When Genitourinary Disorders Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
Genitourinary disorders—especially those involving chronic kidney disease—can have a serious, long-term impact on a person’s health, independence, and ability to work. Because these conditions often worsen over time, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific rules explaining when kidney-related disorders qualify for disability benefits.
This article breaks down Listing 6.00 (Genitourinary Disorders) in simple terms, explains what medical evidence is required, and outlines how Social Security evaluates chronic kidney disease and related complications.
What Genitourinary Disorders Does Social Security Evaluate?
Under Listing 6.00, Social Security evaluates genitourinary disorders that result in chronic kidney disease (CKD). These conditions interfere with the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and regulate fluids in the body.
Examples include:
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Chronic glomerulonephritis
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Hypertensive nephropathy
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Diabetic nephropathy
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Chronic obstructive uropathy
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Hereditary kidney diseases
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Nephrotic syndrome caused by glomerular dysfunction
If your kidney condition causes long-term impairment, it may fall under these listings.
What Medical Evidence Does Social Security Require?
To evaluate a genitourinary disorder, Social Security needs clear medical documentation showing how your condition affects your body over time.
Required evidence typically includes:
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Clinical examination reports
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Treatment records and medication history
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Notes showing how you respond to treatment
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Laboratory testing that documents kidney function
In most cases, Social Security requires at least 90 days of medical evidence, unless the claim can be approved sooner.
Understanding eGFR and Kidney Function Testing
One key measurement Social Security looks at is your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering blood and considers:
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Serum creatinine levels
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Age
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Sex
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Body size
If your medical records include eGFR results, Social Security will consider them carefully—especially when evaluating claims under Listing 6.05.
Kidney or Bone Biopsies
If you’ve had a kidney or bone biopsy, Social Security will want:
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A copy of the pathology report, or
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A statement from an acceptable medical source confirming the biopsy and its results
This information can be critical in proving the severity of your condition.
Other Key Factors Social Security Considers
Chronic Dialysis (Listing 6.03)
If you are on chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, Social Security generally considers this disabling if:
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The dialysis has lasted—or is expected to last—at least 12 months, and
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A medical source confirms that ongoing dialysis is required
In some cases, Social Security may determine that you were disabled even before dialysis began, based on your medical records.
Kidney Transplant (Listing 6.04)
If you receive a kidney transplant:
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You are automatically considered disabled for one year following the transplant
After that year, Social Security evaluates:
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Remaining kidney function
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Rejection episodes
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Medication side effects
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Complications affecting other body systems
You may also qualify based on limitations that existed before the transplant.
Complications That May Support a Disability Claim
Social Security also evaluates serious complications caused by chronic kidney disease, including:
Renal Osteodystrophy
Bone degeneration caused by mineral and hormone imbalances. To qualify, the condition must involve severe bone pain that interferes with daily activities.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage caused by toxin buildup, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The neuropathy must be severe and expected to last at least 12 months.
Fluid Overload Syndrome
Excess fluid retention leading to symptoms such as:
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Congestive heart failure
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Severe swelling (edema)
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Shortness of breath
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Hypertension
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Fatigue
Anasarca
Widespread, massive swelling throughout the body, including:
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Legs
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Around the eyes
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Abdomen or chest
This swelling must persist despite prescribed treatment.
Anorexia With Weight Loss
Loss of appetite resulting in weight loss is evaluated using body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 18.0 or lower, documented multiple times, may support a disability finding.
Chronic Kidney Disease Listings (6.03–6.06)
Social Security specifically evaluates:
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6.03 – CKD with chronic dialysis
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6.04 – CKD with kidney transplant
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6.05 – CKD with severe kidney function impairment plus complications
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6.06 – Nephrotic syndrome with severe lab findings and persistent anasarca
Each listing has strict medical criteria that must be met with documentation over time.
What If Your Condition Doesn’t Meet a Listing?
If your condition does not meet a specific genitourinary listing, Social Security must still consider:
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Whether your condition medically equals a listing
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The combined effect of kidney disease and other impairments
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Whether your limitations prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity
Many people qualify at later steps in the evaluation process—even if they do not meet a listing exactly.
Getting Help With a Kidney-Related Disability Claim
Genitourinary disability claims are evidence-driven and highly technical. Missing lab results, incomplete records, or unclear physician notes can lead to unnecessary denials.
Having experienced guidance can make a meaningful difference in presenting your case clearly and accurately.
If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
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