Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency and Social Security Disability

Every year, millions of claims for disability benefits are filed with the Social Security Administration. Many of these claims are filed by parents of children who have been diagnosed with severely debilitating disabling conditions. In most cases, a Social Security Disability applicant must wait months, if not years, to complete the disability application and appeal process. For some Social Security Disability applicants, waiting such extensive periods of time for an approval of disability benefits is simply not an option.

In 2008, the Social Security Administration took measures to address the fact that some disability applicants need an approval of disability benefits in a more timely manner. As a result, they implemented the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. There are 88 conditions that qualify an applicant for claim processing under these guidelines. Applicants who are diagnosed with a condition contained in the Compassionate Allowances listings may be awarded disability benefits in a matter of weeks, rather than having to go through the standard Social Security Disability application and approval process.

Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is one of the 88 conditions that has been included in the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings. If your child has been diagnosed with this condition, the following information will shed light on the disability claim process and what you can do to increase your chances of obtaining a quick approval of your child's disability claim under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.

Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency - Condition and Symptoms

Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, also known as OTC and OTCD, is a rare disorder that affects approximately one in every 80,000 babies born. The condition affects the urea cycle and results in a mutation of the Ornithine Transcarbamylase enzyme. When an individual is afflicted by Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, the enzyme responsible for helping the body process the nitrogen in the blood is damaged or missing. The resulting nitrogen builds up in the blood in the form of ammonia. This ammonia accumulation results in a broad range of severe symptoms.

The symptoms of OTC can vary from one individual to the next, but common symptoms of the condition include lethargy, feeding difficulties, lack of appetite, poorly-controlled breathing, and fluctuations in body temperature. In severe cases, babies may experience seizures, developmental disabilities and mental retardation. Liver damage, dry and brittle hair, and skin lesions may also be signs of this disorder.

There is no cure for Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency. Treatment involves a low-protein diet and medications of sodium benzoate and sodium phenylbutyrate. Some patients benefit from the administration of supplements such as arginine, valine and isoleucine. In severe cases, liver transplant may be recommended for an OTC patient.

The prognosis of Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency patient will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some infants slip into comas within 72 hours of birth. Many of the children who are born with this condition will not live beyond five years of age, although treatment and careful diet restrictions can increase a patient's life expectancy.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency

If your child has been diagnosed with Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, the ensuing financial struggles can be overwhelming. It is not uncommon for one parent to stay home full time to address the needs of the child. In situations where both parents still work, the cost of qualified care can cause added financial stress. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help.

Because OTC is one of the 88 conditions that qualify an applicant for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you have a good chance of obtaining Social Security Disability benefits without the need for an appeal. You will, however, still need to take care when preparing your child's disability application. When filling out the Social Security Disability claim forms, make sure you answer all questions thoroughly. Also include a copy of your child's medical records to help support your claim for disability benefits. Written statements from treating physicians can also help your child's disability case.

Your Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency Social Security Disability Case

Although Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency is one of the 88 conditions that qualify a claim for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, don’t assume that your child will be automatically approved for disability benefits from the SSA. While the majority of Compassionate Allowances claims are approved during the initial claim stage, some Compassionate Allowances applications can be denied by the SSA. This is usually due to improperly prepared claim forms, a lack of medical evidence, or a lack of knowledge on the part of the adjudicator reviewing the claim.

If you want to increase your chances of obtaining a quick approval of your child's Social Security Disability claim, you may want to consider the services of a disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can help you in the preparation of your child's Social Security Disability application and will assist you in gathering the medical evidence needed to support your disability case. Your attorney or advocate can also ensure that your claim is presented in such a way that the adjudicator reviewing your file fully understands how it qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.

To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings, or to find out whether your child qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, request a free evaluation of your disability case today.

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