This post discusses SSDI/SSI for Aplastic Anemia. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is available for individuals who are found disabled by the Social Security Administration (for a discussion of the difference between SSDI and SSI look here).
Aplastic Anemia occurs when the body stops making enough new blood cells. This can be brief or chronic. Blood cells have important functions like carrying oxygen to your body and protecting you from infection. In essence, Aplastic Anemia deprives your body of its most sustaining resource. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heart rate, frequent infections, rashes, dizziness and headache. Via The Mayo Clinic.
A complete blood count (CBC) is usually the first test used to detect Aplastic Anemia. Also, a reticulocyte count (measures the number of young red blood cells in your blood) or bone marrow test can be done. Via the National Institutes of Health.
Treatment options include prescriptions that stimulate the production of blood cells, chemotherapy, stem cell or bone marrow transplant and blood transfusions. Aplastic Anemia is broken into stages: moderate (MAA), severe (SAA), or very severe (VSAA). Severity can affect treatment options. Via Johns Hopkins.
The Social Security Administration can evaluate Aplastic Anemia under 7.17 Aplastic anemias with bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. This listing considers an individual disabled for 12 months following transplantation and thereafter based on the residual impairment. But, what if you have not had a bone marrow or stem cell transplantation yet?
The above listing is only one of the ways that the SSA can find you disabled based your Aplastic Anemia. In my experience, clients with Aplastic Anemia suffer from severe fatigue and shortness of breath that impairs the ability to work. Chemotherapy also causes terrible side effects and working is usually not even a consideration during this time.
The first step in attaining SSDI/SSI for Aplastic Anemia is to apply for benefits. The Bishop Law Firm represents Social Security Disability clients in Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Cary, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Smithfield, Louisburg, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
Also read NC Social Security Disability Lawyer