Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Chronic Obstructive Uropathy
Obstructive uropathy is a condition in which the flow of urine is blocked. This causes the urine to back up and injure one or both kidneys. If the blockage comes on suddenly, kidney damage is less likely if the problem is detected and repaired right away. Often, the damage to the kidneys goes away. Long-term damage to the kidneys may occur if the blockage has been present for a long time. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 6.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Chronic Obstructive Uropathy Qualify for Disability?
Although there is no dedicated listing for Chronic Obstructive Uropathy, the SSA evaluates the condition under the listing for Impaired Renal Function in Section 6.00 of the Blue Book.
This listing requires your renal disease has been present or is expected to last for 12 consecutive months. Additionally, your medical records must show one of the following:
- You require dialysis on an ongoing basis
- You need or have had a kidney transplant
- Your serum creatinine levels persistently measure at 4 mg/deciliter or greater or that your creatinine clearance levels are at or below 20 ml/minute
If your creatinine levels are the basis for your approval for benefits, your medical records must additionally show tests were performed several times over the course of three months and consistently show significant impairment in kidney function.
At least one of the following complications must also be present in order to qualify based on creatinine results:
- Osteodystrophy, documented through imaging scans
- Sensory or motor neuropathy
- Fluid overload syndrome with diastolic hypertension or vascular congestion
- Anorexia and weight loss with a body mass (BMI) index of 18.0 or lower on two separate BMI evaluations conducted within a consecutive 6-month period but at least 30 days apart
The SSA maintains separate listings in the Blue Book for childhood disabilities and chronic obstructive uropathy is evaluated under Section 106.00. This listing requires the disease has been present or is expected to last at least 12 months. It additionally requires at least one of the follow is documented in the child’s medical records:
- Ongoing dialysis is necessary
- A kidney transplant is required
- Serum creatinine levels over the course of at least three months are 3 mg/dl or higher
- Over a three month period, creatinine clearance levels are low based on body surface area, measuring 30 ml per minute or lower
It is important to note that when a kidney transplant occurs, applicants receive benefits for 12 months after surgery. At the expiration of that first year, the SSA conducts a continuing eligibility review. If the applicant is still significantly impaired, then disability benefits will continue.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive uropathy and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
