Forms Of The Condition
In the beginning, anemia can be so mild that you do not notice it however, symptoms tend to worsen as the condition itself worsens. Additionally, different types of the condition tend to have different causes. The most prevalent examples include the following:
- Iron deficiency anemia. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body, which may be due to blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, an ulcer, cancer, and regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia. A diet lacking in folate, vitamin B-12, and other key nutrients can cause decreased red blood cell production.
- Anemia of inflammation. Certain diseases, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and other acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, can interfere with the production of red blood cells.
- Aplastic anemia. This rare, life-threatening anemia occurs when your body doesnt produce enough red blood cells. Causes of aplastic anemia may include infections, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals
- Sickle cell anemia. This inherited condition is caused by a defective form of hemoglobin that forces red blood cells to assume an abnormal crescent shape. These irregular blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic shortage of red blood cells.
If veterans believe their condition is due to their military service, they may be eligible for VA disability compensation and benefits.
What Are The Symptoms
You may not notice the symptoms of anemia, because it develops slowly and the symptoms may be mild. In fact, you may not notice them until your anemia gets worse. As anemia gets worse, you may:
- Feel weak and tire out more easily.
- Feel dizzy.
Babies and small children who have anemia may:
- Be fussy.
- Have a short attention span.
- Grow more slowly than normal.
- Develop skills, such as walking and talking, later than normal.
Anemia in children must be treated so that mental and behaviour problems do not last long.
Accommodating Employees With Sickle Cell Anemia
People with sickle cell anemia may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people who are aging will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
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Sickle Cell Anemia And The Americans With Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. A person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act .
Anemia In Pregnant Woman May Alter Childs Brain Development
Nicholette ZeliadtPrecious cargo:
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Being anemic while pregnant may increase a womans chance of having a child with intellectual disability, autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
Two previous smaller studies hinted at a link between maternal anemia and intellectual disability, but the new work is the first to show a link to autism or ADHD. The results, based on an analysis of more than 500,000 children in Sweden and their mothers, were published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry1.
The increase in risk is highest for intellectual disability about double that of children born to women who do not have anemia and about 40 percent each for autism and ADHD.
Its particularly intellectual disability that stands out as having the strongest association, says study leader Renee Gardner, assistant professor of public health sciences at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.
Most cases of anemia are caused by a deficiency in iron, a nutrient required for blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other tissues. Up to 20 percent of pregnant women worldwide have anemia caused by iron deficiency2.
The findings underscore the importance of testing for anemia in women who are pregnant or planning to be, says Laura Murray-Kolb, associate professor of nutritional sciences at Pennsylvania State University, who was not involved in the work. Its really important to make sure the mom does not experience anemia during pregnancy, Murray-Kolb says.
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How Iron Deficiency Anaemia Is Treated
Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia involves taking iron supplements to boost the low levels of iron in your body. This is usually effective, and the condition rarely causes long-term problems.
You’ll need to be monitored every few months to check the treatment is working and your iron levels have returned to normal.
The underlying cause will need to be treated so you don’t get anaemia again. Increasing the amount of iron in your diet may also be recommended.
Good sources of iron include:
- dark-green leafy vegetables, such as watercress and spinach
- iron-fortified cereals or bread
- dried fruit, such as dried apricots, prunes and raisins
Clinical Impact Of Iron Deficiency In Women
Iron is an essential element involved in various physiological functions and cellular activities. It represents a cofactor for many enzymes, and it is involved in the oxygen transport by hemoglobin in red blood cells and also in different cellular processes, including DNA synthesis and oxidation-reduction reactions. Furthermore, animal models have suggested a role for iron in brain development and function. Inadequate iron levels determine a decrease of enzyme function and low red blood cell production with a consequent reduction of oxygen supply to tissues. Because of these effects, iron deficiency and IDA can cause a wide range of physical and cognitive effects., The clinical presentation of iron deficiency/IDA is often characterized by various symptoms that include fatigue, irritability, weakness, hair loss, and poor concentration and work performance based on the severity of the condition.
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Prevention Of Iron Deficiency
While it is not always possible to prevent iron deficiency, people can take steps to reduce their risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Eating a diet that contains iron-rich foods
- Avoiding excessive consumption of substances that can interfere with iron absorption
- Taking precautions to prevent malaria when traveling to regions where the disease is prevalent
- Regular screening where there is a high risk of iron deficiency
It is not advisable to take iron supplements unless an iron deficiency has been confirmed by a medical practitioner, as taking more iron than needed can cause side-effects and interfere with the absorption of other important minerals. Too much iron can be toxic.
How To Apply For Disability Benefits With Chronic Anemia
Whether you can meet or match a disability listing or have to go through an RFC, the SSA needs to specific evidence to support the information you report in your disability application. The exact evidence required varies based on the type of anemia you have, whether or not you have other medical conditions, and the disability listing under which youre most likely to qualify.
Your doctor can help you understand what evidence is necessary, but in general, the SSA must usually see:
- Lab reports from or signed by your doctor, and which include a definitive diagnosis
- Hospitalization and emergency room records, showing the frequency and duration of your visits and what you were treated for
- Blood transfusion records and/or schedules, if appropriate
- A detailed report from your doctor, documenting your diagnosis, treatments, symptoms, functional limitations, and prognosis
You may qualify for SSDI and/or SSI, but the application process is different for each program. You can apply for SSDI online or at any SSA office. For SSI however, youll need to make a trip to the local SSA office to complete your application through a personal interview.
Go to your interview prepared or gather as many records as possible before starting your online application. The SSA will need contact information for your doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. They additionally need your education and work history and information on your personal finances.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia In Women Of Reproductive Age
In 2011, 29% of non-pregnant women and 38% of pregnant women aged 1549 years were anemic, of which about 20 million had severe anemia. Although IDA is most frequent in low-income countries, recent data show that 4050% of European non-pregnant women have low iron body stores. Women are known to have a much higher iron deficiency prevalence compared to men of the same age the prevalence rate is about 10-times higher than males. This difference is mostly due to regular blood loss during menstruation, which is often associated with low iron intake., Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to this condition because of the elevated iron request for rapid growth, and menstrual blood loss., Furthermore, several conditions can play a determinant role in favoring insufficiency of iron in women, such as chronic gynecologic bleeding due to uterine fibroids,- endometriosis,- adenomyosis, or endometrial hyperplasia. Moreover, intestinal malabsorption problems, frequent blood donation, and benign and malignant gastrointestinal lesions are other causes of IDA in women.,,
Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits Due To Anemia
Individuals suffering from anemia may be unable to work, and therefore unable to support themselves. To qualify for disability benefits, an applicant must show that he meets the criteria for the impairment listed by the Social Security Administration or he must show that he is unable to return to work because the anemia is so limiting.
To qualify based on the criteria outlined by the Social Security Administration under its anemia listing, the applicant must show the following:
In the alternative, anemia sufferers can qualify for Social Security disability benefits under a listing for an impairment that is caused by anemia, or by qualifying based on a condition that caused the anemia. Examples include the following:
Even if you dont qualify in either of the ways described above, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you are unable to return to work due to a reduced physical capacity. In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits due to your inability to work, you would have to demonstrate your limitations on a Residual Functional Capacity form.
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Advances And Controversies In The Treatment Of Iron Deficiency
The etiological cause of iron deficiency should be addressed in all cases and, whenever possible, eliminated. Iron treatment should be started immediately, even in the absence of anemia, especially in symptomatic patients., A systematic review of the efficacy of iron supplementation in iron-deficient nonanemic individuals concluded that treatment increased Hb and ferritin and reduced self-reported fatigue but did not improve physical performance or maximal oxygen consumption.
The choice of iron compound and the route of administration are largely dependent on the presence and degree of anemia, reversibility of the underlying cause, clinical status , and in some instances patient preference.
Talk To A Disability Lawyer
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Disability Benefits For Anemia
While most forms of anemia are mild enough that a person can continue to work and treatable enough that people who do have it can get better quickly, there is a certain percentage of people who get very sick because of a particular type of anemia that is not easy to cure.
While there used to be a specific listing for chronic anemia, this specific listing has been pulled out of the Blue Book, which is the manual thats used to determine who is eligible for disability benefits. Instead, in 2015, the Social Security Administration introduced the listing that can apply to any blood disorder for an adult. Severe and chronic anemia falls under this listing, but there needs to be a few things documented. For instance, something like shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain should be documented. Additionally, the doctor should document whether or not the symptoms cause severe limitations in at least one of the following activities: social functioning, activities involving daily activities, or the ability to complete tasks within a given timeframe.
Additionally, there should be documentation of low hemoglobin or hematocrit to show that there are physiological reasons why someone is experiencing the symptoms that they have.
Another route to gaining disability benefits is to meet the listing for the impairment thats causing the anemia. For instance, some cardiovascular and respiratory listings can cause anemia, so some people might fit under that category.
How Does The Va Rate Anemia
The VA lists the ratings for anemia under 38 CFR § 4.117 â Schedule of Ratings â Hemic and Lymphatic Systems. Each type of anemia has its own diagnostic code, which are as follows:
- 7714: Sickle cell anemia
- 7716: Aplastic anemia
- 7720: Iron deficiency anemia
- 7722: Pernicious anemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
- 7723: Acquired hemolytic anemia
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What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia means that your body doesn’t have enough iron to make red blood cells.
Iron is important because it helps you get enough oxygen throughout your body. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a part of your red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen through your body. If you do not have enough iron, your body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells. Then your body has less hemoglobin, and you cannot get enough oxygen.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia.
Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits When You Suffer From Anemia
If you are suffering from anemia, you may know it even before getting a diagnosis. The symptoms from this condition can be severe. Anemia occurs when your blood does not have enough red blood cells. These cells are crucial to your health because they transport oxygen to the organs throughout the body. When the body does not get enough oxygen, victims may feel tired, appear pale, have low stamina, have a racing heart, be short of breath, lose hair, or have a general feeling of not being well. Fortunately, some victims may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
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Qualifying For Social Security Benefits With Chronic Anemia
The guidelines used by the Social Security Administration to determine whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to Chronic Anemia require that you need blood transfusions at least every other month.
Chronic Anemia sufferers may also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if their anemia is a result of other conditions which qualify them.
Additionally, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if you can show that the symptoms related to your Chronic Anemia are so severe that you cannot be expected to perform any meaningful work. Proving this can be challenging, and usually requires you to go through the SSAs appeals process.
Now there isnt a specific listing that covers anemia, but if it causes ongoing complications, such as shortness of breath and severe fatigue, you may be able to use Listing 7.18 of the Blue Book to qualify for disability benefits. Listing 7.18 is for repeated complications from hematological conditions. If your anemia causes severe fatigue, shortness of breath and pain, and if you suffer from severe limitation from one of the following:
- Social functioning
- Daily living activities OR
- The ability to finish tasks in a timely manner
Anemia is often caused by an underlying condition that may meet a listing as well. Advanced kidney disease can cause anemia, and there is a listing for advanced kidney disease. Your physician will be able to tell you if you would qualify for disability benefits.
Seek The Counsel Of A Social Security Attorney
Dizziness and fainting are conditions which may make it impossible for you to perform sedentary work, and should be documented thoroughly in your Social Security Disability application including dates, times and durations of your symptoms.
Having a Social Security Disability lawyer help you with the application and appeals process can prove invaluable, as professional Social Security Disability representatives tend to know what the SSA is looking for in determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
If you are unable to work because of severe anemia, you should speak with a disability attorney. Claimants who are represented by a disability lawyer are much more likely to have their claim approved so that you are awarded disability benefits. Disability lawyers know how the claims process works and what kind of supporting evidence that you need to get your claim approved and to show the severity of your conditions.
When you retain a Social Security Disability attorney, you will not have to pay for your lawyer’s assistance upfront or before you receive a decision. Instead, your lawyer will take the case on a contingency basis. That means that your attorney will not be paid until you win your claim and you are approved for disability benefits. When your claim is approved, your attorney will receive 25 percent of your backpay up to a maximum of $6,000.
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