Applying for Social Security Disability for Sickle Cell Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, Sickle Cell Anemia is a blood disorder in which irregularly shaped red blood cells get stuck in small blood vessels which slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. Many with sickle cell experience periodic episodes of pain, or crises, anemia, swelling of the hands and feet, frequent infections, and delayed growth. In order to receive Social Security disability for sickle cell, an adult’s condition must be so severe to the extent that he or she is unable to work for a period of 12 months.
The Social Security Administration evaluates the severity of sickle cell anemia under Listing 7.05. In order to meet Listing 7.05, one must meet one of the following criteria: 1) documented painful crises requiring intravenous or intramuscular narcotic medication, occurring at least 6 times within a 12-month period with at least 30 days between crises, or 2) complications of hemolytic anemia requiring at least 3 hospitalizations within a 12 month period and occurring at least 30 days apart with each hospitalization lasting at least 48 hours, or 3), hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 grams g/DL or less occurring at least 3 times within a 12-month period with at least 30 days between measurements, or 4) beta thalassemia major requiring life-long RBC transfusions at least once every 6 weeks to maintain life.
Children with sickle cell anemia may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income. The criteria for a child with sickle cell is the same as that of an adult with sickle cell disease. If the child does not meet this criteria based on hospitalizations or hemoglobin measurements, the child’s case will also be evaluated to see if he or she “functionally” meets the Listing. In doing so, Social Security will evaluate how the child functions compared to that of other children the same age who do not have impairments in 6 different areas or domains. The 6 domains are as follows: Acquiring and using information, Attending and completing tasks, Interacting and relating with others, Moving and manipulating objects, Caring for yourself, and Health and physical well-being.
For more information on Sickle Cell Anemia and Social Security Disability Insurance, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today at 251-343-1111 for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.