Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Hereditary Telangiectasia
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an inherited disorder that causes abnormal connections, called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), to develop between arteries and veins. The most common locations affected are the nose, lungs, brain and liver. These AVMs may enlarge over time and can bleed or rupture, sometimes causing catastrophic complications. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 7.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Hereditary Telangiectasia Qualify for Disability?
Yes, people with hereditary telangiectasia do qualify, but they need to meet the requirements of the SSA’s guidelines for this disability. You must have bleeding severe enough to require three or more blood transfusions in the five month period before a decision is reached on your disability claim. More generic information about blood disorders and anemia are found in Section 7.00. This information also applies to disability claims for HHT.
Even if you don’t qualify for disability benefits as a direct result of your hereditary telangiectasia, you may qualify as a result of what your condition has on the affected organs. Your claim can be evaluated in relation to any and all major organs affected. If it is, the particular requirements for qualifying for disability benefits are found in the sections pertaining to those organs.
Most commonly these will be Section 11.00 for telangiectasia affecting the brain, Section 3.00 for telangiectasia affecting the lungs, Section 5.00 for telangiectasia affecting the liver, and sections 1.00 and/or 11.00 for telangiectasia affecting the spinal cord. If your telangiectasia affects other organs, the effects on that organ can be considered in their respective sections of the Blue Book.
When applying for disability benefits, you should make sure to include all medical documentation. This should especially include the results of any medical imaging tests. If a family genetic history has been put together, including it in your claim can also be helpful.
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 hereditary telangiectasia and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
