Kidney disease, also referred to as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease, will qualify for disability benefits if the condition is severe.  The severity of the condition will be assessed under Social Security’s five step sequential evaluation process.  After determining severity and assessing the claimant’s level of current work activity, Social Security examines kidney disease under the listing for genitourinary impairments at Listing 6.00.   These listings include:

6.02 Impairment of renal function, due to any chronic renal disease that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. With:

A.Chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis (see 6.00E1).

OR

B. Kidney transplantation. Consider under a disability for 12 months following surgery; thereafter, evaluate the residual impairment (see 6.00E2).

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