Indiana Social Security Disability Attorneys for Chronic Kidney Disease
When diagnosed with a chronic condition such as chronic kidney disease, not only are you worried about your long-term health, but you also have to worry about how you are going to afford your medical bills and living expenses.
Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, is the loss of kidney function. Your kidneys’ job is to remove waste products and excess fluid from your body. They also release hormones that regulate blood pressure. Your kidneys have an incredibly important job in the function of your body, and their decline can lead to serious health concerns.
If you have lost your job or are unable to work due to your chronic kidney disease, you may be entitled to social security benefits. The Indiana Social Security Disability attorneys of Hankey Marks & Crider can help you with your case and explain your options. Call us today at (317) 634-8565 for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits must be applied for. You don’t automatically receive them. This application process with the Social Security Administration (SSA) is long and complicated. The SSA does not make it easy for people to apply for these benefits.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate this process. We can make sure the forms are filled out completely and correctly. If even one thing is left blank or answered incorrectly on your forms, your application will be denied. Our attorneys have knowledge of the processes that go into reviewing an application and know-how to make sure that your application doesn’t get tossed out because of a technicality or oversight.
Why Choose Us?
Hankey Marks & Crider has years of experience in dealing with the SSA. Our skilled attorneys are here to help you. We take pride in providing you with an uncomplicated experience with your SSA application.
We also may be able to help if your application has been previously denied. Don’t give up hope. Let our knowledgeable attorneys review your case and, if it’s appropriate, help you appeal the denial.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease affects the kidneys’ ability to function properly over a sustained period of time. This disease is progressive; that means it will get worse as time goes on. As the kidney’s function decreases, waste and fluids begin to build up in the body.
Chronic kidney disease is more common in those over the age of 65. It is estimated that more than 1 in 7 adults have chronic kidney disease.
Early chronic kidney disease can go undetected, as there are not many visible signs. Our kidneys are designed to be able to do more than what our body actually needs. We can even donate one kidney and still function normally. This means that at the beginning of the disease, a decrease in functioning can go unnoticed.
Advanced chronic kidney disease can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests. The warning signs of advanced kidney disease include:
- Swelling of the hands and feet and puffiness around the eyes
- Painful urination or more frequent urination
- Blood or protein in the urine
- High blood pressure
Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Many factors exist for developing chronic kidney disease. Some of these are inherited, while others are congenital. Some of these causes include:
- Diabetes – This is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease. Diabetes affects the amounts of insulin your body produces, which results in high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys.
- High blood pressure – When the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high, the result is high blood pressure. This can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys.
- Heart disease – If you have heart disease, you are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Heart disease is the top cause of death for those with chronic kidney disease.
- Polycystic kidney disease – An inherited disease, polycystic kidney disease causes kidney cysts that can damage the kidneys over time.
- Glomerulonephritis – The glomeruli are the kidneys’ filtration units. This disease causes inflammation in the glomeruli that results in decreased functioning of the kidneys.
- Family history of chronic kidney disease – Chronic kidney disease runs in families. If your immediate family has chronic kidney disease, you are more likely to develop it.
Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of chronic kidney disease usually involves slowing the progression of the disease. Depending on the cause of the kidney disease, treatments can vary. Some of the treatments include:
- High blood pressure medication – Lowering your high blood pressure may help to preserve your kidney function.
- Medications to control cholesterol levels – High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease. Because heart disease and chronic kidney disease are known to be linked, lowering your chances for heart disease can be helpful to slow the progression of your kidney disease.
- Medications to relieve swelling – Decreased kidney function can cause retention of fluids. Fluid retention results in swelling in different parts of the body. To help relieve this swelling, your doctor may prescribe different medications.
- Dialysis – Advanced chronic kidney disease often requires treatment with dialysis. Dialysis artificially removes the waste products and extra fluids from your body that your kidneys would normally remove.
- Kidney transplant – Advanced chronic kidney disease may result in kidney failure, which will require you to have a kidney transplant. A kidney transplant involves placing a donated kidney into your body in place of your failed kidney. This will result in a life-long medication regimen to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.
Contact Our Experienced Social Security Disability Attorneys Today
If you have been suffering due to chronic kidney disease and can’t work, don’t go through this difficult period alone. Contact our attorneys today for help with your Social Security Disability benefits case. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through the confusing process of applying for benefits and let you focus on your health. Call us today at (317) 634-8565 for a free consultation.