Sickle Cell Disease, also known as Sickle Cell Anemia, is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a qualifying condition for receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. However, the SSA evaluates each case individually to determine whether or not the effects of the sickle cell disease or the treatments would preclude you from doing any kind of work for a period of at least twelve months.
In the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security manual (also known as the Blue Book), The Social Security Administration classifies sickle cell disease as a Hematological Disorder. When evaluating individual cases, in addition to evaluating the impairment of the affected body system, the SSA considers a number of factors including if the claimant:
- Had documented painful (thrombotic) crises occurring at least three times during the five months prior to adjudication.
- Required extended hospitalization (beyond emergency care) at least three times during the twelve months prior to adjudication.
- Has chronic, severe anemia with persistence of hematocrit of 26 percent or less.
At the Law Offices of Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., we are experienced in handling social security disability claims related to sickle cell disease and other Hematological Disorders including but not limited to chronic anemia, coagulation defects (such as hemophilia), and hereditary telangiectasia. We understand what the SSA is looking for when evaluating claims, and are here to be your tough advocates regardless of the level of your appeal.
We also realize that this is a difficult time, and are here to answer your questions. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
