distracting enough to keep you from working a full-time job, you may be able to get benefits. If you need to take frequent and unscheduled bathroom breaks (this is the hallmark of the disease) or if your condition significantly reduces your productivity level due to excessive bathroom breaks, then the symptoms may be of such magnitude that there are no jobs you can do.
IBS is a common chronic condition of the large intestine, the colon, that causes uncomfortable symptoms yet does not increase health risks for conditions such as colon cancer.
Symptoms of IBS include abdominal discomfort such as cramping, bloating and pain, as well as diarrhea and constipation. Other common symptoms are gas and mucus in the stool.
It is unknown what causes IBS. It occurs more frequently in women under the age of 35, so hormones may play a role, and the condition may also be brought on by a stressful event or possibly an illness.
IBS, unlike inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s, does not cause more serious problems such as inflammation or changes in bowel tissue.
Whether or not you qualify for disability and, as a result, are approved for disability benefits will depend entirely on the information obtained from your medical records, especially your history and response to treatment.
This includes whatever statements and treatment notes that may have been obtained from your treating physician (a doctor who has a history of treating your condition and is, therefore, qualified to comment as to your condition and prognosis). It also includes discharge summaries from hospital stays, reports of imaging studies (such as xrays, MRIs, and CT scans) and lab panels (i.e. bloodwork) as well as reports from physical therapy.
Social Security disability examiners are able to consider a person’s residual functional capacity (what they are able to do in spite of limitations), age, education, past work activity and their ability to perform other types of work when their limitations are considered. If the disability examiner finds that their residual functional capacity is so restrictive it precludes their past work or jobs or any other work, they may be approved for disability benefits.