Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Bone Marrow Transplant
A bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy blood-forming stem cells into your body to replace bone marrow that’s not producing enough healthy blood cells. A bone marrow transplant is also called a stem cell transplant. You might need a bone marrow transplant if your bone marrow stops working and does not produce enough healthy blood cells. Bone marrow transplants may use cells from your own body (autologous transplant) or from a donor (allogeneic transplant). To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 7.00 of the Blue Book.
Do Bone Marrow Transplants Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with bone marrow transplants do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. Bone marrow transplants are referenced in the Blue Book under Section F of Listing 7.00–Hematological Disorders. The SSA will consider you to be disabled for 12 months from the date of your bone marrow transplant. This period of disability may be longer if you experience any of the following serious post-transplant complications:
- Graft-vs-host disease
- Major deterioration of any organ systems
- Recurring infections after undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
The onset of your disability may be determined to be prior to the transplant if the medical evidence in your application supports such a conclusion. After 12 months have passed, the SSA will evaluate any residual impairment under an applicable Blue Book listing and determine whether to continue or terminate your benefits.
Your doctor must provide the following information when you make your application for disability benefits:
- A signed laboratory report of a definitive test confirming your original hematological disorder
- All treatments you have received
- Documentation of any post-transplant complications you may have experienced
- Records of hospitalization due to hematological complications
Your doctor will also fill in a form that enables the SSA to assess your residual functional capacity (RFC). They use this information to evaluate the impact the bone marrow transplant has had on your ability to function.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you have undergone a bone marrow transplant and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
