Can Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) refers to a broad constellation of symptoms and changes in anatomy related to abnormal function of the pelvic floor musculature. This condition can cause acute chronic pain, bladder or bowel incontinence, and even lead to an inability to sit or stand for an appreciable length of time. Pelvic floor issues are significantly more common in women than in men. Up to one-third of women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime, driven by anatomical factors, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. If you have PFD and your symptoms are so severe that they prevent you from being able to hold a job, you may qualify for monthly Social Security disability benefits.
There are two disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance, which is known as SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, commonly referred to as SSI. SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are disabled, and you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes recently enough. SSI, on the other hand, is based on financial need. The Social Security Administration (SSA) says, “It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income.” The road to being awarded disability benefits is complicated and difficult to navigate. It requires meeting strict conditions.
Just being diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction does not automatically qualify you for benefits. You must prove to the Social Security Administration that your condition is expected to last for 12 months or more and prevents you from being able to work regularly. To determine if you are medically eligible for disability benefits, Social Security has a set of procedures in place. These procedures are published in a handbook known as the “Blue Book,” and it includes a list of various disabling conditions known as “listings.”
However, pelvic floor dysfunction does not have its own dedicated section in the Blue Book, so Social Security may look at conditions which affect other body systems such as neurological disorders (Section 11.00), genitourinary problems, or severe musculoskeletal/spine issues (Section 1.00).
Only a few people meet these Blue Book standards, but there is a second way to qualify: demonstrate that the symptoms of your impairment(s) prevent you from sustaining full-time competitive employment on a consistent and reliable basis.
To prove that your PFD prevents you from maintaining full-time employment, you must start with a diagnosis and medical evidence related to your condition. Pelvic floor dysfunction is diagnosed primarily through a physical examination evaluating muscle strength, tone, and coordination. Doctors may also use specialized tests like urodynamics, anorectal manometry, and imaging studies to assess bladder and bowel function if symptoms are complex. This evidence needs to be recorded in a written medical evaluation. You will also need to demonstrate that you have received consistent medical treatment for your condition.
Your doctor should also explain how your medical condition limits your ability to work. This is usually done using a form called the “Residual Functional Capacity” (RFC) form. The RFC form is separate from your medical records and helps your treating doctor explain your limitations. The RFC form should detail specific work-related limits, such as how long you can sit, how often you must use the restroom, or how much weight you can lift.
Although not required, a personal disability journal where you detail your daily pain levels, bathroom frequency, unexpected spasms, and how these interfere with basic tasks can help support your disability claim.
Because the impact of PFD can vary widely among individuals, qualifying for Social Security disability benefits based on pelvic floor dysfunction can be challenging. That is why you need knowledgeable and experienced disability attorneys on your side. If you have a disabling injury or illness and your condition has made it impossible for you to hold a job, contact us at Nash Disability Law for a free evaluation of your situation. We know how to navigate through the complex Social Security Administration disability claims process and guide you on the best path forward. We only get paid when you win your case.
