Bone marrow exists at the center of a person’s bone and is where a person’s blood cells are made. Some Michigan residents may have bone marrow disorders in which their bone marrow fails to make sufficient red blood cells which are essential for moving oxygen through a person’s body. Bone marrow disorders are categorized as blood diseases by the Social Security Administration and may qualify a person to receive Social Security disability benefits for illness.
When bone marrow fails, there are a number of different types of disorders that a person may develop. A Michigan resident with bone marrow failure may develop myelofibrosis, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, or Diamond Blackfan anemia. Bone marrow failure may lead to viral, fungal or bacterial infections, as well as anemia or uncontrolled bleeding. Such serious health conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s life and ability to work.
It may become necessary for a person with bone marrow failure to have a bone marrow transplant. If so, the SSA will consider the fact of such transplant in its determination of whether a person qualifies for benefits. The SSA may consider a person who has had a bone marrow transplant to be disabled for 12 months after the date of the transplant, or possibly even longer depending on the nature of a person’s complications, including the occurrence of any infections. Additionally, the SSA may determine an earlier disability onset date depending on the nature of a particular person’s medical condition.
Life can be difficult when dealing with serious illness like bone marrow disorders. A Michigan resident with bone marrow failure or other blood disease who wants to obtain SSD benefits may wish to consider seeking legal counsel for guidance.
Source: Social Security Administration, “Hematological Disorders – Adult“, accessed Feb. 12, 2016
