Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 7.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Hemochromatosis Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with hemochromatosis do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. Due to its impact on the function of the liver, hemochromatosis is classified as a chronic liver disease. As such, it is required to meet certain diagnostic criteria. These include:
- Hemorrhaging from varices (blood vessels that may rupture and bleed) or from portal hypertensive gastropathy (disease of the stomach from high blood pressure in the abdominal arteries) resulting in unstable blood pressure and requiring hospitalization for transfusion of at least 2 units of blood, or any of the following:
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal or pleural cavities that cannot be attributed to other causes in spite of continuing treatment, present on at least 2 occasions at least 60 days apart during a 6 month period, or
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity) of a predetermined severity, or
- Failure of the kidneys due to liver disease, or
- Hepatic encephalopathy (disruption of brain function due to an accumulation of toxins resulting from liver failure) of a predetermined severity, or
- End-stage liver disease of a pre-determined severity.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with hemochromatosis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
