When applying for Social Security Disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), many applicants who have dutifully paid into the system throughout their working careers are shocked when their initial claims for disability benefits are denied. These applicants send in their disability claims expecting to be approved in a few short months, only to find out that they must endure a stressful and exhausting disability appeal process in order to obtain the benefits to which they are rightfully entitled. In the worst cases, the Social Security Disability appeal process can take more than two years to complete.
In the cases of Social Security Disability applicants who are filing disability claims for conditions that are unusually severe, the standard claim process can seem both unfair and unacceptable. Fortunately, the SSA has taken measures to address the fact that some conditions warrant immediate attention when processing a Social Security Disability claim. In 2008, the Compassionate Allowances program was introduced to help some applicants obtain faster approvals of their Social Security Disability claims.
There are 88 conditions that qualify a claimant for expedited processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Maple Syrup Urine Disease is one of these 88 conditions.
If your child has been diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease and you are wondering how the condition will affect your child's eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information will help you understand the disability process and how you can increase your chances of obtaining a quick approval of your child's disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease - Condition and Symptoms
Maple Syrup Urine Disease, also known as MSUD, is an inherited metabolic disorder that prevents the body from breaking down the branched-chain amino acids referred to as leucine, isoleucine and valine. Because the body is not able to break these down, it leads to a build-up of these amino acids in the blood. The condition often causes the patient's urine to smell like maple syrup, which is why it is referred to as Maple Syrup Urine Disease. The condition is very rare, affecting only about one in every 185,000 babies born worldwide.
In most cases, MSUD manifests during infancy, and this is referred to as classic type Maple Syrup Urine Disease. In addition to the “maple syrup” odor of an infant's urine, other symptoms of the disease include poor feeding, lethargy, vomiting and developmental delays. Treatment for babies who have Maple Syrup Urine Disease is absolutely crucial. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to coma, seizures or even death. In some cases, the disease will not present itself until late infancy or early childhood. While these cases of Maple Syrup Urine Disease tend to be milder, they still result in development delays and other medical complications if left untreated.
Babies who are diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease will usually be treated through a controlled, protein-free diet. During episodes that are triggered by the disease, fluids, sugars and fats may be given through an IV drip. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis is sometimes used to reduce the levels of amino acids in the patient's blood. Constant medical care is needed and doctors must closely monitor the baby's amino acid levels. Special infant formula that is low in amino acids is usually prescribed to babies who have the condition. It is crucial that the diet be followed carefully in order to avoid complications and possible brain damage.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Having a child diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In most cases, at least one parent will need to leave the workplace in order to meet the needs of the child's condition. For many families, this can create a serious financial burden. Even when both parents are able to continuing working, the cost of disability-related expenses can cause serious financial stress. In some cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to offset some of the financial stress caused by Maple Syrup Urine Disease.
When applying for Social Security Disability, it is important that you provide as much medical evidence as possible when filing your disability claim. Copies of medical records, including treatment histories and lab results, will be needed in order for the Social Security Administration to approve your child for disability benefits. You should also obtain written statements from your child's treating physicians in order to support your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Make sure that you provide the Social Security Administration with as much information as possible when filing a claim for benefits. The application should be filled out completely and answers to all questions should be well thought out and clearly explained. A poorly presented application can delay approval of your child's Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Maple Syrup Urine Disease Social Security Disability Case
Even though Maple Syrup Urine Disease is one of the conditions that qualify a claim for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you should not assume that your child's disability benefits will be automatically approved by the SSA. Your application must be presented properly and you must provide the SSA with enough supporting medical evidence. While it does not happen often, the Social Security Administration has been known to deny disability claims related to a Compassionate Allowances listing. This is usually due to an improperly submitted application or a lack of understanding on the part of the adjudicator who is reviewing the claim.
If you want to increase your chances of being awarded benefits during the initial stage of the application process and you want to ensure that your child's claim is processed according to the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified attorney or disability advocate. These professionals can help you gather the evidence that will be required to support your disability claim and will ensure that your Social Security Disability application is presented in the best light possible. This will increase your chances of obtaining a fast approval of benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. If, for some reason, your application for benefits is denied, your disability attorney or advocate can ensure that your appeal is handled properly and is given the priority attention it deserves.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings or to find out whether your child may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of Maple Syrup Urine Disease, request a free evaluation of your disability case today.
