Genitourinary Disorders: Urinary and Genital Disability Benefits

The term “genitourinary” refers to the urinary and genital organs. Urology is the type of medicine responsible for the urinary tract in both males and females and the genital tract of the reproductive system in males. The urinary tract includes the organs responsible for filtering excess fluid and waste material from the blood and is comprised of the following:

• Kidneys
• Ureters (the duct where urine passes from kidney to bladder)
• Bladder
• Urethra

Problems associated with the urinary system can include acute and chronic kidney failure, urinary tract infections, obstructions along the urinary tract, and abnormalities present at birth.

Determination of Disability Benefits for Genitourinary Disorders

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a “Listing of Impairments” to guide disability assessments. This set of criteria is based on common types of medical conditions. Some impairments are so severe that they meet the requirements of the listings. Other cases may require the examiner to assess the case further taking into consideration:

1. Limitations of the impairment(s)
2. Work experience
3. Age of the claimant
4. Education

The law defines disability as the inability to perform any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s), which is expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a period not less than 12 months.

Covered Disorders

Diseases of the kidneys often produce temporary or permanent changes to the vessels inside the kidney. Frequent urinary tract infections can cause scarring, leading to renal (kidney) failure. The categories of impairments for genitourinary system disorders recognized as a disability by the SSA are:

1. Impairment of renal function
2. Nephrotic syndrome (caused by disorders that damage the kidneys) with anasarca (edema of serum in the connective tissue) or

Filing a Claim

There are two separate programs that provide cash assistance and health coverage for people with genitourinary disabilities who are unable to work. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked at a job where you paid Social Security taxes for the last five out of ten years. The second program is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which pays benefits based on financial need. When filing your claim, you will need the following information:

1. Medical providers who treated you, along with the address and phone numbers
2. List of every job you have held during the past 15 to 20 years
3. Name and address of your employer(s)
4. Dates of employment and a brief description of your work tasks

Benefits Determination

Social Security benefits for Genitourinary Disabilities are based on how much income you have earned during your lifetime, just like with any other disability. This is the benefit amount you will be paid if you are found to be disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter to people who are blind, disabled and have little to no income. Both children as well as adults can qualify to receive SSI benefits.

Social Security Disability benefits are paid to individuals who have worked and paid into the system. Usually you have to work five out of the last ten ears. The amount of your income benefit is based on your reported earnings you received. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly income to people who are age 65 or older or are blind or have other disabilities and have limited income and financial resources. The average SSI payment for an eligible individual is around $600 per month and $900 for a couple.

Help From a Disability Lawyer

Studies show that individuals represented by an experienced disability attorney have a much greater chance of success that those who try to navigate the process alone. They can review your case and determine whether or not you have a well-founded claim.