Social Security's Listing for liver disease contains as one possible criteria a SSA CLD score of 22 or greater. CLD stands for Chronic Liver Disease and SSA stands for Social Security Administration. I have no idea why Social Security decided to label the formula in the Listing as SSA CLD, since the formula for determining CLD is the same as the MELD (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease) formula used in determining eligibility for a liver transplant.
According to the California Pacific Medical Center "... the average MELD score for a patient undergoing a liver transplant is 20 nationally." Yet, Social Security requires a MELD score of 22 to meet the Listing. Yes, there are other criteria for meeting the Listing and claimants with MELD scores under 22 must be found to meet the Listing, still, why would Social Security set the criteria well beyond what is required to get a liver transplant?
According to the California Pacific Medical Center "... the average MELD score for a patient undergoing a liver transplant is 20 nationally." Yet, Social Security requires a MELD score of 22 to meet the Listing. Yes, there are other criteria for meeting the Listing and claimants with MELD scores under 22 must be found to meet the Listing, still, why would Social Security set the criteria well beyond what is required to get a liver transplant?
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