When Chronic Liver Disease Can Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
Living with chronic liver disease (CLD) is more than managing lab numbers or occasional fatigue. For many Illinois residents, advanced liver disease leads to serious, life-threatening complications that make it impossible to work.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes this reality. Under Listing 5.05, certain complications of chronic liver disease can qualify someone for Social Security Disability benefits without having to prove anything further about their ability to work.
Below, we break this down in plain English, so you can understand what qualifies, why it matters, and what documentation is required.
What Is SSA Listing 5.05 for Chronic Liver Disease?
SSA Listing 5.05 applies to individuals with chronic liver disease who experience severe complications. If you meet any one of the criteria below—and it is properly documented—you may be considered disabled under Social Security rules.
You do not need to meet every category. One qualifying condition is enough.
A. Variceal Bleeding Requiring Hospitalization
One of the most dangerous complications of liver disease is internal bleeding from enlarged veins (varices).
You may qualify if you have:
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Bleeding from esophageal, gastric, or ectopic varices, or portal hypertensive gastropathy
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Medical imaging confirming the source of bleeding
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Hemodynamic instability, such as:
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Pale skin
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Profuse sweating
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Rapid pulse
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Low blood pressure
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Fainting or near-fainting
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Hospitalization requiring at least two units of blood transfusion
📌 Important: SSA considers a person disabled for one full year after the transfusion, even before evaluating long-term effects.
B. Ascites or Hydrothorax That Keeps Returning
Advanced liver disease often causes fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) or around the lungs (hydrothorax).
You may qualify if:
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Ascites or hydrothorax is not caused by another condition
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It is documented on two evaluations within 12 months, at least 60 days apart
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Each evaluation shows one of the following:
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Paracentesis (abdominal fluid drainage)
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Thoracentesis (fluid drained from chest)
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Imaging or physical exam plus:
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Albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less, or
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INR of 1.5 or higher
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C. Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)
This is a life-threatening infection of abdominal fluid.
You may qualify if:
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Peritoneal fluid testing shows a neutrophil count of at least 250 cells/mm³
This diagnosis alone can meet the SSA listing when properly documented.
D. Hepatorenal Syndrome (Liver-Related Kidney Failure)
When liver disease begins to shut down the kidneys, SSA considers this extremely serious.
You may qualify if medical records show any one of the following:
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Creatinine level of 2.0 mg/dL or higher
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Very low urine output (less than 500 mL in 24 hours)
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Severe sodium retention (urine sodium below 10 mEq/L)
E. Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (Liver-Related Lung Disease)
Some people with liver disease develop dangerous oxygen deprivation.
You may qualify if:
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Arterial blood gas testing shows low oxygen levels, or
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Specialized imaging confirms abnormal blood flow in the lungs
The exact oxygen thresholds depend on altitude, but all represent severe respiratory impairment.
F. Hepatic Encephalopathy (Brain Dysfunction)
When toxins build up due to liver failure, they can affect the brain.
You may qualify if:
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You experience confusion, delirium, altered consciousness, or coma
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Symptoms are documented on two evaluations within 12 months, at least 60 days apart
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And you also have:
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A history of TIPS or surgical shunt, or
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Neurological findings such as:
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Asterixis (hand-flapping tremor)
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Abnormal EEG
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Low albumin
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Elevated INR
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G. High SSA Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) Scores
SSA also uses a numerical scoring system.
You may qualify if:
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You have two SSA CLD scores of 20 or higher
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Scores are recorded within 12 months, at least 60 days apart
SSA may consider you disabled starting from the date of the first qualifying score.
Why Documentation Matters
Many disability claims fail not because the condition isn’t severe, but because the medical records don’t clearly match SSA’s technical requirements.
Timing, lab values, imaging reports, and hospital records must align exactly with the listing criteria.
This is where experienced legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Final Thoughts
Chronic liver disease can be devastating—not just physically, but financially. If you or a loved one is dealing with advanced liver disease and struggling to work, you may have more legal options than you realize.
📞 If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
