Myelofibrosis is a type of chronic leukemia. Individuals who develop this disease face severe and life-threatening complications. It can be hard for these people to maintain the activities that are normally associated with day-to-day life. In many cases, maintaining full-time work activity is absolutely out of the question. The problem is, when an individual is unable to work, they have no means of income or medical insurance. Myelofibrosis requires intensive medical treatment, and a lack of income and insurance can be a significant concern. Fortunately, Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income can help. If you would like to know how myelofibrosis qualifies an individual for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and how the SSA reviews claims based on this medical condition, the following information will shed light on the topic.
Myelofibrosis (Myeloproliferative Syndrome) Condition and Symptoms
Myelofibrosis, also known as myleloproliferative syndrome, is a type of cancer or chronic leukemia that disrupts the body's production of red blood cells. This disruption results in severe scarring of the bone marrow, which results in further medical complications.
In some cases myelofibrosis is caused by an underlying condition. In cases such as these, the condition is referred to as secondary myelofibrosis. In other cases, there is no underlying condition found and the disease stands alone. In these cases, the condition is referred to as primary myelofibrosis.
Myelofibrosis is progressive in nature. The longer an individual suffers from the condition, the more scarring the marrow will suffer and the more severe the symptoms will become. In some cases, individuals who develop the condition are able to live without the arrival of symptoms for many years.
When symptoms of myelofibrosis do develop, they commonly include: chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, anemia, spleen enlargement, liver enlargement, pale skin, easy-bruising, easy bleeding, night sweats, fever, bone pain and chronic infection.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myelofibrosis. If a patient isn't experiencing any symptoms yet, a doctor will usually just monitor the patient to check for any progression of the disease. When symptoms are present, treatment will vary depending on the symptoms that a patient is suffering from. Common treatments for this condition include: blood transfusions, androgen therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and/or stem cell transplant.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Myelofibrosis (Myeloproliferative Syndrome)
Myelofibrosis is included in the SSA's Blue Book of disabling conditions under Medical Listing 7.10. According to this listing, a patient will qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they are suffering from a case of myelofibrosis that meets certain conditions. A diagnosis of the condition itself is not enough to qualify you for the benefits you may need. You must prove that your condition has resulted in chronic anemia meeting the criteria of Medical Listing 7.02, has resulted in bacterial infections occurring at least three times during the five months prior to your claim adjudication or has resulted in intractable bone pain with radiologic evidence of osteosclerosis.
When filing your claim for Social Security Disability benefits, you will want to ensure that you include a complete copy of your medical records, furnishing the SSA proof that your condition meets the above-mentioned criteria. If your specific case of myelofibrosis does not meet these guidelines, you may still be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits but you will likely need to do so through the process of a disability appeal. However, you should include complete copies of your medical records with your claim for benefits and answer the questions on the residual functional capacity forms with detailed answers to increase your chance of approval at the initial stage of the application process.
Myelofibrosis (Myeloproliferative Syndrome) and Your Social Security Disability Case
It is important to note that nearly 70 percent of the disability claims received each year are denied by the Social Security Administration during the initial stage of the application process. If your case of myelofibrosis does not meet the specific guidelines that have been set forth by the Social Security Administration or your initial application does not prove beyond a doubt that you are unable to perform any type of work activity, you will likely be denied Social Security Disability benefits during the initial application stage, resulting in the need for a disability appeal.
If you do need to appeal the SSA's decision to deny your Social Security Disability benefits, it is crucial that you consult with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocate. These professionals will understand why your initial application was denied and what evidence you will need to prove your case to the Social Security Administration during your appeal. The professional you hire will also be able to represent you at your disability hearing, providing the administrative law judge with the evidence they will need in order to overturn the SSA's decision to deny your benefits. Statistics show that applicants who retain legal representation during an appeal are more likely to be awarded benefits than those who try to muddle through the process themselves.
To learn more about filing for disability benefits with myelofibrosis or to learn more about working with a Social Security Disability attorney or advocate, simply fill out the form for a free evaluation of your SSD case.
