Listing code
6.06
Adult (Part A)
Body system
6.00
Genitourinary disorders
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Nephrotic syndrome, with A and B
Subsection A
Laboratory findings as described in 1 or 2, documented on at least two occasions at least 90 days apart during a consecutive 12-month period: Proteinuria of 10.0 g or greater per 24 hours; or Serum albumin of 3.0 g/dL or less, and Proteinuria of 3.5 g or greater per 24 hours; or Urine total-protein-to-creatinine ratio of 3.5 or greater. AND
Subsection B
Anasarca (see 6.00C6 ) persisting for at least 90 days despite prescribed treatment. Back to Top
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 6.06. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 6.06 usually fail
One pitfall is meeting the lab numbers once but not having them documented on at least two occasions at least 90 days apart during a consecutive 12-month period. Another pitfall is confusing separate lab thresholds, like having serum albumin at or below 3.0 g/dL but missing the paired proteinuria requirement spelled out for that specific option. A third pitfall is treating "edema" or mild swelling as the same as anasarca, which must persist for at least 90 days despite prescribed treatment. A fourth pitfall is missing the "despite prescribed treatment" part for Subsection B, since short improvement even with the right swelling severity does not meet the persistence requirement.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
For Subsection A, the evidence needs laboratory findings matching one of the specified proteinuria and albumin patterns, documented on at least two occasions at least 90 days apart during a consecutive 12-month period. The lab results can include urine protein measures such as 10.0 g per 24 hours proteinuria, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and serum albumin at 3.0 g/dL or less. For Subsection B, the evidence should document anasarca persisting for at least 90 days and show that it continued despite prescribed treatment. Clinical exam findings and treatment records are important for showing the swelling course over time and the response to treatment.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
Step 4 checks the medical severity and compares the impairments to the listings criteria. If 6.06 is not met because the labs do not match the exact Subsection A thresholds or the timing requirements, SSA moves to Step 5 and looks at residual functional capacity (RFC) and whether work is still possible despite the kidney condition. For many people, the medical testing and treatment history still matter at this stage, even if the strict listing criteria are not satisfied at Step 4.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For SSDI, the work-activity rules apply at the start of a claim, before medical details are fully evaluated. This listing requires specific nephrotic syndrome lab thresholds in Subsection A and, under Subsection B, anasarca persisting for at least 90 days despite prescribed treatment, which often corresponds to significant ongoing illness rather than a brief flare. If approved, the trial work period and extended period of eligibility apply under the usual SSDI framework, helping people test continued ability to work after the approval decision.
Listing 6.06 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for nephrotic syndrome, with a and b a disability claims.