INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a complex genitourinary disorder involving recurring pain or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. It is often considered the same condition as painful bladder syndrome. IC occurs more often in women than men.
Social Security has issued SSR 15-1p, stating that Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a medically determinable impairment and the ruling describes how the disorder should be evaluated by decision makers.
IC can cause any number of disabling symptoms. Urinary frequency can necessitate trips to the bathroom as often as every 10 to 15 minutes. Pain and other symptoms associated with IC may result in exertional limitations that prevent a person from doing a full range of unskilled work in one or more exertional categories. Or, pain caused by IC may interfere with an individual's concentration, persistence and pace. There may also be postural and/or environmental limitations that erode the occupational base for an individual suffering from IC.
As with all other disorders, evidence must be available from acceptable medical sources, meaning a properly licensed doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopath (DO). IC is diagnosed by ruling out other disorders with similar symptoms. Helpful tests may include urinalysis, urine culture, cystocopy, biopsy of the bladder wall and urethra, and distention of the bladder under anesthesia. In men, a culture of prostate secretions may also be helpful.
Once a diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis is confirmed, the claimant must prove that his/her symptoms are severe enough to significantly restrict the ability to perform full-time work.
Social Security has issued SSR 15-1p, stating that Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a medically determinable impairment and the ruling describes how the disorder should be evaluated by decision makers.
IC can cause any number of disabling symptoms. Urinary frequency can necessitate trips to the bathroom as often as every 10 to 15 minutes. Pain and other symptoms associated with IC may result in exertional limitations that prevent a person from doing a full range of unskilled work in one or more exertional categories. Or, pain caused by IC may interfere with an individual's concentration, persistence and pace. There may also be postural and/or environmental limitations that erode the occupational base for an individual suffering from IC.
As with all other disorders, evidence must be available from acceptable medical sources, meaning a properly licensed doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopath (DO). IC is diagnosed by ruling out other disorders with similar symptoms. Helpful tests may include urinalysis, urine culture, cystocopy, biopsy of the bladder wall and urethra, and distention of the bladder under anesthesia. In men, a culture of prostate secretions may also be helpful.
Once a diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis is confirmed, the claimant must prove that his/her symptoms are severe enough to significantly restrict the ability to perform full-time work.
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