What you have to prove
Meet listing via: (A) acute leukemia — automatic disability for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis or initiation of induction therapy; OR (B) chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast phase; OR (C) chronic leukemia (including CLL) requiring initiation of 3 or more courses of treatment within 12 months; OR (D) treatment by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (24 months from transplant).
Medical evidence SSA expects
Bone marrow biopsy and cytogenetics, peripheral blood studies, treatment records, and hematology/oncology notes.
Common misconceptions
Chronic leukemia on watchful waiting (e.g., stable CLL) doesn't qualify. Acute leukemia and transplant recipients qualify automatically for the specified durations.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.