IBS
Helping clients prove how IBS impacts daily life and work
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and other symptoms. Flare-ups can appear at unpredictable times, making it difficult to manage work and daily life.
IBS is more than discomfort — it creates barriers to steady employment. Frequent bathroom breaks, urgent flare-ups, and unpredictable symptoms can make reliable attendance and focus nearly impossible.
At Eric Buchanan & Associates, we know IBS is not a minor inconvenience. It is a disabling condition that must be taken seriously in the claims process.
Common Symptoms of IBS
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Frequent or urgent diarrhea
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- Bloating, gas, and discomfort
These symptoms are unpredictable and can vary from day to day, which makes proving disability due to IBS especially difficult.
Representing IBS Disability Claims
We won long term disability benefits from Standard for our client with an intracranial meningioma, epilepsy, left foot drop, encephalomalacia, prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc, lumbar radiculopathy, Raynaud’s Syndrome, tinnitus, Meniere’s Disease, fibromyalgia, chronic sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and bilateral carpal tunnel. We were able to get Standard to approve benefits after they initially denied them, saying our client could perform 3 other occupations and pointing to surveillance of our client. Our appeal evidence, which included updated medical records, opinion forms, a functional capacity evaluation report, and a vocational evaluation report, proved that our client does not have sedentary abilities or transferable skills, and Standard overturned its denial.
How Insurance Companies Deny IBS Disability Claims
- Medical Records: Insurers argue test results don’t prove disability
- Symptom & Daily Logs: Dismissed as “subjective”
- Doctor’s Opinions: Downplayed or ignored
- Vocational Analysis: Claims you can still do “other jobs”
Insurers often overlook flare-ups, treatment history, and physician notes. They may admit IBS is real, but still deny benefits by downplaying its impact on work performance.