Learn How a Hematological Disorder Can Be Disabling
When you apply for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA), a Social Security claims inspector will determine whether all of your symptoms are severe enough to meet the eligibility for disability. They will review a manual known as a listing of impairments to see whether your impairment is listed within the manual.
The manual defines how severe a specific impairment must be to qualify as disabling. When your impairment is listed in the manual and meets all criteria as prescribed, you can be classified as disabled.
Does a Blood Disorder Qualify for Disability?
The listing of impairments has a specific section that consists of blood disorder impairments, also known as hematological disorders. Some of the common conditions that are addressed in the blue book include:
- Aplastic anemia: If you suffer from aplastic anemia, you may become eligible for disability for hematological disorder. After that, you will be reassessed to determine whether you can return to your job. To become eligible for disability benefits, you would have to show that you require a blood transfusion at least once a month.
- Chronic granulocytopenia: To qualify for disability benefits for chronic granulocytopenia, your absolute neutrophil count should be less than 1,000 cells per cubic mm for an extended period, and you should have had at least three or four documented bacterial infections in the past five years.
- Coagulation defects: Coagulation defects mainly include hemophilia and several similar disorders. To qualify for Social Security benefits with these types of conditions, you should have at least three consistent bleeding episodes that require a blood transfusion.
- Chronic thrombocytopenia: To qualify, your platelet count should be less than 40,000 per cubic mm. In addition, you should have intracranial bleeding or bleeding severe enough to require a transfusion.
- Myelofibrosis: To qualify for benefits based on myelofibrosis, you should also have chronic anemia, recurring bacterial infection, or bone pain caused by osteosclerosis.
- Polycythemia vera: If you are seeking disability benefits in connection with a diagnosis of polycythemia vera, your eligibility will be evaluated based on the condition’s effects on other body systems.
- Sickle cell disease: If you need Social Security benefits because of a sickle cell disease diagnosis, you should have four or more crises within five months. You might also qualify if you are severely anemic.
Can You Get Disability for a Blood Disorder?
Other blood disorders may make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits, even if they are listed within other categories. When the specific condition is not explicitly listed within the blue book, the SSA may compare it to similar issues. Some of the other conditions for which an applicant may qualify include:
- Bone marrow transplants
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Hemophilia
- Hemochromatosis
- Multiple myeloma
- Systemic vasculitis
How a specific disorder relates to the above listings or whether your condition would meet the eligibility criteria of a listing can be complicated to determine. It is a good idea to speak with a doctor to learn more about how your impairment may fit the specified criteria for a hematological listing.
If you do not meet the criteria of the above listings, you might still be able to obtain disability benefits based on your limited functioning. The SSA understands that it cannot prepare a manual for every impairment with which an individual may suffer. So, if your impairment is not on the list, the claim examiner will try to find out whether there are any jobs you may be able to do with your remaining abilities.
If your initial application for benefits is denied, you can start the appeal process to pursue the financial assistance that you need
The Process of Benefits Application for Blood Disorders
The SSA relies on an extensive screening process to determine whether you may be eligible for benefits, such as if you are submitting a blood clotting disorder disability claim.
Recipients of benefits are not permitted to earn more than what the SSA considers to qualify as substantial and gainful activity.
When you are permanently disabled, there is a high chance that an applicant could get approved to start receiving Social Security disability benefits. You may be able to improve your chances of getting approved for benefits by consulting a Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyer who focuses their practice on assisting people with disability claims.