Chronic Anemia and Social Security Disability

Individuals who suffer from Chronic Anemia face symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and fainting spells. It is not surprising that many of the people who live with Chronic Anemia are unable to work due to the condition. Unfortunately, this can result in a severe financial burden. With a lack of income, the bills can quickly pile up and the addition of medical bills due to the condition does not help matters. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits can alleviate some of the financial stressed caused by Chronic Anemia. If you are suffering from Chronic Anemia and are unable to work, the following information can help you understand how your condition affects your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

Chronic Anemia - Condition and Symptoms

Chronic Anemia occurs when an individual's red blood cell count is chronically low. This can result in a reduction of the amount of hemoglobin that circulates in the blood. Chronic Anemia itself is not an actual disease, but is often a symptom of a variety of other medical conditions. Inflammation, infection and malignancy may result in a case of Chronic Anemia. Chronic Anemia may also be caused by something as simple as not having enough iron in one's diet.

The symptoms of Chronic Anemia can be quite severe. Some of the people who suffer from the condition will experience severe fatigue and weakness. Others may have frequent fainting spells. In severe cases Chronic Anemia can lead to heart palpitations and even cardiac arrest.

Many cases of Chronic Anemia can be treated. The course of treatment will depend on the cause of the Chronic Anemia. If an individual is suffering from Chronic Anemia due to a lack of iron in the diet, iron supplements may be administered. If, however, the underlying cause is more severe, treatment may be more complicated and may or may not be effective.

If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from Chronic Anemia he or she may run a variety of tests. A complete blood count will be ordered to measure your hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. A reticulocyte count and serum ferritin and serum iron tests may also be conducted.

When testing for Chronic Anemia your doctor will also likely test for underlying conditions that may be contributing to the condition. If you will be filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to your Chronic Anemia condition, your case will be stronger if an underlying condition that meets the SSA's impairment guidelines is also diagnosed.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Chronic Anemia

When filing a Social Security Disability application due to Chronic Anemia, you will need to prove that your condition is severe enough that it prevents you from being able to perform any kind of work. In most cases an individual will need to suffer from other underlying conditions in addition to the Chronic Anemia in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

According to the SSA's guidelines, you must have documentation of related illnesses or ailments associated with your Chronic Anemia in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. If you do not have an underlying condition, you may still qualify for disability benefits if your anemia condition has resulted in a blood transfusion at least once every two months.

If there is no underlying condition and you have not needed blood transfusions, it may be difficult to prove that your Chronic Anemia has prevented you from being able to perform substantial gainful work activity. When visiting your doctor make sure that you discuss any limitations you are experiencing. Your doctor should make note of these limitations, which will make them a part of your medical record and may assist you in qualifying for Social Security Disability payments.

Chronic Anemia and Your Social Security Disability Case

Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits due to Chronic Anemia can be a challenge. You will have to have enough medical evidence to prove that your condition completely prevents you from working. Overall, only 30 percent of disability claims are approved at the initial stage of the application process. If you are applying for disability benefits due to Chronic Anemia, your initial application for Social Security Disability will likely be denied and you will need to go on to file an appeal with the SSA.

When applying for disability benefits due to Chronic Anemia, it may be in your best interest to hire a disability attorney. An attorney can increase your chances of filing a successful Social Security Disability claim.