How SSA Evaluates Sickle Cell Disease
How SSA Evaluates Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, organ damage, and other debilitating symptoms. If you have sickle cell disease, you may wonder if you can qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Here's an overview of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates sickle cell disease.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is caused by an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and take on a sickle or crescent shape, which can get stuck in small blood vessels. This can restrict oxygen flow to tissues and organs, resulting in pain and organ damage.
Complications of sickle cell disease include anemia, recurrent painful crises, stroke, organ failure, and other serious issues. The severity of the disease can vary widely from person to person. Treatments aim to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Meeting the SSA Disability Listing for Sickle Cell Disease
To qualify for disability benefits from the SSA, you must have a condition that meets the criteria in the SSA's listing of impairments. For sickle cell disease, the relevant listing is listing 7.05 Hematological disorders.
To meet listing 7.05, you must provide medical evidence showing:
- Recurrent painful crises occurring at least three times during the 5 months prior to your application; OR
- Complications like anemia, stroke, retinopathy, organ damage, or need for transfusion; AND
- Persistence of impairment despite treatment.
Documenting your symptoms, treatment history, and how sickle cell impacts your functioning is key. Having detailed medical records from your hematologist and other providers will help the SSA understand how severely you are affected.
Assessing Functional Limitations
Even if your sickle cell disease doesn't quite meet the listing, you may still qualify for benefits by going through the full disability evaluation process. The SSA will assess how your condition limits your ability to work.
Factors considered include:
- Ability to perform job tasks due to pain, fatigue, weakness, etc.
- Side effects from medications or treatments
- Frequency of doctor visits, hospitalizations
- Dietary restrictions or needs
- Mental health effects like depression
- Susceptibility to stress, temperature changes, etc.
- Potential absenteeism or need for ongoing accommodations
Documenting how sickle cell disease impacts your ability to function day-to-day and maintain employment is key to getting approved. Keep detailed records and have doctors complete medical opinions about your limitations.
Approval Rates for Sickle Cell Disease
Approval rates for sickle cell disease vary based on severity. One study found allowance rates at the initial level ranging from 53-67% for applicants with sickle cell. However, approval is definitely possible with strong medical evidence and detailed records. Having an experienced disability lawyer can also improve your chances.
The SSA recognizes sickle cell disease as a potentially disabling condition. Make sure you submit all needed medical documentation to establish eligibility and get the benefits you deserve. For help with your claim for disability benefits, call SSD Solutions at (407) 738-3718, or click on the “Get Started” button at the top right of this webpage.
