People who have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and can’t work any longer because of the impact of the disease can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits. The money from disability payments can be used to pay for living expenses and help you get by when you can’t work. But when you file your claim, you must also submit medical proof that you are physically unable to work because of Sickle Cell and that you meet the unique requirements that the Social Security Administration has established.
How to Blue Book Can Help You Medically Qualify with Sickle Cell Disease
Each condition that is listed in the Blue Book has a list of requirements that are specific to that condition. You need to show medical evidence that you meet those requirements in order to have your claim for Social Security disability benefits approved. Blue Book listing 7.05 deals with Sickle Cell and other blood disorders. It states that in order to qualify for disability benefits because of Sickle Cell disease you must have a diagnosis of Sickle Cell disease and at least one of these:
- Painful sickle cell crises requiring intravenous or intramuscular narcotic medication, at least six times in the past 12 months, with each crisis at least 30 days apart (also called vaso-occlusive or thrombotic crises).
- Complications requiring hospitalization at least three times in the past 12 months. Each hospitalization must last 48 hours and occur at least 30 days apart. (Examples of complications include aplastic episodes, hemolytic crises, strokes, heart problems, kidney failure, liver failure, or pneumonia.)
- Anemia that is severe and chronic, with hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 g/dL or less, measured at least three times within a 12-month period, with each measurement at least 30 days apart, or
- Beta thalassemia major that requires life-long red blood cell transfusions at least once every six weeks.
When you submit your claim to the Social Security Administration make sure that you also submit the medical documentation that the SSA will need to eventually award your benefits.
Medical Evidence Do I Need to Win Sickle Cell Disease Claim?
The first thing that you will need to submit with your claim is a diagnosis of Sickle Cell disease from a doctor. Then you also will need the results of specific blood tests like a hemoglobin electrophoresis and a copy of your most recent hematocrit levels. You can also submit the notes from your medical appointments, any treatment specific notes, or prescription history. If you’re not sure what medical records will help your case you can talk to your doctor or to a qualified attorney.
Help Filing for Disability Benefits with Sickle Cell Disease
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today: A lawyer may be able to assist in helping with disability benefits. A good disability lawyer will help you sort through your medical documentation and help you pick the records that you should send in with your claim.
