Kidney disease covers a wide variety of medical conditions, many of which qualify as a disability under the healthcare guidelines established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To become eligible for disability benefits, applicants for financial assistance must meet the kidney disease listing that is published in the SSA Blue Book. If kidney disease has forced you out of work, hiring a Social Security disability attorney can help you receive approval for disability benefits.
Is Kidney Disease a Disability
The answer to the question, “Is kidney disease a disability” is yes if you meet the medical standards that are published in the Blue Book. The Blue Book contains not only medical conditions that might make you eligible to receive financial assistance, but also the severity of symptoms that make it impossible to work.
According to the SSA Blue Book, kidney disease lists in Section 6.00 under the broad medical condition called genitourinary disorders. Qualifying for disability benefits with kidney disease requires you to meet one of three standards. First, you have received a diagnosis for kidney disease that requires dialysis. Second, Kidney disease has progressed to an advanced stage that resulted in a kidney transplant within the past year. Third, the diminished function of your kidneys has produced either renal osteodystrophy, peripheral neuropathy, fluid overload syndrome, acute anorexia, or nephrotic syndrome.
If you do not meet any of the five medical conditions that are associated with kidney disease, the SSA might ask you to complete a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment that measures your mental and physical abilities.
Types of Kidney Disease Conditions That Are a Disability
The answer to the question, “Can you get disability for kidney disease” often depends on the type of the medical condition. As the most common type of kidney disease, chronic kidney disease does not diminish in severity over time. Kidney stones, which develop because minerals and other substances crystallize to form hard masses, generate highly painful symptoms that can keep a patient out of work for an extended period. The inflammation of the glomeruli leads to a form of kidney disease called glomerulonephritis. Finally, a urinary tract infection represents a milder version of kidney disease that can be addressed through completing a treatment program.
How to Get Disability Benefits for Kidney Disease
Knowing how to get disability benefits for kidney disease starts by gathering and organizing persuasive medical evidence. The results of diagnostic tests, as well as a detailed description of treatments, help build a strong claim for the filing of Social Security disability benefits. You also should include a description of physical therapy sessions. A statement submitted by your healthcare provider about the prognosis of making a full or partial recovery also helps boost the chance of you getting a disability claim approved by the SSA.
You can apply for disability benefits online or by phone at 800-772-1213. The online option typically results in a shorter wait time to find out how the SSA rules regarding your claim. After receiving your application, the SSA then requires you to visit one of its many offices located throughout the United States to complete the process.
Get Help with Your Kidney Disease Disability Claim
Because a majority of disability claims come back denied by the SSA, you should consider hiring a Social Security disability attorney to strengthen your application. A disability lawyer helps you meet the medical standards established by the SSA for applicants to receive financial assistance. Schedule a free case evaluation to learn more about the disability claim process.
