Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic urinary tract problem characterized by pain, urgency, and frequent urination. This condition can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, maintain employment, and enjoy a good quality of life.
If you are living with interstitial cystitis and unable to work, Social Security Benefits can provide much-needed financial support. However, obtaining Social Security Disability for Interstitial Cystitis can be challenging, which is why you need experienced legal representation.
A qualified attorney from Pilzer Klein could help you prove you meet the Social Security disability qualifications so you can get the benefits you need. Contact us now for a free consultation, or keep reading to learn more.
Is Interstitial Cystitis Listed in the SSA’s Blue Book?
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specifically mention interstitial cystitis in its Blue Book, it considers the term to be synonymous with “painful bladder syndrome” and “bladder pain syndrome.” In addition, a 2015 ruling noted that anxiety and depression from IC can produce listing-level severity by affecting a person’s ability to focus and stay on task.
Also, when a condition is not specifically listed in the Blue Book, there are other ways that sufferers may still qualify for SSDI. The SSA assesses eligibility based on the severity of the impairment and its impact on the individual’s ability to engage in “substantial gainful activity.”
Additionally, if your impairment is equal in severity to another listed condition, your claim may be approved based on that. In some cases, the presence of multiple impairments may help you meet the eligibility criteria for SSDI. A Social Security disability lawyer can be invaluable in any of these situations.
What Exactly Is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a common genitourinary disorder. Experts describe it as an unpleasant sensation perceived to be related to the bladder. More common in women, the condition is often suspected when lower urinary tract symptoms persist for more than six weeks despite treatment.
IC often begins before age 18 and can persist for many years without causing any serious health concerns. The majority of people who suffer from IC have prodromal symptoms, which can include periodic episodes of urinary frequency, bladder pain, or pelvic pain.
Prodromal symptoms may hint at IC long before it becomes clinically apparent. For this reason, it’s important for people who are experiencing unusual or concerning urinary symptoms to consult with their physician for an evaluation. If your interstitial cystitis is expected to last 12 months or more, you may qualify for disability.
What Kind of Medical Evidence Will I Need?
In order to qualify for disability, you will need medical evidence that confirms your condition. One source of evidence is your treating physician. You may have had an ongoing treatment relationship with the doctor who made the IC diagnosis. Your doctor may have ruled out a urinary tract infection when you still experienced symptoms after a round of antibiotics.
However, the SSA doesn’t solely rely on a doctor’s diagnosis if it’s based solely on a patient’s reported symptoms. To validate the presence of interstitial cystitis, the SSA recommends medical professionals perform laboratory tests aimed at ruling out other conditions that might have similar symptoms.
Laboratory findings can help support your interstitial cystitis diagnosis. A positive Parson’s test for potassium levels and anti-proliferative factor (APF) buildup in the urine are just a couple of examples.
Why do I Need a Lawyer for My Disability Claim?
If your symptoms and the effect of your treatment on your ability to work are significant, then you may be eligible for SSDI. However, applicants often face initial denials based on factors such as nonmedical evidence or discrepancies between medical evidence and the applicant’s account of their symptoms.
An experienced lawyer can quickly gather the necessary medical evidence and other documentation to support your case. They can also help you avoid mistakes during the application process.
The attorneys at Pilzer Klein have over 50 years of combined experience handling Social Security Disability claims. All new clients speak directly with a licensed attorney. We accept cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we secure benefits for you.
Free Consultation With a Social Security Disability Lawyer
If you have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and your symptoms keep you from working, an attorney from Pilzer Law can help. We’ll start with a free consultation to determine if you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If we decide to move forward, we’ll stand by you through each stage of your claim.
Whether you are filing your initial claim or appealing a denial, you need an attorney who is familiar with SSDI procedures and processes. Unlike many other law firms that handle these cases, Social Security disability is all we do.
We represent clients in upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Contact us today for a free consultation.
