Clotting and Bleeding Disorders and SSDI Eligibility

Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis involve serious issues with how your blood clots. These conditions can be congenital, meaning you were born with them, or acquired later in life. They are characterized by abnormalities in clotting-factor proteins or platelets, leading to either hypercoagulation, where your blood clots too easily, or hypocoagulation, where your blood fails to clot properly.

These conditions often cause severe physical limitations that interfere with your daily work. You may struggle with the constant risk of uncontrolled bleeding or dangerous clots, which can lead to sudden medical emergencies. This unpredictability makes it difficult to maintain a consistent work schedule, as the need for urgent medical intervention or recovery time can arise without warning.

Under Listing 7.08, the SSA evaluates your condition based on the frequency and severity of complications that require hospitalization. They look for evidence that your disorder causes significant health events, such as uncontrolled bleeding or dangerous thromboses, that are serious enough to necessitate professional medical care in a hospital setting.

To meet this listing, you must document at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, with each event occurring at least 30 days apart. Each stay must last at least 48 hours, which can include time spent in an emergency department or a specialized treatment center. The SSA requires this evidence to show that your condition is severe enough to prevent sustained, gainful employment.

Strong claims rely on detailed medical records that document your diagnosis and the specific complications you have experienced. You need laboratory reports of definitive tests, such as evaluations of your plasma clotting-factor proteins or platelet counts, signed by your physician. Imaging reports and records of any surgeries or treatments involving factor concentrates are also vital.

Beyond lab results, your treatment history is essential. Keep thorough records of every hospital admission, including discharge summaries that explain the reason for the stay and the treatment provided. Statements from your hematologist regarding your functional limitations and the necessity of your ongoing care can also help bridge the gap between your medical diagnosis and your ability to work. An attorney can help you organize these records to ensure your claim meets the SSA requirements.

A disability attorney helps you organize your medical history to align with the specific requirements of Listing 7.08. They assist in gathering the necessary hospital records and laboratory reports to ensure your claim clearly demonstrates the frequency and duration of your complications. By preparing your evidence and guiding you through the application or appeal process, an attorney helps you present the most accurate picture of how your blood disorder impacts your ability to sustain work.