Social Security Disability and Bleeding Disorders: Understanding Listing 7.08
Bleeding and clotting disorders can turn everyday activities into serious medical risks. For individuals living with hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or other disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis, complications may require repeated hospitalizations and long-term medical care.
What many people don’t realize is that these conditions may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, but only if strict medical criteria are met. One of the key rules Social Security uses is Listing 7.08.
Below, we break down what this listing covers, who it applies to, and what kind of medical evidence is required.
What Are Disorders of Thrombosis and Hemostasis?
Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis affect the body’s ability to form blood clots or stop bleeding when it should. These conditions can cause:
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Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
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Spontaneous internal bleeding
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Dangerous blood clots
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Joint damage, organ injury, or life-threatening complications
Common examples include:
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Hemophilia
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Thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts)
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Other inherited or acquired bleeding or clotting disorders
Because complications can arise suddenly and repeatedly, many individuals struggle to maintain consistent employment.
How Social Security Evaluates These Conditions (Listing 7.08)
The Social Security Administration does not award disability benefits based solely on a diagnosis. Instead, it looks at how severe the condition is and how often it leads to serious medical intervention.
Under Listing 7.08, a person may qualify if their disorder causes repeated, serious complications requiring hospitalization.
Hospitalization Requirements Under Listing 7.08
To meet this listing, medical records must show:
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At least three hospitalizations
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Occurring within a 12-month period
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Each hospitalization must be:
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At least 30 days apart, and
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At least 48 hours in duration
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Importantly, Social Security allows the 48-hour requirement to include:
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Time spent in a hospital emergency department, or
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Time spent at a comprehensive hemophilia treatment center immediately before inpatient admission
These rules recognize that individuals with bleeding disorders often receive intensive treatment before formal admission to a hospital.
What Counts as a Qualifying Complication?
Not every hospital visit will qualify. The hospitalization must be related to serious complications of the bleeding or clotting disorder, such as:
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Severe bleeding episodes
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Internal hemorrhaging
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Complications from blood clots
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Bleeding requiring transfusions or factor replacement therapy
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Joint or organ damage requiring inpatient care
Clear medical documentation tying the hospitalization directly to the underlying disorder is critical.
Why Medical Documentation Is Critical
Many disability claims are denied because the medical evidence does not clearly show:
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The length of each hospitalization
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That hospitalizations were at least 30 days apart
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That complications were caused by the bleeding or clotting disorder
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That treatment met the 48-hour requirement
Hospital discharge summaries, emergency department records, and treatment center notes often make the difference between approval and denial.
How Legal Guidance Can Help
Navigating Social Security’s disability system can be overwhelming—especially while managing a serious medical condition. An experienced attorney can help:
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Identify whether Listing 7.08 applies to your situation
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Gather and organize hospital and treatment records
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Ensure timelines and documentation meet Social Security’s standards
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Present your case clearly and effectively
Help for Illinois Families Facing Serious Medical Conditions
If you or a loved one is living with hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or another bleeding or clotting disorder, you may have options under Social Security Disability, but timing and documentation matter.
If you have questions about your estate plan or a probate matter, contact the Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. at (708) 529-7794 — Your Neighborhood Law Firm.
📞 (708) 529-7794 | Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole P.C. — “Your Neighborhood Law Firm.”
