This category includes medical disorders, other than cancer, that generally result from kidney dysfunction. The most commonly encountered are chronic renal disease, kidney transplant and nephrotic syndrome. Some other disorders that fall within this category include nephrolisthiasis, renal osteodystrophy, fluid overload syndrome, anasarca, hepatitis, cirrhosis, heavy metals disease, and some types of neuropathy.

These disorders can produce symptoms such as edema (excess of body fluids), excruciating pain, and persistent weight loss and weakness.  They are typically well managed by medication, but not always. Some are very difficult to treat effectively, and most tend to progress in severity over time.

The degree of an individual’s disability generally depends on the state and severity of the underlying disease process and the nature of the symptoms it produces. Genito-urinary symptoms can result in significant work limitations. However, some are linked to past or ongoing drug or alcohol abuse, and others are the result of failure to follow proscribed treatment. These factors can result in a denial of disability benefits no matter how severe the symptoms are. Care must be taken to evaluate and clarify these factors before filing a claim for benefits.