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Kidney disease is a broad term used to describe a condition whereby a person’s kidney sustains damage that renders them unable to filter blood in the proper manner. It can be a debilitating condition. The National Kidney Foundation reports that 37 million people nationwide are affected by kidney disease and many tens of millions more are at risk of developing the condition.
You can qualify for Social Security disability benefits for kidney disease—but approval is not automatic, an applicant must meet the SSA’s blue book listing for genitourinary disorders. In this blog post, our Arizona Social Security disability lawyers explain the key things to know about qualifying for SSDI or SSI benefits for kidney disease.
Social Security Disability Medical Evaluation: Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a listed impairment. You may be eligible for disability compensation through Social Security if you can meet the requirements of Disability Evaluation Under Social Security: 6.00 Genitourinary Disorders. However, it is important to emphasize that a diagnosis with kidney disease is not, by itself, sufficient to automatically qualify for disability benefits. Here is the general rule:
- You may qualify for Social Security disability benefits for advanced kidney disease that is severe enough to keep you out of work for at least one year.
There are specific qualifying standards in place for each type of kidney disease. For example, a person diagnosed with nephrotic Syndrome must demonstrate sufficiently low levels of serum albumin and sufficiently high levels of proteinuria. You may also be able to qualify for disability benefits for kidney disease on the basis of a residual functional capacity form (RFC) that demonstrates an impairment that prevents you from working on a full-time basis. Technical Eligibility: Medical eligibility is only one part of a Social Security disability claim. An applicant with kidney disease must also satisfy technical eligibility standards. As an example, an application for benefits may be denied if a person has too much income.
Medical Records are Required to Qualify for Disability Benefits for Kidney Disease
To get approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for kidney disease, an applicant must provide medical documentation that establishes the existence and severity of kidney disease. Medical records may include:
- A formal diagnosis;
- Doctor’s notes;
- Imaging scans;
- Renal biopsies; and
- Other test results.
When processing claims, the Social Security Administration (SSA) carefully evaluates each person’s medical records. If you need help preparing your medical records, an experienced Arizona Social Security disability attorney can help.
Contact Our Phoenix, AZ Social Security Disability Attorneys for Immediate Help
At Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys, we are proud to provide legal guidance to people and families who need help the most. If you have any questions about filing for Social Security disability benefits for kidney disease, we can help. Contact our legal team today for a free, no strings attached initial legal consultation. Our firm provides SSDI and SSI representation throughout the entire state, including in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Surprise, Chandler, and Payson.
