Disability Benefits for Hernia: How to Qualify and Apply

Individuals with hernias may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if their condition prevents them from working. Additionally, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be available for those who have low income and resources.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through an area that is normally not intended to be open. A hernia can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly experienced around the abdomen. The hernia will form a visible bulge or lump, often consisting of fatty tissue or a section of the intestines pushing against muscle. Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, medical attention from a physician may be necessary.

The prevalence of hernias is debated by medical professionals due to different opinions on what causes a hernia and qualifications for filing disability benefits. Some physicians believe a hernia should always be addressed with surgery to prevent complications, while others feel there are cases where it can either remain untreated or simply monitored.

This debate over the diagnosis and severity of hernias contributes to confusion on how to qualify for Disability benefits, which will be discussed more in depth in the following section of this article regarding “What Causes Hernias?”

What Causes Hernias?

Hernias can be caused by a combination of pressure from internal organs and weakness in the abdominal wall muscles. While physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects, is one of the most common causes of hernias, they can also occur naturally due to fatigue or wear of the abdominal wall muscles over time.

The medical community still debates over which type of hernia is caused by which circumstances; inguinal hernias are believed to be caused mostly due to weakened abdominal wall muscles, while incisional hernias may occur after surgery when there is too much pressure on a weak part of the body. Furthermore, hiatal hernias are thought to be caused by high levels of intra-abdominal pressure or a weakened opening in the diaphragm muscle.

While some argue that prevention techniques such as reducing physical strain and regular exercise can minimize the chances of developing a hernia, others encourage individuals to abstain from heavy lifting or straining and follow a healthy lifestyle instead. Ultimately, there are many potential causes for developing a hernia—ranging from chronic coughing to pregnancy and childbirth—and it is important for individuals to be aware and mindful of their own health and risk factors.

Now that we have discussed the potential causes of hernia, let us move on to discuss their symptoms and diagnosis in the next section.

• According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a hernia may qualify an individual for disability benefits if the pain it causes is “of listing-level severity”.
• A study published in 2007 found that of all patients evaluated at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10.3% were granted total disability rating based on their hernia diagnosis.
• Another study published in 2011 reported that out of over 2000 patients with surgically treated inguinal hernias, 13% were deemed to have a hernia-related permanent partial impairment.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hernia

Hernias occur when part of an internal organ protrudes through a weak point in the muscle or wall of connective tissue. Symptoms of hernia can include a bulge in the area of the groin, abdomen, or navel; which can cause discomfort and pain. Difficulty urinating, nausea, and vomiting can also be signs of a hernia.

Diagnosing a hernia typically requires a physical examination where your doctor will feel for any lumps or tenderness in your abdomen. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds may also be used to further investigate symptoms of a hernia. In some cases an abdominal scan with contrast dye may also be used, which allows doctors to see whether there is an obstruction causing the hernia.

The best way to manage and prevent hernias is to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms first present themselves and follow through on prescribed treatments. Receiving quick treatment for hernias can prevent them from becoming worse or resulting in additional medical issues. While surgical repair is not always necessary, it should sometimes be discussed between patients and their doctor if risk of long term injury is present.

Now that we have discussed symptoms and diagnosis of hernia, the next section will focus on treatments available for those living with this condition.

Treatments for Hernia

Treatments for hernia are generally chosen based on patient preference and the medical advice of their doctor. Generally, the two modes of treatment that best address the problem of herniation include conservative measures and surgery.

Conservative measures such as lifestyle changes, medications and physical therapy can help alleviate the symptoms associated with hernia. These may include bed rest, compression garments (worn to help decrease discomfort or pain), keeping a healthy weight, and abstaining from strenuous activity until the condition improves. Anti-inflammatory medications or other over-the-counter medications may also be prescribed to help reduce swelling or pain associated with the hernia. Physical therapy may also be used to strengthen muscles in the abdomen and reduce strain on the weakened muscles which can contribute to hernias forming in the first place.

Surgery is another option for treating hernia which often involves either manual reduction (a physician pushes the protruding tissue back into place) or mesh repair (hinges off a surgical mesh to repair defects in areas prone to herniation). Surgery carries its own risks, including increased sensitivity near the surgical area, infection, recurrence of hernia and other potential complications. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before undergoing any form of surgery.

No matter what mode of treatment is chosen, understanding your options is an important part of receiving appropriate care. People should consider speaking with their doctor to determine what type of treatment is most suitable for them. This will help ensure they receive the best care in managing their condition while minimizing any long-term effects it may have on them. With this said, it is now pertinent to look at surgical treatment solutions further, which will be addressed in our next section about surgery and mesh repair.

Surgery and Mesh Repair

A hernia can be managed through both surgical and nonsurgical means. Surgery is considered the primary treatment option, though nonsurgical treatments may also be employed in order to reduce hernia complications. Surgery often involves mesh repair to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall and close the hernia opening. In some cases, surgery may be recommended if it is more cost-effective than using a mesh implant or for certain types of hernias that are not amenable to direct mesh repairs.

Mesh repair of a hernia involves placing a surgical mesh over the weakened area in order to reinforce it and prevent further weakening or creation of new openings. The type of mesh used will depend on the size and location of the hernia. The vast majority of ops include polypropylene meshes, as they have been found to be effective for large hiatal and inguinal hernias. However, newer composite meshes have been developed for use in smaller hernia repairs that allow for a more secure fit with fewer complications than polypropylene meshes.

It is typically advised that individuals undergoing a mesh repair surgery wait at least six weeks after the procedure before resuming any lifting or physical activity in order to ensure optimal healing. Debate exists over the various benefits and risks associated with surgical mesh repair, with some arguing that it is an effective option for treating hernias while others suggest that potential long-term side effects such as infection or organ damage outweigh its benefits. Ultimately, it is up to patients and their physicians to weigh the many risks versus rewards associated with this type of surgery.

With the risks and benefits of surgical mesh repair weighed, prospective applicants should make sure they understand their eligibility for disability benefits if they experience complications from a hernia repair procedure before proceeding with surgery. This leads into our next section which will focus on eligibility for disability with a hernia diagnosis.

Eligibility for Disability with a Hernia

Eligibility for disability with a hernia can be both complex and intricate. Depending on where the patient is located, they may be eligible for benefits under a variety of programs such as Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Disability Insurance (DI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Workers’ Compensation programs through their state. While a hernia can prevent someone from doing certain activities, it may not always meet the requirements to receive DI or SSI.

When determining eligibility for either program , the SSA will investigate whether or not an applicant’s medical condition meets their definition of “severe” enough to limit their ability to perform “substantial gainful activity” in any kind of work for at least 12 months. Furthermore, there may also be strict financial requirements depending on the area in which someone lives and where they are seeking disability. To apply for DI, applicants must have worked sufficient hours in recent years before being disabled, while SSI has no prior-work requirement, but is instead means-tested.

When deciding whether to approve a claim of disability due to hernia, the SSA or another deciding authority looks at factors such as age, job history, and education level to determine if an individual has adequate skills to change careers or jobs should they not be able to continue in their current one due to their hernia. In some cases, these authorities may deem that an individual is capable of making sufficient income by retraining or moving into a different field despite having a hernia and would therefore not qualify them for disability benefits. For this reason, applicants need to carefully weigh all their options when applying for disability with hernia.

Despite challenges in the application process and requirements for qualification, those who are unable to work due to a hernia should still consider filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Workers’ Compensation as it offers them financial relief. Filing for Workers’ Compensation should be done once medical treatment has been completed and medical impairments from the hernia are formally established so compensation is granted accurately, properly and timely depending on each case’s circumstance. The following section will provide further information about filing for Workers’ Compensation with a hernia injury.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that can offer financial assistance if an employee incurs a hernia injury at work. The employee may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability, or death benefits. In order to qualify and file, an injured worker must comply with specific eligibility requirements in their individual state.

The requirements vary by state. Generally speaking, they must first report the injury to their employer in a timely manner and provide evidence of the cause, nature and extent of the injury. It is important to note that filing for workers’ compensation does not release an employer from liability since it is intended only to cover economic losses suffered by the injured employee rather than punitive damages.

Many employers have strong legal counsel when it comes to defending claims regarding workers’ compensation for hernias. As such, it is important for employees who wish to pursue workers’ compensation benefits to seek assistance from a qualified attorney as soon as possible. With proper representation, employees should be able to successfully prove their injuries are work-related and thus entitled to compensation under applicable laws.

Ultimately, whether or not you can receive workers’ compensation depends on the jurisdiction in which you reside and whether you meet certain filing criteria, the most common being that your hernia injury was caused on the job. Filing for workers’ compensation requires research and attention to detail; however it can be immensely beneficial when properly executed.

Next up we will explore various long-term recovery and prevention tips you can use when living with a hernia or other hernia-related ailments.

Long-Term Recovery and Prevention Tips

Long-term recovery and prevention tips are essential for individuals looking to prevent the recurrence or further damage of a hernia. Exercise is considered one of the best long-term approaches to helping a hernia heal and preventing it from reoccurring. Some exercises that target the core abdominal muscles such as sit-ups, planks, and leg raises can help strengthen and support the area around the hernia. Adopting proper posture throughout the day is also important in reducing strain on the abdomen, which can help prevent a hernia from developing or worsening. Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI). Being overweight puts additional strain on weak areas of the abdomen which could cause an existing hernia to worsen.

When lifting, it is important to be mindful of torque created by lifting and twisting simultaneously. This type of activity should be avoided if at all possible. If a hernia has developed, individuals should try and avoid straining their bowel movements due to excess pressure placed on weakened abdominal muscles. Doctors may suggest stool softeners or laxatives to help alleviate difficulty with constipation. Following these simple tips over a period of time can help reduce risk of recurrence or worsening symptoms caused by hernias.

The other side of this argument suggests that bed rest or complete abstaining from physical activity can help reduce pain caused by an existing hernia. However, doctors often recommend against this approach because prolonged immobilization can exacerbate musculoskeletal weakness making surgery necessary in more extreme cases. Ultimately, physical activity within reason can be beneficial for long-term recovery from a hernia aiding in strengthening surrounding muscle groups. It is therefore recommended that individuals seek medical advice regarding proper exercise for their condition before engaging in physical activities without professional oversight.

Answers to Common Questions with Explanations

What criteria is used to determine if a person is eligible for disability benefits for hernia treatment?

In order to qualify for disability benefits for hernia treatment, the applicant must meet several criteria. Generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers whether the hernia is of a severity that meets or equals a medically determinable impairment from their Listing of Impairments. This listing outlines several factors that qualify applicants for disability benefits, including inability to move about effectively and perform activities involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, or stooping. Additionally, the SSA evaluates how much limitation in ability to engage in basic work-related tasks is due to the hernia. Ultimately, disability benefits will be granted if they determine that an applicant is unable to engage in any gainful activity due to the hernia.

What type of hernia qualifies for disability benefits?

In order to qualify for disability benefits due to a hernia, the hernia must be severe enough to render the individual completely unable to perform any sort of daily activities or work. Types of hernias that qualify for disability compensation include inguinal hernias (the most common type of hernia that affects adults), ventral hernias, umbilical hernias, hiatal hernias, and incisional hernias. In addition, if a person suffers from an abdominal wall defect or other structural problem that is causing severe suffering and pain, they may qualify for disability benefits as well.

The exact qualifications and details on the severity level of the disorder required can vary depending on the individual’s circumstance. Generally though, individuals must provide substantial medical evidence in order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) coverage. This typically includes details such as medical records, doctor’s notes, x-rays, and reports from specialists as proof that their hernia is severely limiting their ability to work or perform daily activities.

What types of assistance are available for people with hernia disabilities?

There are several types of assistance available to people with hernia disabilities. These include financial aid, vocational rehabilitation services, employment and community based supports, and housing assistance. Financial aid may be available in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is a program that provides monthly payments to individuals who have worked enough and paid into Social Security taxes. SSI is a more flexible program that could help cover basic living expenses for those with low income.

Vocational rehabilitation services can provide training, education, and employment opportunities for individuals with hernia disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors can provide guidance on how to find work and use assistive technology that accommodates an individual’s medical needs. Employment programs like Ticket to Work offer employment incentives for employers for hiring disabled individuals.

Community-based supports can offer various types of assistance such as transportation services, peer support groups, and respite care. Housing assistance programs can help individuals find affordable housing as well as assist with modifications to accommodate their medical needs. Lastly, many states offer Medicaid Waiver Programs which provide funding for adapted equipment and other health related services tailored to the individual’s needs.