Social Security Disability Benefits and Interstitial Cystitis (IC)    

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a complex genitourinary disorder involving recurring pain or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. Treatments for IC are mostly directed at symptom control. They include, but are not limited to: changes in diet; physical therapy and pelvic floor strengthening exercises; stress management; bladder distention; bladder instillation; oral drugs, such as prescription drugs indicated for IC (for example, Elmiron and dimethyl sulfoxide), antidepressants, antihistamines, antacids, anticoagulants, and narcotic analgesics; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; and surgery, such as substitution cystoplasty or urinary diversion with or without cystectomy. Treatment is not effective for everyone because response varies among patients.

SSA recognizes that IC can be a Medically Determinable Impairment (MDI) when accompanied by appropriate symptoms and medical signs or laboratory and can be the basis for a finding of “disability.”  SSA has a specific ruling to follow when evaluating IC as a basis for disability.  To learn more about IC and applying for disability benefits contact us for a fee consultation.