Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Hereditary Nephropathies
More than 60 genetic diseases are currently known to directly or indirectly affect the kidneys. Inherited kidney conditions range from relatively common conditions to very rare syndromes. While some inherited conditions are associated with only mild symptoms, others can cause severe health problems. Special expertise is needed to diagnose and treat these conditions. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 6.00 of the Blue Book.
Do Hereditary Nephropathies Qualify for Disability?
Multiple forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can qualify for disability benefits, including chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, chronic obstructive uropathy, and hereditary nephropathies.
Your CKD may also qualify under SSA guidelines if it’s a result of a kidney transplant (for up to one year), if you are undergoing dialysis treatment because of it, or if the kidney disease is a result of other health conditions.
Other diagnoses covered by Social Security disability benefits include:
- Anasarca (massive generalized edema or swelling)
- Anorexia (diminished appetite) with weight loss
- Fluid Overload syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Renal osteodystrophy
In order to qualify for disability benefits for kidney disease from the SSA, you must meet certain criteria. At a high level, you need to provide documentation that clearly shows a medical professional diagnosed you with CKD and that your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working or performing daily living activities on your own.
More specifically, you will need to provide clear medical documentation of any signs, symptoms, and lab findings related to your chronic kidney disease. This can include reports from your doctor exams, other medical records, and treatment plans you’ve received for CKD. If you’ve been on treatment plans, it’s also helpful if you have proof that you’ve followed those plans as directed.
The SSA may also require you to show other test results when deciding on your eligibility:
- Certain levels of serum creatinine (4 mg/dL or greater) or serum albumin (20 ml/min. or less), to confirm how your kidney is functioning.
- An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 ml/min/1.73m2 or less, as evidence of how well your kidneys are filtering.
- A copy of your pathology report if you have had a bone or kidney biopsy. A statement from the doctor that confirms your biopsy and its results may be enough.
The formal guidelines the SSA uses for chronic kidney disease disability are complicated, but the bottom line is this: If you are unable to work because of CKD, then you can qualify for disability benefits.
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 hereditary nephropathies and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
