Social Security Disability and Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a dangerous disease that can cause severe pain and suffering to you. It can also limit your ability to work and significantly contribute to your medical expenses.

That is why the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it possible for kidney failure patients to receive disability benefits.

However, there are vital points to remember to qualify for disability benefits if you have kidney disease. This article will guide you to start the application process.

SSA Blue Book Listing for Kidney Failures

The Blue Book is a set of criteria that the SSA uses to assess different qualifying conditions for disability benefits which includes three listings for kidney disease:

1. Chronic Kidney Failure with peritoneal dialysis or Chronic Hemodialysis

You can collect disability benefits if you’ve been undergoing dialysis or you expect your dialysis treatment to last for a year.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease with Kidney Transplant

You automatically qualify for disability benefits if you’ve undergone a kidney transplant.

You will collect the benefits for a whole year, and then the SSA will review your condition. They will check to see if you should continue receiving financial aid or not.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease with Kidney Malfunction

This listing is complex because you need to present a few medical test results as proof for particular conditions.

You need two laboratory tests of any of the following:

• Creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min or lower
• eGFR of 20 ml/min/1.73m2 or lower
• Serum creatinine of 4 mg/dL or higher

Moreover, you must prove that you experience any of these symptoms:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Chronic bone pain or disorder like Osteomalacia
• Anorexia or abnormal weight loss with 18.0 BMI or lower
• Fluid overload syndrome

You may need to talk with your physician about these listings to make sure that you qualify. The doctor can also compile your medical records to prove your condition while applying for disability benefits.

Residual Functional Capacity Analysis for Disability Benefits Application

You can still claim disability benefits even if you don’t qualify under the Blue Book listings. What you must do is prove that your kidney disease has affected your ability to work.

Ask your doctor to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity(RFC) form. This document will prove that you cannot perform particular tasks because of your kidney disease.

For example, the RFC can prove that you can only work for a few hours each day. It can also show that you may need to take more days off from work to rest.

Attach your RFC form to the application documents you will submit to the SSA.

Filing a Disability Benefits Claim for Kidney Failure

Begin the filing process by compiling all necessary documents that prove your health condition. A good Social Security benefits lawyer in Glendale can help you prepare for your requirements.

Next, you can apply online through the SSA website or call a local SSA office.

You then need to wait for about three to five months to get an SSA approval. However, you only need to wait for ten days if you have End-Stage Renal Disease.

Consult your lawyer if the SSA rejects your application as you have 60 days to appeal the decision.

Call a Glendale Social Security Benefits Attorney to Start Your Application

Disability benefits are valuable if you have kidney disease. These can cover your medical expenses and add to your income if you can’t work full-time.

However, be sure to talk with a reliable Social Security benefits lawyer in Glendale before you apply. They can help you with the requirements and ensure you don’t miss anything.