ERISA & Social Security Disability: Southern California Lawyers

Disability Benefits for kidney failure

Symptoms of kidney failure may begin so slowly that you don't notice them right away.

Healthy kidneys prevent the buildup of wastes and extra fluid in your body and balance the salts and minerals in your blood—such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Your kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep your bones strong.

Kidney failure means your kidneys no longer work well enough to do these jobs and, as a result, other health problems develop. As your kidney function goes down, you may

• have swelling, usually in your legs, feet, or ankles
• get headaches
• feel itchy
• feel tired during the day and have sleep problems at night
• feel sick to your stomach, lose your sense of taste, not feel hungry, or lose weight
• make little or no urine
• have muscle cramps, weakness, or numbness
• have pain, stiffness, or fluid in your joints
• feel confused, have trouble focusing, or have memory problems

Following your treatment plan can help you avoid or address most of these symptoms. Your treatment plan may include regular dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant, a special eating plan, physical activity, and medicines.

Reference: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/what-is-kidney-failure

Essential Medical Documentation of Kidney Failure for Disability Benefits:

• How far can you walk?
• How long can you stand?
• How much can you lift and carry? 
• Are you easily fatigued? What physical activity is your limit?
• How frequent and severe are symptoms of nausea, headaches, cramps?
• Have you had dialysis or are scheduled to have dialysis?
• Do you have difficulty with concentration and focusing?
• Do you have problems with your memory?
• Do you have periods where you are confused?

Documenting your limitations:  How does your condition affect you? Be specific to articulate to your physician details of your physical limitations and how they impact you on a daily basis with regard to your daily living activities, your ability to stand/walk, lift/carry, and even sit for extended periods of time and need for breaks or rest from pain or fatigue. These are important factors and details regarding your functional capacity and important in evaluating whether you can perform your work or any work.