Genitourinary system disabilities include any conditions that affect the genitals, urinary tract, or kidneys. Anyone who applies for Social Security disability benefits for a genitourinary system condition will need to meet or equal a listing from the SSA’s Blue Book. The Blue Book focuses on the most common and severe disabilities, which means that many conditions and symptoms are not explicitly addressed. If your condition is missing from mention, you may still qualify, but will need to provide evidence that your symptoms are equivalent to another listing.

Some common conditions which fall within this category include:

Diabetic nephropathy Hereditary nephropathies Chronic glomerulonephritis Chronic obstructive uropathy Hypertensive renal vascular disease

End stage renal disease Interstitial cystitis Kidney dialysis Kidney disease Nephrotic disorder

How Are Genitourinary System Conditions Assessed by the SSA?

Whether you are preparing to apply for Social Security benefits with or without the help of a Denver SSI attorney, you will need to provide substantial documentation to support your claim. The SSA evaluates all claims based on your medical evidence, personal circumstances, and work history. The process of collecting this information can take significant effort but may ultimately speed up your application process.

What Medical Evidence Will I Need to Provide?

The medical records you provide will need to show that your condition is worsening. Expect to provide your full medical history, including every treatment or therapy you have tried to manage your condition and your response to those treatments/therapies. You should also include specific effects or side effects the treatment is supposed to have, and for how long those effects are expected to last. The SSA will also want to review the reports for all biopsies you have received. If the findings of your biopsies are no longer available, you can provide statements from the medical professionals who conducted the tests as an alternative.

Exceptions for Nephrotic Syndrome and Kidney Transplants

As is seen with other types of organ transplants, kidney transplants are automatically considered a disability for a full year. After a year, the SSA will begin to review your condition and reassess your benefits depending on your recovery progress. Those living with nephrotic syndrome must show that their condition has persisted for three or more months despite treatment. You must also be able to provide evidence that your serum albumin and proteinuria levels meet the standard set by the SSA.

Let Our Denver SSI Attorney Help

Whether you’re applying for the first time or need to mount an appeal, our Denver SSI attorney may be able to help. The process can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with Social Security law, and especially burdensome for a person managing difficult symptoms. If you are curious to learn what our law office can do for you, contact us to schedule a free case review.