Social Security Benefits For Chronic Anemia

Chronic Anemia Overview

Anemia associated with chronic disease refers to having insufficient red blood cells as a result of autoimmune disorders (diseases in which the immune system assaults joints and/or body organs) or other chronic illnesses. Chronic diseases are defined as diseases that persist for more than three months. This disorder is often referred to as anemia associated with inflammation or anemia associated with chronic illness (AI/ACD).

Chronic disorders can alter red blood cells, which are the oxygen-carrying blood cells produced by bone marrow. These changes may result in the premature death of red blood cells and a decrease in their formation.

Iron that is ordinarily recycled from old red blood cells to help form new red blood cells is held within a system of cells called macrophages in anemia caused by chronic illness. This reduces the quantity of iron available to assist in the formation of new red blood cells.

Additionally, the process by which iron is digested within cells is harmed. (Metabolism is a set of well-ordered chemical events that the body need for survival.)

The symptoms are comparable to those associated with iron deficiency anemia and include the following:

  • Tired or weakened
  • Being pale in complexion
  • Being out of breath
  • Sweating
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Heartbeats that are rapid
  • Suffering from headaches
  • Certain individuals exhibit no symptoms. Certain individuals have symptoms
  • exclusively while exercising.

Medically Qualifying for Chronic Anemia Benefits

When the Social Security Administration analyzes your application for benefits, they will check for two things: How severe is your anemia, and do you have any coexisting medical conditions?

The majority of persons who qualify for benefits do so because of a linked condition such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, HIV, or congestive heart failure.

If you do not match a listing for a related medical condition, you must either fulfill the SSA’s listing for hemolytic anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, or demonstrate that you suffer from frequent and severe anemia consequences that impair your daily functioning.

To qualify as hemolytic anemia, the anemia must be quite severe. You must frequently be admitted and discharged from the hospital, have extensive hospital stays (48 hours or longer), frequently require narcotic pain drugs, and require frequent or life-long blood transfusions. Satisfying any of these standards entails not only describing the issue but also adhering to a strict timeline. For instance, you must visit the hospital at least three times in a 12-month period and at least 30 days apart.

All disability listings are similarly extensive, and understanding the SSA requirements without the advice of your physician might be challenging. This is because the Blue Book provides medical terminology and diagnostic information that can be used to demonstrate the severity of these potentially crippling illnesses. In other words, the book is written for physicians and other medical specialists and is therefore difficult to translate for the average reader.

You’re going to need your doctor’s assistance in gathering medical records and providing information to the SSA nonetheless. Therefore, ensure that you seek his or her assistance prior to initiating your disability claim.

How to File a Disability Claim if You Have Chronic Anemia

Whether you can meet or match a disability listing or are required to complete an RFC, the SSA requires particular proof to support the information you give in your disability application. The specific evidence necessary differs according on the type of anemia you have, whether you have any other medical issues, and which disability listing you are most likely to qualify under.

Your physician can assist you in determining what evidence is required, but in general, the SSA will want to see the following:

Laboratory reports generated by or signed by your physician that include a definitive diagnosis
Hospitalization and emergency room records, detailing the frequency and duration of your visits and the conditions for which you were treated Blood transfusion records and/or schedules, where necessary
A comprehensive report from your physician that details your diagnosis, treatments, symptoms, functional limits, and prognosis.

You may be eligible for SSDI and/or SSI, but the application process for each program is different. You can apply for SSDI online or in person at any Social Security Administration location. However, for SSI, you must visit your local SSA office to finish your application via a personal interview.

Prepare for your interview by gathering as many records as possible prior to beginning your online application. The Social Security Administration will want contact information for your physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Additionally, they require information about your schooling and employment background, as well as your personal finances.