ERISA & Social Security Disability: Southern California Lawyers

Disability Benefits for cirrhosis

Early symptoms may include

• feeling tired or weak
• poor appetite
• losing weight without trying
• nausea and vomiting
• mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen

As liver function gets worse, you may have other symptoms, including

• bruising and bleeding easily
• confusion, difficulties thinking, memory loss, personality changes, or sleep disorders
• swelling in your lower legs, ankles, or feet, called edema
• bloating from buildup of fluid in your abdomen, called ascites
• severe itchy skin
• darkening of the color of your urine
• yellowish tint to the whites of your eyes and skin, called jaundice

Reference: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes

Essential Medical Documentation for Disability Benefits:

• How far can you walk?
• How long can you stand?
• How much can you lift and carry? 
• Are you easily fatigued? What physical activity is your limit?
• How frequent and severe are symptoms of nausea, headaches, cramps?
• Have you had dialysis or are scheduled to have dialysis?
• Do you have difficulty with concentration and focusing?
• Do you have problems with your memory?
• Do you have periods where you are confused?

Documenting your limitations:  How does your condition affect you? Be specific to articulate to your physician details of your physical limitations and how they impact you on a daily basis with regard to your daily living activities, your ability to stand/walk, lift/carry, and even sit for extended periods of time and need for breaks or rest from pain or fatigue. These are important factors and details regarding your functional capacity and important in evaluating whether you can perform your work or any work.