As of this year, there is a backlog of millions of Social Security Disability applications waiting to be processed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This backlog of disability claims has resulted in delays in the approval of benefits for countless disability applicants, with some people waiting years before receiving their first payment from the Social Security Disability program. Unfortunately, some individuals suffer from disabilities so severe that they need immediate processing of their disability claims and cannot wait years for disability benefits to begin. In such cases, the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program can help.
The Social Security Administration introduced the Compassionate Allowances program in 2008. Under the guidelines of this program there are currently 88 disabling conditions that qualify for expedited approval of claims. Individuals who qualify under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines can receive an approval of their Social Security Disability benefits in a matter of weeks, rather than having to wait months or years for a determination of their claim.
Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is one of the 88 conditions that qualify under this program.
If your child has been diagnosed with Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy and you are wondering how the condition affects eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help.
Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy - Condition and Symptoms
Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, also referred to as FCMD, is a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The condition was first described in 1960 by a doctor in Japan. In 1995 the disease was linked to a mutation of the gene responsible for the coding of the fukutin protein. This gene is referred to as the FCMD gene.
Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder. In order for an individual to develop the condition, both parents must pass on one copy of the defective gene. It is possible for an individual to inherit the disorder from his or her parents even if the parents do not show any signs or symptoms of the condition.
The condition primarily affects the brain, eyes, and muscles of the body. Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is a type of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. The first symptoms usually appear during infancy and include a weak cry and poor muscle tone. The affect of the disorder on the facial muscles often results in droopy eyelids and an open mouth. As the child grows, muscle weakness and joint deformities become more apparent and affect the child's movement and the development of the child's motor skills.
Mental development is also affected in children who inherit this condition. More than half of the children who are affected by Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy also experience seizures. Poor vision and heart problems also develop after the patient reaches ten years of age. Children with FCMD are also at an increased risk of developing pneumonia and swallowing difficulties.
There is currently no cure for Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Instead, treatment is focused on addressing the symptoms of the condition and making a patient as comfortable as possible.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is a severely debilitating condition. As such, it qualifies for expedited claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program. When applying for benefits due to a diagnosis of this condition, your application may be approved in under a month if your application is handled properly.
When submitting your Social Security Disability application, make sure that you provide as much medical evidence as possible when filing your claim. You should include all disability-related medical records and written statements from treating physicians. This evidence will help support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Social Security Disability Case
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, do not assume that your application for benefits will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. You need to provide the Social Security Administration with as much evidence as possible when submitting your claim and you need to make sure your claim is presented properly. A poorly-prepared disability application can result in the delay of your disability approval or even a denial of Social Security Disability benefits, resulting in the need for a disability appeal.
Because it is crucial that your claim for benefits is submitted properly, you may want to retain the services of a disability advocate or attorney. These professionals can help you gather the necessary medical evidence and make sure that your claim is submitted properly so that the disability adjudicator reviewing your file understands how it qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
