Being diagnosed with myelofibrosis (MF) can come as quite a shock, especially as you have probably never heard of it before. It is a disorder linked to the bone marrow and occurs when the soft tissue of the bone marrow is replaced by fibrous (or scar) tissue. '
This scarring of the bone marrow means the marrow can no longer make sufficient blood cells, which leads to the sorts of symptoms that can affect the quality of your life. If you have been diagnosed with myelofibrosis, then may be able to qualify for disability benefits to relieve the financial burden of being unable to go to work.
How Does Myelofibrosis Affect Your Ability to Work?
There are several symptoms of myelofibrosis that could affect your ability to work which may include the following:
-
bone pain,
- fatigue,
- fever,
- difficulty with concentrating,
- itching of the skin.
If you are suffering so much from myelofibrosis that you are unlikely to be able to work for at least 12 months you may qualify for social security disability benefits to help you deal with the financial hardship caused by your inability to earn an income.
Qualifying with Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis is listed in Section 7.10 of the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. This doesn’t mean your myelofibrosis diagnosis qualifies you automatically for either social security disability insurance benefits (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI). There are other criteria you will need to qualify. This could include any of the following:
- chronic anemia;
- bacterial infections confirmed in writing by your doctor that have occurred at least 3 times in the five month period before benefits are awarded;
- medical imaging must be provided showing the osteosclerosis that causes you pain.
Also, the SSA may classify you as disabled if the spleen and liver are the most commonly affected body organs.
Medical Vocational Allowance
Many people who receive SSD benefits do not necessarily match exactly the conditions listed in the Blue Book. If your medical condition does not match the listing for myelofibrosis, but you are still so disabled that you are unable to perform any kind of work, you could still qualify for social security disability benefits under the medical vocational allowance.
This allowance includes an in-depth review of your medical records. The SSA will also decide the type of work you may be able to do, if any, with your disability, which is also known as your “Residual Functional Capacity” (RFC).
Your doctor will be asked to perform some tests to determine your RFC and s/he will complete a form that the SSA will evaluate before deciding your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.
Get a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you have myelofibrosis and are thinking about applying for disability benefits be sure to provide as much medical evidence as possible. It is this evidence that is key to being awarded SSDI. Seek help from a disability law attorney by completing a free case evaluation.
Additional Resources
- What Conditions Automatically Qualify for Disability?
- Are Any Disabilities Pre-Approved For Social Security?
