Interstitial cystitis does not have a specific disability listing in the SSA’s Blue Book that contains the listing of impairments. Yet, there are still three other ways in which applicants may be deemed “disabled” for IC under a listing.

First, IC may be present with other impairments, worsened by other impairments, or result in other impairments.

Second, the IC in its severity may equal a listed impairment if it is as severe as and lasts the same amount of time as any listed impairment. The most relevant listings are those that are most closely related to an applicant’s impairments when determining “medical equivalence” to another listing.

Third, If an applicant has multiple impairments in addition to IC that, in combination, are as severe as a listing, the applicant may qualify for disability benefits despite the fact that an applicant’s combined impairments don’t “equal” a listing. Combined impairments may be as severe as a listing but not equal a listing if the impairments present are not similar to any other disability listing, but equally disabling.

Because IC may cause many physical and mental symptoms, its effects may prevent an individual from working even if he or she doesn’t meet a listing in the SSA’s Blue Book. Social Security evaluates an applicant’s abilities and impairments based on their Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine if the combination of all of their impairments prevents them from working.

The Sullivan Law Office provides assistance in ensuring that all applicants and recipients receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled in all types of disability cases. These include Social Security Disability, long-term disability, short-term disability, state retirement and workers’ compensation. Contact the Sullivan Law Office today. We offer free consultations, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! We look forward to hearing from you. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.I Have Interstitial Cystitis - Do I Qualify For Disability Benefits? Part 2: Qualifying