What this listing covers
Bone marrow failure occurs when your bone marrow stops producing enough healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This can be a congenital condition or acquired through viral infections, chemical exposure, or immune system disorders. Common examples include aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myelofibrosis.
These conditions impact your daily life by causing chronic fatigue, increased infection risk, and uncontrolled bleeding. The resulting weakness often makes it impossible to sustain the physical or mental demands of a standard work shift. Simple tasks like walking, concentrating on work duties, or maintaining a consistent schedule become difficult to manage.
How SSA evaluates a claim under this listing
Under Listing 7.10, the SSA evaluates whether your condition is severe enough to prevent gainful activity. They look for documented complications that require frequent hospitalization or the necessity of life-long red blood cell transfusions to maintain life.
To meet the listing, you must show that your condition has required at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, with each stay lasting at least 48 hours. Alternatively, if you require regular, life-long red blood cell transfusions at least once every six weeks, your condition may meet the criteria. An attorney can help you ensure your medical records clearly map to these requirements.
Evidence that strengthens a claim
The most critical evidence includes laboratory reports of definitive tests, such as bone marrow biopsies or aspiration results, signed by a physician. These reports must confirm the diagnosis and the specific type of bone marrow failure you have. Peripheral blood smears are also essential to document the impact on your blood cell counts.
Hospital records are vital to prove the frequency and duration of your complications. Ensure you have detailed discharge summaries for every hospital stay, including time spent in emergency departments. Statements from your hematologist regarding your need for ongoing transfusions and the functional limitations caused by your symptoms will also strengthen your claim. An attorney can help you gather these documents to build a strong case.
How an attorney helps
A disability attorney helps by ensuring your medical records clearly map to the specific requirements of Listing 7.10. They can assist in gathering the necessary hospital records and physician statements that prove the frequency of your complications. If your claim moves to an appeal, an attorney can prepare you for hearings and present your case effectively to an ALJ.
Frequently asked questions
Aplastic anemia may qualify under Listing 7.10 if it requires life-long red blood cell transfusions or has caused frequent hospitalizations for complications. SSA requires clear documentation of your treatment history and the severity of your symptoms. An attorney can help you review your medical records to see if they meet these specific standards.
SSA evaluates your claim based on objective medical evidence, including bone marrow biopsy results and records of hospitalizations. They look for evidence that your condition prevents you from performing work-related tasks on a sustained basis. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to ensure the SSA has a complete picture of your impairment.
The most important evidence is a definitive laboratory report, such as a bone marrow biopsy, and detailed records of your hospitalizations. You also need physician reports that explain how your symptoms, like severe fatigue or infection risk, limit your ability to function. An attorney can help you gather these documents to build a strong case.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration and, if necessary, a hearing before an ALJ. You must file your appeal within the specific deadlines set by the SSA. An attorney can help you identify why your claim was denied and gather additional evidence to support your appeal.
