Stages of Kidney Disease


Chronic Kidney Disease Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability Lawyer Minnesota

Chronic kidney disease disability develops gradually over time. Chronic kidney disease is also referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes of ESRD. Social security disability benefits are available for claimants suffering from end stage renal disease. Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages of increasing severity.

What are the stages of kidney disease?

Your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best indicator of how well your kidneys are working. In 2002, the National Kidney Foundation published treatment guidelines that identified five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on declining GFR measurements. The guidelines recommend different actions based on the stage of kidney disease.

• Increased risk of chronic kidney disease. A GFR of 90 or above is considered normal. Even with a normal GFR, you may be at increased risk for developing CKD if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. The risk increases with age: People over 65 are more than twice as likely to develop CKD as people between the ages of 45 and 65.

African Americans also have a higher risk of developing CKD.

• Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal GFR (90 or above). Kidney damage may be detected before the GFR begins to decline. In this first stage of kidney disease, the goals of treatment are to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and
reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

• Stage 2: Kidney damage with mild decrease in GFR (60 to 89). When kidney function starts to decline, your health care provider will estimate the progression of your chronic kidney disease and continue treatment to reduce the risk of other health problems.

• Stage 3: Moderate decrease in GFR (30 to 59). When chronic kidney disease has advanced to this stage, anemia and bone problems become more common. Work with your health care provider to prevent or treat these complications.

• Stage 4: Severe reduction in GFR (15 to 29). Continue following the treatment for complications of chronic kidney disease and learn as much as you can about the treatments for kidney failure. Each treatment requires preparation. If you choose hemodialysis, you will need to have a procedure to make a vein in your arm larger and stronger for repeated needle insertions. For peritoneal dialysis, you will need to have a catheter placed in your abdomen. Or you may want to ask family or friends to consider donating a kidney for transplantation.

• Stage 5: Kidney failure (GFR less than 15). When the kidneys do not work well enough to maintain life, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

In addition to tracking your GFR, blood tests can show when substances in your blood are out of balance. If phosphorus or potassium levels start to climb, a blood test will prompt your health care provider to address these issues before they permanently affect your health.

Fields Law chronic kidney disease disability attorneys will assist you in getting the medical records and supporting documentation you need to provide the SSA with evidence of your disability. If you are unable to work because of kidney problems we can help you apply for social security benefits. If you have been denied disability benefits we can appeal your case.

We offer a Free case review. Our Minnesota disability attorneys understand how frustrating it is to have end chronic kidney disease and be denied disability benefits when you are unable to work. There are never any fees unless we win your disability case.

Fields Law MN Disability Center

We are a Minnesota Disability Law Firm dedicated to helping people in Minnesota get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

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