This post discusses Social Security Disability for Interstitial Cystitis. If Interstitial Cystitis is preventing you from working, read on for how SSA will evaluate your claim for disability benefits.
This post is not offered as medical advice regarding . If you are having or , please seek immediate medical attention.
What is Interstitial Cystitis?
In a person with a healthy bladder, the bladder communicates to the brain through the pelvic nerves that it is full and needs to be emptied (this is when you feel the need to urinate). In people with Interstitial Cystitis (a.k.a painful bladder syndrome), sufferers feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller amounts of urine. Via Mayo Clinic
Interstitial cystitis mainly affects women. The cause of IC is not known, but a defect in the bladder lining; overproduction of histamine; changes in the nerves inside the bladder; and a autoimmune response are all possibilities. Via WebMD . Symptoms can include: urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and chronic pain in the pelvic or vaginal area. Hunner's Ulcers characterize the “classic” form of IC and come with more severe symptoms.
There is no one test that can determine if you have Interstitial Cystitis but allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and sensitive skin are conditions that frequently overlap with IC. Via The Interstitial Cystitis Association . Also, individuals who have IC may have a greater chance of developing fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndrome.
Even though there is not a cure for Interstitial cystitis there are ways to try to control symptoms. Diet, physical therapy, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, Elmiron, bladder instillation, immunosuppressants and surgery are some of the available options. Via The Interstitial Cystitis Association .
Disability for Interstitial Cystitis
The Social Security Administration discusses Interstitial Cystitis at SSR 15-1p . This ruling discusses what a person with Interstitial cystitis must do to be found disabled. The first requirement is that your IC must be established as a “medically determinable impairment by an acceptable medical source” Basically, you need medical evidence from your doctor documenting your diagnosis of IC, symptoms, treatments, etc.
Once your IC has been established as a medically determinable impairment, you then begin the five – step sequential evaluation that Social Security uses to determine if you are disabled.
The question to be answered (as always) in claims for Social Security Disability is how severe is your Interstitial cystitis? Diagnoses are not as important as the severity of your symptoms. If an IC sufferer is unable to perform the activities of daily life due to needing to frequently go to the restroom with bladder pain, or constantly feeling that you have to go the restroom with no little or no urination and chronic pelvic pain, your IC could be severe enough to prevent you from working.
IC frequently occurs with other impairments like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and IBS. The combination of your symptoms from all your impairments may result in being approved for disability.
If you are unable to work, apply for Social Security Disability for Interstitial cystitis as soon as possible. Delay may cause you to lose benefits!
The Bishop Law Firm represents clients in claims for Social Security Disability benefits in Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, Smithfield, Wilson, Louisburg, Rocky Mount and Roanoke Rapids, NC. Call us today for a free case review, (919)615-3095.
Also read Overview of the Disability Process
