Listing code
7.17
Adult (Part A)
Body system
7.00
Hematological disorders
Subsections
0
No lettered criteria
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (see 7.00F ) . Consider under a disability for at least 12 consecutive months from the date of transplantation. After that, evaluate any residual impairment(s) under the criteria for the affected body system.
This listing has no lettered subsections. The diagnosis itself, supported by the medical evidence described in the body-system overview, is what SSA evaluates.
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 7.17. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 7.17 usually fail
Submitting transplant paperwork without the medical documentation that establishes a hematological disorder can fail. Another common failure is when the hematological diagnosis is not tied to a definitive laboratory test result (or, if that is missing, a persuasive physician report that includes the specific diagnostic testing and results or explains the diagnostic method). People sometimes mix up malignant blood cancers and expect this listing to cover them, but malignant hematological disorders are generally evaluated under the appropriate cancer listings in 13.00 instead. Finally, people may try to extend benefits indefinitely under this transplant listing, but SSA evaluates at least 12 consecutive months from the transplant date, then evaluates residual impairments under the criteria for the affected body system.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
SSA needs evidence that establishes a hematological disorder through a definitive test, with the physician's signature on the lab report. If the lab report is not signed, SSA looks for a physician report stating the diagnosis plus the lab report. If there is no lab report, SSA looks for a persuasive physician report confirming the diagnosis by appropriate laboratory analysis or other diagnostic methods, including either the results of the definitive tests or an explanation of how the diagnosis was established by other diagnostic methods consistent with prevailing clinical practice.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
Steps 4 and 5 focus on whether SSA can still find a medically supported level of impairment after the initial transplant period. First, SSA evaluates the case for at least 12 consecutive months from the date of transplantation under this transplant-based listing approach. After that, any remaining or residual impairments are evaluated under the criteria for the affected hematological disorder category, rather than only under the transplant label.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For an SSDI claim, the work-activity limit is considered at the start of the process, and the transplant timing matters because SSA considers this listing for at least 12 consecutive months from the date of transplantation. During that initial period, the transplant-treated hematological disorder is evaluated under this listing approach. After 12 consecutive months, any residual impairment(s) are evaluated under the criteria for the affected hematological disorder in the same body system (for example, under categories such as disorders of bone marrow failure, disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis, or hemolytic anemias).
Listing 7.17 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation disability claims.