Living with sickle cell disease is possible but most individuals must make drastic changes to their lifestyle. Even so, it’s not uncommon for someone to be unable to work or perform daily activities.
That’s when applying for Social Security disability benefits can help. If you or a loved one is suffering from this disease, then it might be time to speak to an attorney for application support.
What Is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a blood disorder that affects over 100,000 Americans. This condition is particularly prevalent among Black and Hispanic or Latino populations.
These disorders affect red blood cells and cause abnormal hemoglobin levels. Known as hemoglobin S, this can lead to red blood cells that are rigid and sickle-shaped. This condition triggers various complications. Some of these complications include
- painful vaso-occlusive crises
- frequent infections
- potential damage to organs like the spleen, liver, and kidneys
Managing SCD requires comprehensive care, often involving regular hospital stays and life-long RBC transfusions.
Types and Symptoms
SCD manifests in several forms. This includes Sickle Cell Anemia (HbSS), where individuals inherit two sickle cell genes, one from each parent. Another type is Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease (HbSC), less severe but still significant. Common symptoms include
- episodes of pain, known as a painful vaso-occlusive crisis
- acute chest syndrome
- pulmonary hypertension
- chronic heart and gallbladder diseases
Diagnosis and Challenges
Diagnosis typically involves hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 grams per deciliter indicating severe cases. Despite clear diagnostic criteria, access to proper healthcare and timely diagnosis remains a challenge for many, especially within minority communities. Stigmas and economic factors contribute to disparities in healthcare access, impacting the management and outcomes of the disease.
Healthcare Access and Stigma
Not everyone has access to a sickle cell disease center or specialist that can deliver the proper diagnosis. A delayed diagnosis and treatment for sickle cell often stem from enduring stigmas and misconceptions about SCD.
These barriers make it hard to manage the disease, causing more problems and hospital stays. Addressing these issues is crucial in improving life quality and treatment outcomes for those affected by SCD. It underscores the need for targeted educational and medical initiatives to support these vulnerable populations.
Understanding and treating sickle cell disease is important for managing its impact and helping patients control the condition. For individuals suffering from this condition, securing social security disability benefits can provide necessary support. It’s crucial to recognize the painful nature of SCD and the barriers many face with essential healthcare services.
Is Sickle Cell A Disability That Qualifies For Benefits?
If you’re wondering if you can get SSI for sickle cell disease, the answer is yes. Sickle Cell Disease is a disability recognized by the Social Security Administration. This means individuals with this condition can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Approval depends on how significantly the disease impacts a person’s ability to work and function.
Evidence Needed For Your Claim
When applying for disability benefits for sickle cell disease, it’s important to give high-quality evidence. Here’s what you’ll need:
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- Medical Records
- Comprehensive records detailing diagnosis, treatment plans, and progress notes from your healthcare providers.
- Hospital Records
- You should include documented medical evidence of hospital stays and emergency room visits. An instance of this could involve documentation from hospital staff of a painful vaso-occlusive crisis. Another instance could involve an emergency room episode of acute chest syndrome.
- Physician Documentation
- Statements from your treating physicians should describe how symptoms impact your physical and mental capabilities. Some of these symptoms can include hypertension, chronic heart failure, and gallbladder disease
- Lab Results
- Lab test results confirm abnormal hemoglobin levels and other relevant findings. This includes hemoglobin measurements at critical thresholds (e.g., over 7.0 grams per deciliter).
- Medical Records
- Detailed Symptom Log
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- This should include descriptions of your pain episodes. Please note their frequency, intensity, duration, and impact on your daily life. Logging this information over 12 months can be beneficial for your claim.
Waiting For A Decision
The process for obtaining a decision on a disability claim can vary significantly. Unfortunately, the outcome often depends on the complexity of the case and the clarity of the evidence provided:
- Initial Review: Typically, an initial review of a disability claim for Sickle Cell Disease takes several months. However, cases with well-documented chronic conditions can expedite the process. These include conditions like heart failure or infrequent infarctions of acute chest syndrome.
- Factors Affecting Duration: The completeness of the submitted evidence, the necessity for additional medical examinations, and potential administrative backlogs can all influence the timeline.
- Expectations: The average time can range from a few months to over a year. Preparing evidence that is comprehensive of your sickle cell disease can help in reducing delays.
Including these elements in your disability claim for Sickle Cell Disease can significantly influence the outcome. They provide a thorough depiction of how the disease affects your life and can qualify you for the needed benefits.
How Can I Appeal?
They rejected your application. It may seem like it’s all over, but the reality is that there’s still a glimmer of hope.
Now, you have the right to appeal the decision through a structured process. Here’s a detailed overview of each step in the appeals process:
- Reconsider Your Claim:
- A different adjudicator within the Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your claim. This step involves a complete re-evaluation of all the initial evidence plus any new information you provide.
- Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ):
- If the claim outcome doesn’t change after this first step, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. This hearing is your opportunity to present more evidence and clarify your case in detail. It allows for a more personal interaction. Here you can explain how Sickle Cell Disease impacts your daily life and ability to work.
- Appeals Council:
- Should the ALJ’s decision still go against you, the next recourse is to ask for a review. The Social Security’s Appeals Council reviews the judge’s decision for any oversight of the law. Unfortunately, it does not consider new evidence.
- Federal Court Review:
- As a final step, if all previous appeals are exhausted, you have the option to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. This legal action challenges the decisions made at earlier stages in a court of law.
Each of these steps can be time-consuming. The appeal process can extend over months or even years.
This underscores the importance of thorough preparation and detailed documentation from the very beginning of your claim.
Detailed medical records, testimonies, and clear evidence of your condition’s impact on your life are crucial. It’s also beneficial to have legal assistance. Disability lawyers can provide guidance and represent your interests effectively throughout the challenging appeals process.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates
Navigating the complexities of applying for disability benefits with Sickle Cell Disease can be overwhelming. Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates are ready to assist you through every step of this process. Our attorneys are here to answer all of your questions. We will check all parts of your application before officially sending it in.
Let us help you secure the benefits you need to manage your condition effectively. Contact us at (312) 431-1000 today to schedule your free consultation.
