A.
Impairment caused by anemia should be evaluated according to the ability of the individual to adjust to the reduced
oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A gradual reduction in red cell mass, even to very low values, is often well
tolerated in individuals with a healthy cardiovascular system.
B. Chronicity
is indicated by persistence of the condition for at least 3 months. The laboratory findings cited must reflect the values
reported on more than one examination over that 3-month period. Medically acceptable imaging includes, but is not limited
to, x-ray imaging, computerized axial tomography (CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without contrast
material, myelography, and radionuclear bone scans. "Appropriate" means that the technique used is the proper one
to support the evaluation and diagnosis of the impairment. C. Sickle cell disease
refers to a chronic hemolytic anemia associated with sickle cell hemoglobin, either homozygous or in combination with
thalassemia or with another abnormal hemoglobin (such as C or F). Appropriate hematologic
evidence for sickle cell disease, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis, must be included. Vaso-occlusive or aplastic episodes
should be documented by description of severity, frequency, and duration. Major
visceral episodes include meningitis, osteomyelitis, pulmonary infections or infarctions, cerebrovascular accidents, congestive
heart failure, genito-urinary involvement, etc. D. Coagulation defects. Chronic
inherited coagulation disorders must be documented by appropriate laboratory evidence. Prophylactic therapy such as with antihemophilic
globulin (AHG) concentrate does not in itself imply severity. 7.01 Category of Impairments, Hematological Disorders 7.02 Chronic anemia (hematocrit persisting at 30 percent or less due to any cause) With:
A. Requirement of one or more blood transfusions on an average of at least once
every 2 months; or B. Evaluation of the resulting impairment under criteria for
the affected body system. 7.05 Sickle cell disease, or one of its variants. With: A.
Documented painful (thrombotic) crises occurring at least three times during the 5 months prior to adjudication;
or B. Requiring extended hospitalization (beyond emergency care) at least three
times during the 12 months prior to adjudication; or C. Chronic, severe anemia with
persistence of hematocrit of 26 percent or less; or D. Evaluate the resulting impairment
under the criteria for the affected body system. 7.06 Chronic thrombocytopenia (due to any cause), with platelet counts repeatedly below 40,000/
cubic millimeter. With: A. At least one spontaneous hemorrhage, requiring
transfusion, within 5 months prior to adjudication; or B. Intracranial
bleeding within 12 months prior to adjudication. 7.07 Hereditary telangiectasia with hemorrhage requiring transfusion at least three times during the 5 months
prior to adjudication. 7.08 Coagulation defects (hemophilia or a similar disorder) with spontaneous hemorrhage requiring transfusion
at least three times during the 5 months prior to adjudication. 7.09 Polycythemia vera (with erythrocytosis, splenomegaly, and leukocytosis or thrombocytosis).
Evaluate the resulting impairment under the criteria for the affected body system. 7.10 Myelofibrosis (myeloproliferative syndrome). With: A.
Chronic anemia. Evaluate according to the criteria of 7.02; or B. Documented
recurrent systemic bacterial infections occurring at least 3 times during the 5 months prior to adjudication; or C. Intractable bone pain with radiologic evidence of osteosclerosis.
7.15 Chronic granulocytopenia (due to any cause). With both A and B:
A. Absolute neutrophil counts repeatedly below 1,000 cells/cubic millimeter; and B. Documented recurrent systemic bacterial infections occurring at least 3 times during the 5 months
prior to 7.17 Aplastic anemias with bone marrow or stem cell transplantation : Consider under a disability
for 12 months following transplantation; thereafter, evaluate according to the primary characteristics of the residual impairment.
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