It is common knowledge that the Social Security Disability claim process is a lengthy and complicated endeavor. It is also common knowledge that it can take years for an applicant to be approved for the Social Security Disability benefits they so desperately need. While the initial application process only takes three to four months to complete, the majority of disability claims are denied during this stage. Many applicants spend additional months or even years appealing the SSA's decision to deny their initial claim for disability benefits.
Individuals who desperately need Social Security Disability benefits due to a very severe condition often feel that the extensive wait times for disability approvals are unreasonable. There are applicants who cannot possibly wait years or even a few months for their disability benefits to begin. Recognizing this fact, the Social Security Administration rolled out the Compassionate Allowances initiative in 2008, allowing certain applicants to qualify for expedited consideration and approval for benefits in as little as several few weeks.
There are 88 conditions that qualify for disability claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, including Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. If your child has been diagnosed with INCL, you may be able to get disability benefits. The following information will help you understand the disability claim process and how your disability claim may qualify for faster approval under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses - Condition and Symptoms
Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, also known as INCL or Santavouri Disease, is a very rare inherited genetic disorder. The condition results in the progressive accumulation of lipofuscins in the cells of the brain and in the other tissues of the body.
Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses is caused by a mutation in the CLN 2 gene, which results in a buildup of proteins in the brain and retina tissue. This protein buildup eventually leads to cell death and brain and retina damage. Children who are diagnosed with Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses suffer from a broad range of effects such as cognitive impairments, seizures, poor motor function, and vision loss. The disease is progressive, so symptoms will become worse over time.
Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses is very rare, affecting fewer than one child in every 100,000 live births. The condition is caused when both parents of a child carry the defective CLN 2 gene. Each parent must pass the gene mutation on to the child in order for a child to develop the condition. When both parents carry the mutated CLN 2 gene, their children have a one-in-four chance of developing the Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses condition.
If a physician suspects that a child has developed Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, he or she will order a variety of tests to confirm the condition. MRIs, eye exams, and genetic testing may all be conducted. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition. Instead, treatment is focused on addressing the symptoms caused by the disorder. In most cases, children who are diagnosed with Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses will not live beyond twelve years of age.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses
Having your child receive a diagnosis of Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses can be devastating. It is not uncommon for at least one parent to stop work activity in order to stay home and take care of the affected child. The resulting lack of income is often compounded by increased medical expenses related to the condition.
Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial burden. If your child has been diagnosed with Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, you should file a Social Security Disability claim as soon as possible. When filing your claim, provide as much medical documentation as possible with your application for benefits. Medical records, lab results, and written statements from treating physicians can all help strengthen your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses Social Security Disability Case
If you are filing a Social Security Disability claim based on a diagnosis of Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses, it is important that you understand that the diagnosis itself is not enough to automatically qualify your child for disability benefits. Although it is uncommon, the Social Security Administration has been known to deny claims for disability benefits based on a diagnosis that qualifies for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. This is usually due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence, a poorly prepared disability application, or a lack of knowledge on the part of the adjudicator who reviews the claim at the Disability Determination Services (DDS). Because of this, it is in your best interest to work with a qualified disability attorney when submitting your disability claim.
A qualified advocate or attorney understands what is needed to successfully file a claim for disability benefits. He or she will help you gather all necessary medical evidence and will make sure that your claim is submitted in the best light possible to the SSA. This will improve your chances of receiving a quick and hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability benefits, and will ensure that the adjudicator who reviews your claim understands how it qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
