If you have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease or other type of hemolytic anemia and are unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Social Security Listing 7.05
Social Security has included sickle cell disease and other hemolytic anemias in its Blue Book of disability listings. However, just receiving the diagnosis from a doctor is not enough to be considered disabled. Social Security considers applications for disability based on sickle cell disease under Listing 7.05. To meet this listing, you must be diagnosed with sickle cell disease or other hemolytic anemia. You must also meet one of the below requirements:
- Documented painful crises that require parenteral narcotic medication. These must have happened at least six times in a consecutive 12-month period and there must be at least 30 days between crises.
- Complications of hemolytic anemia that requires hospitalization on at least three occurrences over a consecutive 12-month period, occurring at least 30 days apart. Each hospitalization must last at least 48 hours.
- Hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 g/dL or less, happening at least three times over a consecutive 12-month period with at least 30 days between measurements.
- Beta thalassemia major, requiring life-long red blood cell transfusions at least once every six weeks to maintain living.
I Don’t Meet the Listing!
If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.
Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your sickle cell disease, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations.
If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.
Jacksonville Social Security Disability Attorney
If you have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease and are unable to work in any capacity due to your physical condition, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.