Question
Can I get disability for severe Gastroparesis?
I have been suffering from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome since I was 20-years old. The doctors always diagnose me with severe nausea and vomiting and no one can tell me what's really causing my illness. I applied for disability multiple times and I always get denied. I am unable to keep jobs because of my condition. Finally, I was rushed to the ER on the 19th of January and a Gastroenterologist diagnosed me with Gastroparesis and provided medication which is a hit and miss. My current job (not sure if it still is) will possibly let me go. This is my 5th job within a 3-year span that fired me because of my illness and I cannot get any help from disability. I would like to get advise regarding my situation.
Answer
San,
I am sorry to hear about how horrible you have been suffering. If your employer offers short or long term disability, then you may be eligible to apply for benefits. Be cautious that many disability insurance policies have pre-existing condition limitations for 12 months prior to filing a claim. This means that if you have been diagnosed with a condition that existed before you obtained disability coverage and file disability for that same disability within 12 months of coverage, then the claim will be denied for that condition. You may be eligible to apply social security disability benefits.
