Cirrhosis of the liver is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S. The leading cause is excessive use of alcohol. Other causes are hepatitis, use of certain drugs, or autoimmune diseases. Cirrhosis develops over time secondary to chronic damage of the liver due to scarring leading to poor function. Symptoms can vary from mild causing no or few problems to severe. Severe symptoms may result in vomiting of blood, anemia, weakness mental changes,, fluid build-up in the abdomen resulting in a condition called ascities and jaundice(yellowing of skin).
The condition is made by a liver biopsy and liver function blood tests.
Cirrhosis is a liver disease that progresses, but with proper treatment, additional liver damage may may be reduced. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be considered.
If one suffers from cirrhosis of the liver which results in severe symptoms listed above, then applying for benefits should be strongly considered. Social Security will ask you to provide all your medical records for review. It is on this basis, that they will decide whether you will receive benefits.
Your chances for obtaining benefits are improved if you can meet the following criteria:
1. Liver biopsy shows evidence of cirrhosis
2. Ascites(fluid in the abdomen) due to Cirrhosis which has been recurrent or persistent for at least 3 months shown by abdominal paracentesis(removal of fluid).
3. An elevated serum bilirubin(blood test) over 2.5mg on repeated testing over 3 months.
There are other factors which may improve your chances. Having a disability specialist(lawyer) can greatly help guiding you through the complicated process.