Anemia

Anemia is defined as an absolute reduction in the quantity of the oxygen-carrying pigment hemoglobin (Hgb) in the circulating blood. Anemia is further broadly subcategorized into acute and chronic. Viewing anemia as a symptom of a disease manifested by low Hgb rather than as an isolated diagnosis is often helpful. In order to qualify the claimant must have chronic anemia coupled with a hematocrit persisting at 30% or less.

For this condition to be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's listing the claimant must have:

• Had one or more blood transfusions on an average of at least once every two months; OR
• Other impairments should be evaluated that are associated with the anemia