Can You Get Disability For Overactive Bladder?

Your frequent bathroom trips may be the butt of jokes in the office, but can you get disability for overactive bladder? Is this problem recognized as a disability by the government? Let us learn more about overactive bladder and how to claim disability for it.

Overactive Bladder is a common problem  that affects almost 34 million Americans. When most people think about disabilities, they think about conditions like blindness, paralysis, or mobility issues. 

An overactive bladder can cause urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine. Urinary incontinence can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts your quality of life. 

But did you know that an overactive bladder can also be a disability? If your frequent trips to the bathroom are impacting your quality of life, you may be able to get disability benefits from the SSA. Keep reading to learn more about this condition and how you can qualify for benefits.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a symptom where you have involuntary leakage of urine. It is a prevalent problem, affecting up to one in four women and one in ten men at some point in their lives. There are many different types of urinary incontinence, and the symptoms can range from slightly embarrassing to debilitating.

There are several types of urinary incontinence, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common type is stress incontinence, which occurs when the muscles supporting the bladder are weak or damaged. This can cause leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or physical activity. Other types of urinary incontinence include:

• Urge incontinence (a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate followed by leakage).
• Overflow incontinence (leakage due to a weak bladder that can’t empty).
• Functional incontinence (leakage due to an obstacle that prevents the person from getting to the toilet in time, such as arthritis).

Urinary incontinence can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. It can cause embarrassment and social isolation and make it challenging to participate in activities you enjoy. If you are experiencing any symptoms of urinary incontinence, it is essential to talk to your doctor so that they can help you find the best treatment option for you.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Crohn’s Disease?

Urinary Rating Systems

There are many different urinary rating systems in existence. The most commonly used system is the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). This system rates urinary symptoms on a scale of 0 to 35, with higher numbers indicating more severe symptoms.

Other urinary rating systems include the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-Q). These systems are similar to the IPSS but have different scoring systems.

No matter which urinary rating system is used, it is essential to remember that all ratings are subjective. What may be a mild symptom for one man may be severe for another. It is also crucial to keep in mind that symptoms can change over time, so a urinary rating system should be used to track changes in symptoms over time rather than a definitive diagnostic tool.

Can You Get A Disability For An Overactive Bladder?

While your overactive bladder in itself may not be enough cause for you to claim disability, it is highly likely that this incontinence is a symptom of some other disease. Some diseases where urinary incontinence might be a symptom include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Diabetes
• Crohn’s Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke
• Spinal Cord injuries

Loss of bladder control itself is not listed in the SSA blue book, but many of the conditions we mentioned above  are. So the answer to this question is yes, you can apply for disability benefits if you have an overactive bladder. 

To qualify for benefits, you must prove that your overactive bladder is a symptom of one of the other diseases that we have mentioned above, and then apply through the listing in the Blue book that is relevant to them.

Can You Get A Disability For Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition that can cause severe pelvic pain and urinary frequency or urgency. IC can be debilitating, making it difficult to work or even perform daily activities. 

There is no cure for IC, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and make everyday life more manageable. These treatments may not be enough for some people, and they may need to consider applying for disability benefits.

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must be able to show that your IC prevents you from working. This means that you cannot do the kind of work you did before your diagnosis and cannot do any other type of work in the national economy. 

To make this determination, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider your age, education, past work experience, and any limitations caused by your IC.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Stomach Problems?

Getting Disability Benefits For Urinary Incontinence From the VA

How VA Rates Urinary Incontinence?

VA rates urinary incontinence using the General Rating Formula for Urinary Incontinence. Mild incontinence is rated 0%, moderate incontinence is rated 10%, severe incontinence is rated 30%, and complete incontinence is rated 100%. The severity of condition is rated based on frequency and amount of leakage and the impact on daily activities.

To receive a higher rating, you will need to provide medical evidence to show that your urinary incontinence impacts your daily life. This can include a description of the frequency and severity of your symptoms and how they affect activities such as work, social interactions, and sleep. You may also need to provide documentation from a doctor or other healthcare provider.

How to Prove Your Urinary Incontinence Claim to VA?

If you’re seeking disability benefits for urinary incontinence, you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim.

There are a few ways to do this:

1. Medical records from your treating physician documenting your condition and how it has impacted your life.

2. A letter from your doctor explaining your diagnosis and how it has affected you.

3. Testimonials from friends or family members attest to the changes in your quality of life since becoming incontinent.

4. Photos or videos documenting the effects of your incontinence (e.g., soiled clothing, wet bedding, etc.).

5. A journal detailing the frequency and severity of your incontinence episodes and their impact on your daily life.

The more evidence you get, the better your chances of success in getting benefits. Be sure to work with an experienced Veterans Benefits lawyer to make sure you’re putting together the most substantial possible claim.

When Does VA Pay For Urinary Incontinence?

There are predominantly three types of urinary incontinence: stress, urge and overflow. The Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability benefits for all three types of incontinence.

• Stress incontinence is the most prevalent incontinence in men and women. It occurs when the muscles that support the bladder are weak or damaged. This can happen due to an injury, surgery, or a chronic health condition such as diabetes. Stress incontinence can also be a side effect of certain medications.
• Urge incontinence happens when your bladder muscles are either too active or tend to contract more than required or without warning. This can be caused by an infection, a neurologic condition, or a side effect of medication.
• Overflow incontinence is less common than the other types. It occurs when the bladder muscles are unable to empty the bladder. This can be due to an obstruction, such as a kidney stone or a neurological condition.

To receive benefits, you will need to have a diagnosis from a doctor and show that your incontinence significantly impacts your life. The VA may also require additional tests to confirm your diagnosis, such as urodynamic testing. The VA will consider all three types of incontinence when determining if you are eligible for disability benefits.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability For Autoimmune Disease?

Causes of Urinary Incontinence in Veterans

There are a variety of causes of urinary incontinence in veterans. Some of the more common causes include:

• Prostate problems: Enlargement of the prostate can cause urinary incontinence by blocking urine flow from the bladder.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage, such as that caused by diabetes or spinal cord injury, can interfere with the signal from the brain to the bladder muscles, leading to incontinence.
• Muscle weakness: Muscle weakness in the pelvic floor or sphincter muscles can lead to incontinence. This is often seen in older adults or those who have had multiple pregnancies.
• Injury: An injury to the pelvis or spinal cord can cause urinary incontinence.
• Congenital disabilities: Some congenital disabilities, such as spina bifida, can cause urinary incontinence.
• Medications: Some medications, such as diuretics and blood pressure medications, can cause urinary incontinence.
• Diseases: Diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can cause urinary incontinence.

If you are a veteran and are experiencing urinary incontinence, it is essential to talk to your doctor about the potential causes. There are various treatment available, and the best course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your incontinence.

Conditions Similar to Urinary Incontinence

Several conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of urinary incontinence. These include:

• Overactive bladder: This condition is characterized by frequent, sudden urges to urinate. It can be caused by an overactive muscle in the bladder or nerve damage.
• Urinary tract infection: A UTI can cause pain and burning during urination and the urge to urinate more frequently.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: This condition can cause various urinary symptoms, including incontinence. Weak or damaged muscles often cause it in the pelvic floor.
• Prostate problems: When the prostate gland enlarges it can pressure the urethra and cause urinary symptoms.
• Neurological conditions: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can damage the nerves that control the bladder and cause incontinence.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor so that the cause can be properly diagnosed and treated.

You might also like to read: Can You Get Disability If You’ve Never Worked?

VA Disability Claims Process

There are three main steps in the VA disability claims process:

1. File a Claim

2. Develop Your Claim

3. Make a Decision on Your Claim

Filing a Claim

The first step in filing a VA disability claim is to gather all of the necessary documentation. This includes your military discharge paperwork, medical records, and any other evidence that you feel supports your claim. Once you have all the required documentation, you can file your claim online, by mail, or at your local VA regional office.

Developing Your Claim

After you have filed your claim, a VA claims processor will review your case and determine whether or not additional information is needed. If more information is required, the claims processor will request it from you or your medical providers. Once the claims processor has all of the necessary information, they will send your claim to a VA Rating Specialist for review.

Making a Decision on Your Claim

The Rating Specialist will review your case and all of the evidence you have provided. They will then decide on your claim and award you a disability rating if they find that you are eligible. From start to finish, the entire process can take several months, so be patient and keep in touch with your local VA office to check on the status of your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Few Final Words

As we say, every problem has a solution, and it will not be wrong to say that every disability comes with a benefit. You need to be attentive, educated, and careful regarding all these benefits given by your government. This way, you can earn even when you cannot work.