Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver that is caused by the HBV virus. Symptoms include fatigue, itching, nausea, jaundice, joint pain, and abdominal pain. Many people who contract hepatitis B are able to fight off the disease and make a complete recovery. Some are not. These patients will develop chronic hepatitis B. Social Security does not have a separate disability listing for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is evaluated under the chronic liver disease disability listing. To qualify under this listing you must have evidence of at least one of the following: -Esophageal varices (expanded blood vessels in the esophagus and/or stomach) -Internal bleeding -Ascites (accumulation of pathologic fluid in the abdomen) -Hypoalbuminemia (low levels of the protein albumin) -Encephalopathy (confusion or altered consciousness caused by liver malfunction) -High levels of bilirubin in the blood Most people with hepatitis B will not meet the listing for chronic liver disease. However, you ma...