The Social Security Administration will receive millions of claims for Social Security Disability benefits this year. Of these claims, a mere 30 percent will be approved during the initial stage of the application process. The remaining 70 percent of applicants will have to go through the lengthy disability appeal process if there is any hope of receiving disability benefits in the future. This process can take months or even years to complete.
The Social Security Administration has taken steps to help those who suffer from severe conditions with faster approval of disability claims. The program, referred to as the Compassionate Allowances program, allows some disability applicants to be approved for benefits in just weeks. There are 88 conditions that qualify under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, including Ataxia Telangiectasia.
If you have been diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia and you are wondering how your condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program, the following information will help you understand the disability application process and how your diagnosis may qualify you for expedited approval of Social Security Disability payments.
Ataxia Telangiectasia - Conditions and Symptoms
Ataxia Telangiectasia, also known as Louis-Bar syndrome and Border-Sedgwick syndrome, is a rare and debilitating condition that affects many parts of the human body. The disease affects the body's motor coordination control center and interferes with an individual's ability to fight off disease and infection. Individuals who suffer from Ataxia Telangiectasia are also at an increased risk of developing cancer and respiratory disorders. Approximately twenty percent of patients who are diagnosed with ataxia telangiectasia will also develop some form of cancer (most commonly lymphocytic leukemia or lymphoma). Individuals with Ataxia Telangiectasia are also at an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus, premature graying of the hair and delayed physical and sexual development.
The condition is inherited and is caused by a defect in the ATM gene. This gene is responsible for correcting DNA errors when a cell divides and destroying cells that can't be fixed. Ataxia Telangiectasia most commonly occurs in early childhood. Symptoms of the disorder vary from individual to individual, but common symptoms include a lack of balance, slurred speech and an increased risk of infection. Individuals who suffer from the condition usually develop small red veins around the corners of the eyes or on the surface of the ears and cheeks.
As of now, there is no cure for Ataxia Telangiectasia, nor is there any way to slow the progression of the condition. When a doctor treats a patient for this condition, treatment is focused on addressing the symptoms of the condition. Physical therapy is also provided to most Ataxia Telangiectasia patients. For individuals who are suffering speech impairments, speech therapy may be offered. Injections to help immune functions and high doses of vitamins are usually required to help prevent infection and disease.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Ataxia Telangiectasia
Ataxia Telangiectasia is a severely debilitating condition. As such, it qualifies under the guidelines of the Social Security Compassionate Allowances program. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Ataxia Telangiectasia, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible.
When filing an application for disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Ataxia Telangiectasia, provide as much documentation as you can with your Social Security Disability application. You will want to provide the SSA with statements from your treating physicians and a complete history of your medical records. In order to process your claim properly, the adjudicator reviewing your case will need to see as much medical evidence as possible to support your disability claim.
Your Ataxia Telangiectasia Social Security Disability Case
The Social Security Administration understands that some disabilities are more severe than others. On account of this, they have included Ataxia Telangiectasia in the listing of 88 impairments that qualify for faster disability approvals under the Compassionate Allowances program. As a result, your claim for disability benefits may be approved in less than a month and you should be able to bypass the typical Social Security Disability application process. That does not mean, however, that you should not retain the services of a qualified Social Security Disability advocate or attorney when filing your disability claim.
Having proper representation during the disability claim process will ensure that your claim for disability benefits is submitted in the best light possible. Your attorney or advocate will help you prepare your disability application and will help you make sure that all of the necessary documentation and evidence is provided to support your disability case.
