Listing code
7.18
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
Repeated complications of hematological disorders (see 7.00G2 ) including those complications listed in 7.05 , 7.08 , and 7.10 but without the requisite findings for those listings, or other complications (for example, anemia, osteonecrosis, retinopathy, skin ulcers, silent central nervous system infarction, cognitive or other mental limitation, or limitation of joint movement), resulting in significant, documented symptoms or signs (for example, pain, severe fatigue, malaise, fever, night sweats, headaches, joint or muscle swelling, or shortness of breath), and one of the following at the marked level (see 7.00G4 ) Limitation of activities of daily living (see 7.00G5 ). Limitation in maintaining social functioning (see 7.00G6 ). Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace (see 7.00G7 ). Back to Top Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration <path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15 30c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15 0-8.284-6.716-15-15-15C6.716 0 0 6.716 0 15c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15Zm-7.227-7.5h3.42V11.484h-3.42V22.5ZM7.5 7.98c0 1.094.887 2 1.981 2s1.981-.906 1.981-2a1.981 1.981 0 1 0-3.962 0ZM20.583 22.5H24v-6.052c0-2.96-.636-5.24-4.099-5.24-1.664 0-2.78.913-3.236 1.778h-.048v-1.502h-3.
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 7.18. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 7.18 usually fail
A frequent failure mode is having lab-confirmed anemia, clotting disorder, or bone marrow failure, but not having repeated complications with significant documented symptoms or signs. Another failure mode is meeting symptoms described for this listing but not showing the required 'marked' level limitation in activities of daily living, social functioning, or timely task completion due to concentration, persistence, or pace. A third pitfall is trying to fit the situation into 7.05, 7.08, or 7.10 without the requisite findings for those listings, even though 7.18 is meant for complications that still produce significant symptoms or signs plus marked functional limits. A fourth pitfall is assuming the diagnosis alone qualifies; the criteria require both significant documented symptoms or signs and one of the marked functional limitations.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
SSA needs evidence that a hematological disorder is present, using a definitive laboratory report signed by a physician, or a definitive lab report with a physician statement, or a persuasive physician report that confirms the diagnosis with appropriate laboratory analysis or other diagnostic methods and provides the results (or explains the non-lab method used). For the 'repeated complications' part, documentation should reflect ongoing or recurring clinically significant symptoms or signs tied to the hematological disorder, such as severe fatigue, fever, night sweats, headaches, pain, shortness of breath, or joint or muscle swelling. Since the listing asks for marked limits in one of the three areas (activities of daily living, social functioning, or timely task completion due to concentration, persistence, or pace), the record should also describe how those specific limitations show up in daily functioning and task performance.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
Steps 4 and 5 generally come after the listing is not met. First, a residual functional capacity assessment is done, which looks at what can still be done despite the symptoms and limitations. Then SSA uses the medical-vocational assessment process to decide whether other work exists that can be done, considering the functional limits described in the medical evidence rather than the diagnosis alone.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
Before an approval, a work-activity gate applies: if work activity at the level of substantial gainful activity is being performed, SSA will generally deny regardless of whether complications exist. After that gate, getting approved under this listing depends on having a hematological disorder confirmed by the required definitive lab or diagnostic evidence, plus repeated complications causing significant documented symptoms or signs (for example, severe fatigue, fever, night sweats, headaches, joint or muscle swelling, or shortness of breath), and marked limitations in one of the listed areas (activities of daily living, social functioning, or timely tasks due to concentration, persistence, or pace). After approval, work activity may still be possible under SSA's post-entitlement rules, and continuing eligibility depends on how impairments affect the ability to work over time under those
Listing 7.18 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for repeated complications of hematological disorders disability claims.