Blood disorder listings are scattered — sickle cell crisis frequency for one path, hemophilic bleeding episodes for another, bone marrow failure with transfusion requirements for a third. The unifying theme is documented disease severity over time, not a single qualifying lab value.
What 7.00 covers
- 7.05 — Hemolytic anemias (including sickle cell disease)
- 7.08 — Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis (hemophilia, von Willebrand)
- 7.10 — Disorders of bone marrow failure (aplastic anemia, MDS)
- 7.17 — Hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (12-month presumptive)
- 7.18 — Repeated complications of hematological disorders
Note: most leukemias are evaluated under 13.00 Cancer, not 7.00.
Listing 7.05 — Sickle cell and hemolytic anemias
For sickle cell disease, you qualify with:
- Documented painful (vaso-occlusive) crises requiring parenteral narcotic medication, occurring at least 6 times within a 12-month period, with at least 30 days between crises, OR
- Complications of hemolytic anemia (acute chest syndrome, acute stroke, priapism, splenic sequestration) requiring at least 3 hospitalizations within 12 months, OR
- Hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 grams per deciliter or less, in three separate evaluations within 12 months
The crisis frequency pathway is what most sickle cell SSDI claims rely on. Documentation needs to come from ER, hospital, or hematology records — not patient self-report.
Listing 7.08 — Bleeding disorders
Hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and related conditions qualify with documented bleeding episodes requiring transfusion at least 3 times in 5 consecutive months, OR chronic anemia from blood loss requiring transfusion at least once every 2 months.
Listing 7.10 — Bone marrow failure
Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome qualify with:
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (then 12-month presumptive under 7.17), OR
- Recurrent infections from low neutrophils requiring hospitalization 3+ times in 5 months, OR
- Transfusion dependence at least once every 6 weeks averaged over 12 months
What evidence wins hematological cases
Hematologist treatment records spanning 12+ months. Hospitalization records for crises, transfusions, or complications. Recent CBC with differential. Bone marrow biopsy if relevant. Transfusion logs for transfusion-dependent claimants.
For sickle cell: a pain crisis log showing dates, severity, treatment received, and whether ER/hospitalization was required. Hematology clinic notes documenting crisis frequency.
Where these cases fall apart
Self-managed crises at home with oral medication don’t count toward the 7.05 crisis frequency criterion — SSA wants documented parenteral narcotic administration, which typically means ER or hospitalization.
For 7.08 and 7.10, transfusion logs are critical. Without specific dates and frequencies, the listing argument is hard to support.
Compassionate Allowances
Several rare hematological conditions are fast-tracked: Fanconi anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with thrombosis, aggressive forms of myelodysplastic syndrome.
Free consultation
If you have sickle cell disease, a bleeding disorder, bone marrow failure, or you’ve had a bone marrow transplant, a free 30-minute call clarifies your path under 7.00.
Official SSA reference: View Section 7.00 on ssa.gov →