As discussed in our previous post, sickle cell anemia can be a disabling illness that can cause severe pain and complications. Those who suffer from it and cannot work may want to pursue Social Security disability benefits. And indeed, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes sickle cell disease as a disabling disorder in its Listing of Impairments, also called the “Blue Book.” For those who are applying for benefits, it is important to understand what documentation the SSA requires to prove an applicant has a hematological disorder like sickle cell anemia.
Several forms of evidence can suffice. The first form the SSA will accept is a lab report that establishes that the applicant has a hematological disorder via a definitive test. This report must bear a physician’s signature.
Alternatively, an applicant can submit a lab report that establishes that the applicant has a hematological disorder via a definitive test that does not bear a physician’s signature but does contain a physician’s report that the applicant has such a disorder.
Otherwise, if the SSA does not receive a lab report containing a definitive test of a hematological disorder, the applicant can provide a physician’s persuasive report that the applicant’s hematological disorder was established via an appropriate lab analysis or other diagnostic methods. This report must state that the applicant was given the appropriate definitive lab tests and what the results of these tests were or it must state how the applicant’s diagnosis was reached via other methods.
These are only some requirements that must be met to demonstrate that an applicant has a sickle cell disease. In addition, the applicant must meet the SSA’s definition of sickle cell disease that constitutes a disability. To learn more about this, a person may want to seek the assistance of a Social Security disability attorney, who can provide more information about applying for benefits.