Genitourinary Listings: Chronic Kidney Disease

Conditions covered

The adult listings address chronic kidney disease (CKD), including dialysis and kidney transplant, impaired kidney function, nephrotic syndrome, and repeated complications of CKD.

Key listings in Section 6.00

• 6.03 — CKD with chronic dialysis

  Applies to qualifying ongoing hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

• 6.04 — CKD with kidney transplant

  Provides a time-limited listing period after transplant, followed by evaluation of remaining impairment.

• 6.05 — CKD with impairment of kidney function

  Uses specified kidney-function measures and additional required findings.

• 6.06 and 6.09 — Nephrotic syndrome and CKD complications

  Address qualifying nephrotic syndrome and repeated CKD complications.

These are plain-language summaries, not the full regulatory criteria. Review the official Blue Book for the complete requirements and definitions.

Evidence SSA may consider

• Relevant records may include repeated laboratory measurements such as eGFR or other kidney-function tests, nephrology notes, and dialysis treatment records.
• Transplant reports, medication history, fluid-overload findings, bone or nerve complications, and dated hospital records can support the applicable criteria.
• The evidence should show duration, response to treatment, and how kidney disease or its complications affect functioning between medical visits.

If the listing is not met

If no kidney listing is met or medically equaled, SSA still considers fatigue, treatment schedules, symptoms, complications, and any limits on attendance or sustained activity that the evidence supports.

SSA evaluates those effects in the RFC and compares the RFC with past and other work at Steps 4 and 5. A Grid Rule may be relevant depending on age, education, work history, and exertional capacity.

Related resources

• How SSA evaluates diabetes and kidney complications
• See the five-step disability process
• Read about residual functional capacity (RFC)
• Explore the Medical-Vocational Grid Rules
• Browse common condition guides
• Find SSA hearing offices