Listing 7.05 · Blood disorders

Hemolytic anemias (sickle cell, beta-thalassemia, etc.)

To be approved under this listing, a claim must meet any one of the criteria below — and the medical records have to prove it.

  1. A

    Documented painful (vaso-occlusive) crises requiring parenteral narcotic medication occurring at least 6 times within 12-month period (≥30 days apart).

    In plain terms: In the past year, have you had at least 6 sickle-cell pain crises requiring IV opioids, each separated by 30 days?

    Evidence required:Hospitalization recordEmergency-room record
  2. B

    Hospitalizations for complications of hemolytic anemia 3+ times within 12 months.

    In plain terms: Have you been hospitalized 3 or more times in the past year for sickle-cell or other hemolytic-anemia complications?

    Evidence required:Hospitalization record
  3. C

    Chronic transfusion dependence requiring transfusions ≥6 times within 12 months.

    In plain terms: Are you on regular transfusion therapy — receiving transfusions 6 or more times in the past year?

    Evidence required:Treating physician report
Read the official SSA text for Listing 7.05

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Source: SSA Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), 20 CFR Part 404, Subpart P, Appendix 1 · Updated 2026-06-18. Criteria paraphrased for readability; see the official SSA text linked above. Not legal or medical advice — whether a specific medical record meets Listing 7.05 is an individualized judgment SSA makes on the evidence.