Blood Clotting Disorders: Is Being on Blood Thinners a Disability?

Blood clots can cause a lot of health issues, and thousands of people die every year from blood clotting disorders. Prescription blood thinners are often the best way to manage a life-threatening condition that causes excessive blood clotting. But is being on blood thinners a disability that can get you monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration? Maybe, but it depends on the reason why your doctor prescribed them to you.

You see, not everyone takes these medications for life, or even long term. Your doctor might prescribe a short course of the drug to prevent blood clots after major surgery. Or you may take them because you’re at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Keep reading to understand what bleeding disorders may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. We’ll also explain the technical eligibility rules to get these payments, how to apply, and more helpful info below.

Disability Benefits for a Blood Clotting Disorder: Key Takeaways

• Two federal programs offer disability benefits to people who cannot work for 12+ months. They are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• After approval, both programs also give you access to federal health insurance. People on SSI can get Medicaid coverage within 30 days after payments begin. With SSDI approval, Medicare coverage automatically begins 24 months later.
• Taking blood thinners for a health issue does not automatically make you disabled in the eyes of the Social Security Administration. You must also meet all technical eligibility requirements and submit medical evidence proving you cannot work for at least one year.
• If you’re retired and drawing regular Social Security or other SSA benefit payments, then you cannot qualify for disability.
• The more health problems you have, the more likely you are to receive benefits. And if you’re at least 50 years old, you’re twice as likely thanks to more relaxed SSA rules.
• Having an attorney file your application triples your approval chances within 180 days. You’re also more likely to be successful on your first try compared to those who apply without assistance. The SSA awards benefits to 19% of people the first time they apply, on average (less than 1 in 5).

Is Being on Blood Thinners a Disability According to the SSA?

Since being on blood thinners does not appear in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book of eligible conditions, no. It’s simply the treatment your doctor prescribed for whatever blood clotting issue or health risk you face. However, the medical diagnosis you have may count as a disability that qualifies for monthly benefits. But, many people today get disability payments for health problems that aren’t in the SSA Blue Book.

What the SSA looks for in your medical history is this:

• Do you have a serious, lasting medical condition that makes you unable to work at all for at least 12 months? You’ll need to provide medical records that support your case.
• What symptoms or drug side effects limit your ability to work, and do they affect your daily life? If you’re struggling to do things like cook, clean, drive, or dress yourself, that will help your case.
• Can you still work if your employer makes some changes to your job duties, schedule, etc.? If so, then you may not qualify for disability benefits.
• If you can’t keep working in your current job, is there other work you can do with your limitations? It strengthens your claim and boosts your approval odds if changing jobs or career paths isn’t an option.

Common Types of Blood Clotting Disorders

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when blood clots form in the deeper veins inside your body, usually the legs. This can then restrict blood flow to that area, making it turn red, swell, and hurt. Risk factors for DVT include smoking, becoming pregnant, birth control pills, or having a blood clotting disorder. About 100,000 people die from DVT complications every year.

While DVT does not appear in the SSA’s Blue Book, it can help strengthen your SSD claim.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

When blood clots come loose from a vein and move into your lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Much like DVT, PE doesn’t appear in the SSA Blue Book. However, if left untreated, it can lead to chronic venous insufficiency. It’s also a known risk and related complication for people who have a thrombosis or hemostasis disorder.

Some people diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism experience long-term heart issues afterwards. These complications and a previous blood clot in your lungs can help strengthen your disability claim.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

About 1 in 25 of us will develop CVI, which happens after a blood clot damages the vessels in your legs. CVI means blood tends to pool in the veins in your legs instead of traveling up to your heart as intended. About 1 in 50 people with varicose veins will develop chronic venous insufficiency. It can cause swollen legs, chronic pain from leg cramps, leg ulcers, skin irritation, chronic infections, and skin changes.

Chronic venous insufficiency is a qualifying medical condition that appears in the SSA’s Blue Book, Section 4.11. So, if you have CVI, you’re much more likely to qualify for disability benefits for being on blood thinners.

Non-Medical Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability Benefits

Before the SSA looks at your medical records to determine if being on blood thinners is a disability in your case, they’ll confirm that you qualify for benefits from a technical standpoint. Below are the eligibility rules for each federal program you must meet before they look at your medical records.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides coverage for workers who become disabled before they reach full retirement age. This program is the only one that pays your maximum Social Security benefit amount before you turn 67. Here are the minimum requirements:

• Recent and enough work history. For every $1,810 you earn from working, you’ll get one Social Security work credit. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year, maximum. To qualify for SSDI benefits after age 31, you need 40 work credits. If you worked 5 in the last 10 years while paying Social Security taxes, you should meet this requirement.
• Not currently engaging in substantial gainful activity. “Substantial gainful activity” means your monthly income is less than $1,620. If you’re blind, that limit goes up to $2,700 instead. Understand that the SSA will only look at your individual income, not that of your partner, spouse, roommate, etc.
• Younger than 67 and not currently drawing any other Social Security benefits. Federal law limits SSA benefits to one payment per work record for each person’s Social Security Number (SSN). The only way around this is if you can claim benefits as a dependent on another person’s income. If you already get early retirement or regular Social Security, then you cannot get SSDI benefits.
• Unable to work in any job you’re qualified for due to a medical diagnosis expected to last at least 12 months or result in your death. Only permanent disabilities and terminal illnesses can qualify for SSDI benefits, not temporary issues like pregnancy or surgery.

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits come out of the general tax fund, not the Social Security trust fund. Congress created SSI to help low-income blind and disabled children and adults as well as people aged 65+. If you are at least 65 when you apply for SSI, then you need only worry about these eligibility rules:

• Own less than $2,000 in “countable assets” as an individual (or $3,000 per couple). The SSA checks your bank account balance, how many cars you own (if any), jewelry, property, etc. when adding up this amount. They will ignore one vehicle, wedding rings, and daily living items, like furniture, clothing, or appliances. You can also exempt your home and the land it’s on, if you own it.
• Have combined household income that falls below $2,019 in 2025. The agency will look at your income, how much money your spouse makes, your roommate’s job, etc.

Is Being on Blood Thinners a Disability According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The ADA doesn’t specifically list which medical conditions count as disabilities. However, if you have a diagnosed, long-lasting medical issue, federal law may require your employer to provide what’s called a “reasonable accommodation.” Examples that may apply to people taking anticoagulant medications might include:

• Making an exception to work uniform or dress code requirements so you can wear compression stockings during your shifts
• Allowing more frequent breaks to rest and drink water during shifts
• Giving you time off during work hours for necessary physical therapy visits
• A convertible standing desk that allows you to sit, stretch, or stand as needed throughout the day
• Switching to a more flexible schedule or letting you telework a few days each week

3 Ways to File Your Blood Clotting Disorder Disability Claim

Most people have three possible ways to apply for disability benefits from the SSA:

1. Apply for SSDI benefits online. (Unfortunately, there’s no possible way to apply for SSI online at this time).
2. Visit your closest Social Security office and apply in person. You must call ahead and make an appointment to do this, as Trump administration changes now prevent walk-in applications. You’ll wait about 34 days for an appointment in 2025, according to reporting from Marketwatch.
3. Have a disability lawyer file your disability application for free. This is the only option that triples your chances of a successful claim on your first try. You’ll also potentially get your first disability payment within 180 days vs. 2-3 years.

Pro Tip: Use our disability application checklist to make sure you have all the documents you need handy when you’re ready to file.

Working with a Law Firm Can Triple Your Chances for Benefit Approval

If it’s still unclear if being on blood thinners is a disability that can get you benefits, you still have one more option. You can sign up for a free, no-obligation consultation with a nearby Social Security attorney to discuss your situation. An attorney can review your information and tell you how likely it is that the SSA will award you benefits for free.

This all starts with a free phone call during normal weekday business hours. Once you complete your evaluation, you’re not required to do anything else. Choosing to move forward and file a claim or work with the attorney you speak with is always 100% up to you.

Want to learn your own chances for getting disability benefits for free, before you apply? Click the button below to start your free benefits evaluation now:

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