Listing 5.06 · Digestive disorders

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

To be approved under this listing, a claim must meet any one of the criteria below — and the medical records have to prove it.

  1. A

    Obstruction of stenotic areas in small intestine or colon with proximal dilation, requiring hospitalization for intestinal decompression or surgery, on at least 2 occasions ≥60 days apart within 6 months.

    In plain terms: Have you been hospitalized two or more times in 6 months for IBD obstruction or surgery?

    Evidence required:Hospitalization record
  2. B

    Two of: anemia (Hgb <10.0), serum albumin <3.0, painful abdominal mass with fever, perineal disease with fistula or abscess, weight loss ≥10% of baseline, need for daily supplemental nutrition. (≥60 days apart, 6-month period.)

    In plain terms: Have you had multiple complications from IBD recently — like anemia, weight loss, fistula, or needing supplemental nutrition?

    Evidence required:Lab panelTreating physician report
Read the official SSA text for Listing 5.06

Free case review

Not sure your records show this?

Meeting a listing comes down to what’s documented in your file. A disability attorney can review your records and tell you what’s missing — no cost to talk, and most only get paid if you win.

Other digestive disorders listings

Source: SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 · Updated 2026-06-18. Criteria paraphrased for readability; see the official SSA text linked above. Not legal or medical advice — whether a specific medical record meets Listing 5.06 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.