Can I Work With Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle Cell Disease, also known as Sickle Cell Anemia, is a condition which causes an abnormal shape in your red blood cells. The disease is genetic, and those who suffer from it have the condition from birth. The symptoms may or may not manifest early in life, making it difficult to detect. Sickle Cell Disease is most prevalent in those of African descent (as many as one in twelve people of Sub-Saharan descent may suffer from Sickle Cell Disease), though people of all ethnic and racial groups have been diagnosed with SCD.

The symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease include painful episodes which may cause the sufferer to be bedridden, hospitalized, anemic, short of breath, and vision impaired. They may also suffer from jaundice, stunted/delayed growth, chest pains and headaches. Additionally, lack of oxygen resulting from the abnormal red blood cells can damage other body organs and functions.

The severity of symptoms of those suffering from Sickle Cell Disease vary widely, as do the degrees of disability related to the disease. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be considered completely disabled. In the case of Sickle Cell Anemia, the following criteria are used to determine Social Security Disability eligibility:

• Documented crises involving pain no less than three times in the preceding five months.

OR

• Hemocrit levels of 26% or less over an extended period of time, accompanied with painful episodes.

OR

• Painful crises requiring overnight hospitalization three times in the past year.

OR

• Demonstrated impairments of other body functions affecting the ability to perform meaningful work as defined by the criteria for those body systems.

Sickle Cell Disease and Your Ability to Perform Physical Work

If you are suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia, you already know that your ability to perform physical work can be severely impacted. Painful crises can leave you bedridden or hospitalized for significant periods of time. Shortness of breath can make lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or even walking for extended periods of time impossible. You will want to make sure that all physical limitations are thoroughly documented on your application for Social Security Disability benefits, and that they are supported by your medical doctor’s report. If you have any questions regarding what sorts of limitations the SSA is looking for when they review your Social Security Disability claim, consult a Social Security Disability attorney or advocateSocial Security Disability lawyer or representative.

Sickle Cell Disease and Your Ability to Perform Sedentary Work

Sickle Cell Disease can make it extremely difficult to perform jobs even if they are not particularly demanding physically. Chronic headaches can make it difficult to concentrate for extended periods of time, and painful crises can make it impossible to sit in one place for anything beyond short periods of time.

Proving that you are incapable of performing even sedentary work is required before you will be approved for Social Security disability benefits. Showing that your Sickle Cell Disease prohibits you from performing any meaningful work can present a challenge. A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you overcome these challenges and win your SSD benefits. You are entitled to representation at every level of the Social Security Disability claims and appeals process.

Your chances of winning approval for a Social Security Disability claim, regardless of your ailment, improve dramatically when you are represented by an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer. If you suffer from Sickle Cell Disease the last thing you need is to have your claim tied up endlessly in the appeals process. Having a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocateby your side can help you through the entire process of dealing with the SSA.