Interstitial Cystitis,
which is also called IC or Painful Bladder Syndrome, is a chronic and painful
inflammatory condition in the wall of the bladder. Social Security does not have a specific
listing for this condition, however there are different ways that you may be
found eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits due to IC.
Interstitial Cystitis is extremely painful. Some of its symptoms are:
- Frequent urination
- Feelings of pain and pressure in the bladder, the pelvis or the genital areas
- Pain during sex
- Men suffer from pain and discomfort in the penis and the scrotum
- In most women symptoms get worse around the menstrual cycle
The diagnosis of IC is a difficult one. Doctors usually make the diagnosis of this condition by excluding all other possible illnesses. This is in part why social security issued a ruling to address the methodology to be followed by the agency when faced with a case involving Interstitial Cystitis. (See SSR 02-02p)
Since there isn’t a
listing for Interstitial Cystitis, most Social Security Disability cases
dealing with this condition will be evaluated at step 4 and step 5 of the
Social Security sequential evaluation process.
At step 4, the claimant must be able to prove that the condition
prevents him or her from doing the work performed during the past 15 years
(past relevant work). If you are not
able to perform past relevant work, then Social
Security will consider your limitations, such as how long are you able to sit
without pain, which can make a sedentary job impossible. Pain can also make
physical work like lifting or carrying difficult. Side effects from
medications, including fatigue and dizziness, may also impact your ability to
perform physically at work. Based
on your age, your education and your skills Social Security will then determine
at step 5 of the sequential evaluation process whether you still have the
capacity to do other work. If you are
not able to do any other work do to your limitations, you will be granted
Social Security Disability Benefits.
