Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease of red blood cells. It is characterized by pain episodes, anemia (shortage of red blood cells), serious infections and damage to vital organs. The symptoms of sickle cell disease are caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, the main protein inside red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs and takes it to every part of the body.
For this condition to be severe enough to meet the Social Security Administration's listing the claimant must have:
- Documented painful thrombotic crises occurring at least three times during the 5 months before disability determination; OR
- Sickle cell requiring extended hospitalization at least 3 times during the 12 months before disability determination; OR
- Severe anemia; OR
- Evaluate the resulting impairment under the criteria for the affected body system.