A large number of people suffer from a variety of diseases in the genitourinary system, which is composed of your kidneys, urinary tract, bladder, urethra, and genital organs. Disorders of the genitourinary system include a wide range, from those that are asymptomatic to those that cause an array of debilitating signs and symptoms. Some causes of these disorders include congenital anomalies, infectious diseases, trauma, or conditions that secondarily involve the urinary structure.
Qualifying for Disability for Genitourinary Disorders
As with other applications for Social Security disability benefits, your disability claim for genitourinary benefits will be evaluated based on the guidelines in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, Section 6. But even if your condition does not meet the requirements the SSA requires, you may still qualify for benefits.
Common genitourinary disorders that fall under this section of the Blue Book include:
- Hypertensive renal vascular disease
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary
- Hereditary nephropathies, such as Alport Syndrome
- Diabetic nephropathy
Each of these conditions, and other less common genitourinary conditions, use the same basic guidelines when determining whether you qualify for disability benefits for genitourinary disorders. When determining whether you meet the criteria for benefits, the SSA considers the below evidence.
- Your medical history, including kidney function, all treatments, and your response to them
- Any medical evidence of nephrotic syndrome due to glomerular dysfunction
- Records of your renal function before starting dialysis, as well as your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- Copies of any kidney or bone biopsy performed
- Complete accounting of all types of attempted therapies and all side effects to treatments
Nephrotic Syndrome and Kidney Transplants
Nephrotic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and kidney transplants are handled differently than other genitourinary conditions. If you have a kidney transplant, you will automatically be considered disabled for a full year after the procedure. After those 12 months are up, you will be evaluated periodically to determine whether you can effectively return to work full time or not. Other conditions that are evaluated under this section include end-stage renal disease, kidney dialysis, kidney disease, and interstitial cystitis.
Getting Help
If you’d like to have a free evaluation by a knowledgeable Knoxville Social Security Disability attorney, give us a call at 865-205-8582 to set up your consultation. Our firm has over 100 years of experience in Social Security Advocacy and we’ll fight hard for you to get the benefits you deserve.
