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Prognosis and duration of disabling effects

Symptoms are many and varied but are usually not severe, and do not normally cause any significant impairment of mobility, or the ability to carry out all the various activities of daily living.

Prognosis in Polcythaemia Vera is approximately 14 years with treatment, 30% will develop Myelofibrosis, and 5% Acute Leukaemia.

Secondary polycythaemia

Polycythaemia vera - without complications

The condition should be successfully treated and resolved within 6 months of diagnosis and no persisting functional restrictions would be present.

Polycythaemia vera - with complications. The duration of award is dependant on the nature of the complication as per examples.

E.g. Stroke - Less than 2 years - 2 year award

E.g. Stroke - More than 2 years - Indefinite award

E.g. IHD - Awaiting PTCA or CABG - 1 year award

E.g. IHD - Not awaiting surgery - Indefinite award

All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant