This post discusses Social Security Disability benefits for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. The Bishop Law Firm represents disability clients in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas. Call us today for a free case evaluation at (919) 615-3095.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease)
HHT is a genetic disorder that affects blood vessels. Blood vessels that join arteries to veins (capillaries) are not correctly formed. Without functioning capillaries, blood moves with high pressure from the arteries to the thinner, less elastic veins (via NIH) . This results in telangiectases (spider veins) or arteriovenous (common to central nervous system but can form anywhere) malformations. Nosebleeds, shortness of breath, anemia, fatigue, blood in stool and migraine headaches are all symptoms (Via the Mayo Clinic). There is not a cure for HHT, but laser therapy, embolization or hormone therapy are treatment options.
Disability Benefits for Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
No matter the diagnosis, all claimants for Social Security Disability must prove that their impairment prevents them from working. The real question to be answered is how severe are your symptoms? Some individuals with HHT have symptoms that are controllable while others have symptoms that hinder every aspect of their life. As discussed above, if blood is routed to incapable veins at high pressure, bleeding will occur. This bleeding can occur anywhere in the body. If this bleeding occurs in the brain or lungs, it may result in a stroke. In addition, frequent blood loss can result in anemia which may require blood transfusions or iron infusions. Treatment options work for some, but in other cases cauterizing the bleeding veins only results in the blood flowing to other veins for release. In addition, an unfortunate side effect of aging is that impairments tend to become more severe.
The Social Security Administration can evaluate your claim for disability benefits for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in different ways. Until 2015, there was a specific listing for HHT, but now 7.00 Hematological Disorders is all we have. Listing 7.18 discusses repeated complications of hematological disorders. This listing requires complications and MARKED “Limitation of activities of daily living or Limitation in maintaining social functioning or Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.” As discussed elsewhere on this site, the SSA Listings are in most cases difficult to meet.
Another possibility of allowance is the Medical Vocational Guidelines (the Grids). The grids help those that are age 50 and older but offer no help for those with non-exertional impairments or those under 50. The last way a person may get on benefits for HHT is by the combination of their impairments. Fatigue from anemia requiring blood transfusions, frequent nose bleeds, and shortness of breath could eliminate your ability to work.
If you are unable to work because of your HHT, applying for Disability Benefits for Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia may be your next move. The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security Disability clients in North Carolina and we do not get paid unless you win. Give us a call today for a free case evaluation, (919) 615-3095. Also, for further information on HHT, you should visit Cure HHT.
Also read Social Security Disability Process