Can You Get Disability for Cirrhosis of the Liver?
Cirrhosis is a progressive disease that gradually transforms the liver’s essential, life-sustaining tissue into hardened scars, compromising its ability to filter toxins, regulate metabolism, and support overall health. The liver filters toxins, aids digestion, and regulates metabolic processes. When damaged, it can lead to debilitating symptoms such as severe fatigue, swelling, jaundice, and cognitive impairment. These complications can make routine tasks challenging and often hinder individuals from maintaining stable employment.
For those struggling with cirrhosis, applying for disability benefits can provide essential financial support. However, securing approval requires thorough documentation and a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This guide outlines the key factors involved in qualifying for disability benefits with cirrhosis, including medical requirements, application steps, and strategies to strengthen your claim.
Can Cirrhosis Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Yes, individuals with cirrhosis may qualify for disability benefits, but eligibility depends on the severity of the condition and its impact on work ability. The SSA does not approve claims based on diagnosis alone. Instead, they evaluate whether symptoms such as persistent fatigue, mental confusion, severe pain, ascites (fluid accumulation), or hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure) prevent an individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Cirrhosis is evaluated under the SSA’s listing for chronic liver disease. Meeting the criteria outlined in their guidelines—or proving that symptoms are equally disabling—is key to approval. Unfortunately, many applicants face initial denials due to incomplete medical records or insufficient evidence. Understanding the requirements and submitting comprehensive documentation can significantly improve the chances of a successful claim.
Eligibility Criteria for Disability Benefits with Cirrhosis
To qualify for disability benefits, an applicant must demonstrate that their condition prevents them from maintaining substantial employment for at least 12 months. The SSA assesses multiple factors, including medical history, lab results, treatment responses, and daily activity limitations. Even those capable of limited work may qualify if their earnings fall below the SGA threshold, which is updated annually.
Physician assessments play a critical role in the evaluation process. Applicants should ensure their doctors document functional limitations accurately, as these reports can serve as strong supporting evidence for disability claims.
Chronic Liver Disease and SSA’s Blue Book Criteria
Cirrhosis falls under the SSA’s disability listing for chronic liver disease, categorized under Section 5.05 of the Blue Book. To qualify under this listing, applicants must demonstrate severe complications:
·       Gastrointestinal bleeding requiring transfusions;
·       Ascites or hydrothorax (fluid in the abdomen or chest);
·       Persistent jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin) or ascites unresponsive to treatment;
·       Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infection of the fluid in the abdomen);
·       Hepatorenal syndrome (kidney failure related to liver disease);
·       Hepatopulmonary syndrome (liver disease that causes lung blood vessel dilation); and
·       Hepatic encephalopathy causing significant cognitive impairment.
However, those who do not meet these criteria may still qualify if they can prove that their symptoms prevent them from performing work-related tasks. The SSA conducts a residual functional capacity (RFC) assessment to determine whether an applicant can perform any job-related duties despite their condition. Strong medical documentation and physician statements are essential in making a compelling case.
How the Severity of Cirrhosis Affects Disability Claims
The likelihood of approval depends largely on the progression of cirrhosis. Early-stage cirrhosis may not be severe enough to warrant disability benefits, particularly if symptoms are manageable. However, as liver function deteriorates and complications become more frequent, the case for disability becomes stronger.
Advanced cirrhosis often leads to debilitating symptoms, including severe fatigue, muscle wasting (loss of muscle mass), confusion, and frequent hospitalizations. Demonstrating a decline in liver function through consistent medical records, imaging studies, and laboratory results (e.g., worsening albumin and bilirubin levels) is critical to establishing the impact of the condition on daily life and work ability.
Tracking Liver Health at Home with Ribbon Checkup
While applying for disability benefits requires medical documentation from a healthcare provider, at-home monitoring can help individuals track changes in their liver health between doctor visits.
Ribbon Checkup’s at-home urine test kit includes a liver function test that measures biomarkers such as bilirubin. This test is not a diagnostic tool but can help users monitor trends in their liver health over time. Detecting changes early may prompt individuals to seek medical evaluation and further testing.
For those managing cirrhosis, regular monitoring can provide additional information to discuss with their healthcare provider. Keeping track of biomarker fluctuations may help individuals better understand their condition and its progression while navigating the disability application process.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the disability application process for cirrhosis can be challenging, but understanding the SSA’s criteria and gathering strong medical evidence can improve the likelihood of approval. If an initial application is denied, applicants have the right to appeal and provide additional documentation to support their case. Consulting with a disability attorney or advocate may also be beneficial in ensuring a thorough and well-supported claim.
For those living with cirrhosis, disability benefits can provide much-needed financial relief. By approaching the application process strategically and with comprehensive medical evidence, individuals can improve their chances of securing the support they need.
Related Resources
- Anemia and Liver Disease
- Does Fatty Liver Cause Weight Gain?
- Can Liver Function Tests Be Normal with Cirrhosis?
References
5.00 - Digestive - Adult | Disability | SSA. (n.d.). Social Security. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-Adult.htm
Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis. (2025, February 6). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-liver-disease-cirrhosis
Dasarathy, S. (2016). Cause and management of muscle wasting in chronic liver disease. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/mog.0000000000000261Â
How does someone become eligible? | Disability benefits | SSA. (n.d.). Social Security. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html#anchor3
Substantial gainful activity. (n.d.). Social Security. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.htmlÂ
