Crohn’s Disease and Colitis are in the family of inflammatory bowel diseases. These diseases are often disabling and cause pain and chronic diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain and skin problems. In children, these diseases can cause growth issues. These diseases tend to run in families. There can be long periods of remission with these diseases but they can reappear at any time. The most severe cases require removal of the colon. If you or a loved one has developed Chron’s disease or colitis and cannot return to work, contact The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur for assistance in pursuit of the SSD benefits you deserve.
SSD Benefits for For Colitis And Crohn’s Disease in New Jersey
In its early stages, Crohn’s disease causes small, scattered, shallow, crater-like areas on the inner surface of the bowel. These erosions are called aphthous ulcers. With time, the erosions become deeper and larger, ultimately becoming true ulcers and causing scarring and stiffness of the bowel. As the disease progresses, the bowel becomes increasingly narrowed, and ultimately can become obstructed. Deep ulcers can puncture holes in the wall of the bowel, and bacteria from within the bowel can spread to infect adjacent organs and the surrounding abdominal cavity.
Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine (also known as the colon) and the rectum. It causes inflammation of the colon’s inner lining and the rectal wall, which become red, swollen and ulcerated, resulting in abdominal pain or cramping, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. Less common are fatigue, appetite loss and anemia. Some people also have joint pain, redness, swelling and liver problems.
Another inflammatory condition is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some individuals with IBS may have lower abdominal pain with constipation that is sometimes followed by diarrhea. Other people have pain and mild constipation but no diarrhea. Symptoms that are sometimes present include intestinal gas and passage of mucus in stools.
Inflammatory bowel disease may be documented by testing, including endoscopy, biopsy, sonogram, x-ray, MRI or operative findings. Symptoms include diarrhea, fecal incontinence, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, gas, fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, anemia, or other chemical changes in the body. Inflammatory bowel disease may preclude an individual from working when there are frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits. Also, fecal impaction or frequent loose stools or incontinence may preclude an individual’s ability to work at any job. The medications required to control these conditions may have serious side effects including drowsiness and may also interfere with an individual’s ability to work.
Children may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease and may have similar symptoms and side effects. Children may also develop malnutrition and growth retardation related to this condition.
We Are Here to Help
No matter the stage of the SSD process you find yourself in, our legal team is here to help. We can guide you through the following:
- Filing your application
- Appealing initial denials
- Appealing reconsideration denials
- Hearings
- Cases in front of the Appeals Council
- Cases in front of the Federal Court
Learn More. Schedule A Free Consultation
The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur is dedicated to helping those suffering from Chron’s disease and colitis fight for the benefits they need. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with our firm.
