Stephanie O. Joy, Esq.
Sickle Cell Disease - Recognized By The SSA As Resulting In Disabling Conditions
Updated: Oct 19, 2022
Note: This article/video is for general information only and is not legal advice to any particular reader or individual. For legal advice, you must specifically retain a lawyer who evaluates your specific situation.
Sickle Cell Disease causes very disabling symptoms. Thankfully, the Social Security Administration and the regulations promulgated in furtherance of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), recognizes this. https://blog.ssa.gov/sickle-cell-disease-and-social-security/

Symptoms generally start young, as early as 6 months old. Here are some of the majors:
Anemia
Episodes of significant pain - "pain crises"
Swelling of the extremities - hands and feet
Delayed growth or puberty
Vision problems
There are very emergent symptoms as well, requiring immediate care:
Severe headache
Sudden vision changes
One-sided paralysis or weakness - face, arms, legs
Confusion
Walking difficulty
Talking difficulty
Numbness
Learn more: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876
September IS Sickle Cell Awareness Month. https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/get-involved/events/national-sickle-cell-awareness-month/

For consideration for Attorney SSD/SSI representation in an upcoming or pending SSDI/SSI disability claim, please fill out our free Attorney Evaluation form. We do NOT charge a retainer to serve you. If, on the other hand, you only seek an attorney level consultation/analysis of a particular situation, whether you are a company or an individual, or to discuss your own situation without representation, to learn information beyond that information you may obtain for free from the SSA itself, and you do not otherwise have a lawyer representing your before the SSA, you may order a scheduled consultation at affordable attorney rates. Contact the office at 201-317-0610 or email stephaniejoy@joydisability.com.