Is Celiac Disease Considered A Disability?

Celiac disease can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life, raising questions about whether individuals with celiac disease are eligible for disability benefits. If the severity greatly inhibits daily life, it can be seen as a disability.

Celiac disease is a medical condition that affects the digestive system and is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Let’s take a look at the nature of celiac disease, its effects on individuals, legal protections, and the criteria to meet for it to be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and related products, triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage hinders the absorption of nutrients from food, leading to a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Can A Person With Celiac Disease Qualify For Disability Benefits?

Whether a person with celiac disease can qualify for disability benefits depends on the specific circumstances and the impact of the condition on their ability to work. To qualify for disability benefits in the United States, an individual must have a measurable and medically determinable impairment that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.

While celiac disease itself may not automatically qualify as a disability, individuals with severe and debilitating symptoms that significantly affect their daily functioning and ability to work may be eligible for disability benefits. It is crucial to consult with a disability attorney such as David Chermol who can assess the specific situation and guide individuals through the application process.

What Legal Protections Are Available For Individuals With Celiac Disease?

Individuals with celiac disease may be entitled to legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal access and opportunities in various aspects of life, including employment, public accommodations, and transportation.

The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities include functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, and working. If celiac disease significantly impacts an individual’s ability to engage in these major life activities, they may be protected under the ADA.

Does Celiac Disease Meet The Criteria For Disability Under The ADA?

Celiac disease can meet the criteria for disability under the ADA if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. Since the ability to work is considered a major life activity, individuals with celiac disease that severely affects their ability to perform job-related tasks may be protected under the ADA. 

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, which may include modifications to the work environment or adjustments in work schedules to accommodate the dietary needs of employees with celiac disease.

Can Individuals With Celiac Disease Qualify For SSDI?

In some cases, individuals with celiac disease may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have a disability that prevents them from working. To qualify for SSDI, individuals must meet specific criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA), including having a severe impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

For individuals with celiac disease to qualify for SSDI, their condition must be severe enough to meet the criteria established by the SSA, such as significantly limiting their ability to perform work-related activities or meet the demands of a job. The severity of the symptoms and the impact on daily functioning will be assessed during the SSDI application process.

Celiac disease, characterized by an adverse reaction to gluten, can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. While celiac disease itself may not automatically qualify as a disability, individuals with severe symptoms that significantly limit their ability to work or engage in major life activities may be eligible for disability benefits. 

Contact Disability Attorney at Chermol & Fishman, LLC

Legal protections under the ADA can also provide avenues for accommodation and non-discrimination in various aspects of life. 

Consult with a social security disability attorney to understand your rights and explore available options for financial assistance and support by contacting Chermol & Fishman, LLC today.