Are you wondering, “Can you get disability benefits for a blood disorder?” The answer is yes, you can. The key is proving that your condition limits your ability to work.
At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we help people with disabilities obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. If you’re suffering from a blood disorder that leaves you unable to earn a living wage, we can help you gain financial support.
What Is a Blood Disorder?
A blood disorder is a condition that disrupts the normal development and function of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and clotting factors. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a blood disorder is a disability when it stops you from working.
These disorders can cause a number of disabling symptoms, such as chronic anemia, fatigue, pain, infections, malaise, and other complications. Such conditions can limit a person’s ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods, maintain balance, communicate, and understand instructions.
What Blood Disorders Qualify for Disability?
Many blood disorders can qualify for Social Security Disability. Those listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of qualifying impairments include both non-malignant and malignant disorders.
Non-malignant hematological disorders are under section 7.00 and include:
- Hemolytic anemias, such as sickle cell disease
- Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis, such as hemophilia
- Disorders of bone marrow failure, such as aplastic anemia
- Hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation
Repeated complications of hematological disorders, such as retinopathy, skin ulcers, or limited joint movement, are also under section 7.00.
Malignant, or cancerous, hematological disorders, such as lymphoma or leukemia, are under section 13.00. However, two lymphomas associated with HIV are under section 14.00.
How To Qualify for Disability With a Blood Disorder
To receive disability benefits for a blood disorder, or any disability, you need to meet certain criteria. The SSA requires claimants to meet the following criteria before they can be eligible for SSD:
- Your disability must prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
- Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Your disability must be a qualifying condition in the SSA’s Blue Book.
If your blood disorder is not under section 7.00, you may qualify for disability benefits under another body listing. For example, polycythemia vera is a blood cancer that the SSA evaluates under sections 3.00, 4.00, or 11.00.
How To Meet Blue Book Criteria for Blood Disorder Disabilities
The Blue Book contains qualifying medical criteria for many impairment listings. To prove that your disorder satisfies a listing, you must provide substantial evidence to the SSA. That evidence must include proof of a positive diagnosis.
To verify that you have a hematological disorder, the SSA needs:
- A lab report of a definitive test that confirms a hematological disorder, signed by a physician; or
- A lab report of a test that confirms a blood disorder that is not signed by a physician plus a physician’s report that states you have the disorder; or
- A report from a physician that states you did receive a diagnosis of your hematological disorder. The report should show your disorder was confirmed by appropriate laboratory analysis or other diagnostic method(s). The report must also state that you had the appropriate definitive lab test or tests and provide the results. Alternatively, it should show how your diagnosis was found through other diagnostic methods that align with the state of current medical knowledge and clinical standards.
What If My Disability Isn’t in the Blue Book?
If your disability (or combination of disabilities) isn’t in the Blue Book, you may still qualify for SSD. Many applicants find their disability does not satisfy one specific listing. Others can’t meet medical criteria under any listing, but are still unable to perform work-related tasks.
If your disability doesn’t meet an impairment listing, you may qualify for benefits by:
- Proving that your condition equals a listing in severity
- Applying for a Medical-Vocational Allowance
Other Essential Medical Records
Your medical records are very important to your case when you apply for Social Security Disability benefits. They should include evidence of:
- Your confirmed diagnosis
- How often you experience symptoms
- Any past hospital visits
- Previous and current treatments
- How your blood disorder affects your daily life (this can include non-medical evidence)
How O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group Can Help
Applying for disability benefits for a blood disorder can be complicated and stressful. Working with a qualified Social Security Disability lawyer can help make the challenge easier.
Our experienced attorneys work on all types of disability claims. At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we handle all the legal steps and help you understand the claims process. When you work with us, we will:
- Gather crucial medical evidence to support your claim
- Make sure your application is filed correctly and on time
- Maintain consistent communication on the status of your claim and ensure you receive updates at every stage
- Ensure your application clearly demonstrates the severity of your condition
- Represent you if you need to appeal a denied claim
Contact Us Today
Living with a blood disorder can make life extremely difficult, especially if you can’t work. If your blood disorder keeps you from earning a living wage, contact our law firm today.
At O’Neil and Bowman Disability Group, we believe in helping people get the benefits they need and deserve. We serve clients in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
Remember, having a disability doesn’t have to mean financial struggle. With the right assistance, you can get the support you need. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step towards securing your future. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your health.
Call Us Today!