For a number of reasons, including poorly put together applications and confusing requirements for disability benefits, most applications for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits are initially denied. Additionally, the first review of a disability claim can take three or more months to go through.
As most applicants are denied, they must go through a second review and/or an appeal hearing before receiving a final decision on their eligibility for benefits. Each step in this process adds months to the full duration of applying for SSD. Altogether, it’s not uncommon for applicants to wait a year for a decision, and for some the wait is significantly longer.
Those who have terminal illnesses and very severe disabilities don’t have that long to wait for benefits. The SSA understands this, and in response developed the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program in 2008 to more quickly and efficiently address the applications for those who clearly suffer from terminal illnesses and inherently disabling conditions.
At the present time, there are 113 conditions on the SSA’s CAL list. Come August, another 52 will become active on that list, including Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia, the following information will help you understand the SSA’s disability claims process for this diagnosis. It will also give you some guidelines for increasing your chances of being quickly approved for disability benefits under the CAL guidelines of the SSA.
Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia – Condition and Symptoms
Leukodystrophy encompasses a number of genetic disorders that occur in infants which affect the white matter of the brain. Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia, on the other hand, is a very rare form of adult onset Leukodystrophy which can develop in individuals of any age, though appears to be most common in those in their 30s and 40s.
The most common symptoms of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia is a gradual decline of an individual who previously appeared normal. Parkinson’s disease like symptoms are often present. Progressive deterioration may appear in muscle tone and control, including changes in movement, gait, speech, and ability to eat. Vision, hearing, and behavioral changes also occur. There is progressive loss of physical and mental capacity, eventually leading to dementia and severe or total physical disability.
A biopsy of brain tissue is required for a definitive diagnosis of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia. There is no effective treatment for the disease and no cure. Progressive decline results in increased symptoms and eventually leads to death, usually from complications such as pneumonia or other infection.
Symptomatic treatments intended to keep the patient as comfortable as possible and to provide supportive care are utilizing, including medications for lessen tremors, or if epilepsy is present, anti-seizure medications. Feeding support may be necessary in the later stages of the disease. On-going, constant supportive care is often required late in the illness’s progression.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia
Extensive medical records must be present in any application for SSD in order for that claim to be approved. This is still true even when a condition falls under the CAL program. The diagnosis of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia alone is not enough to substantiate disability.
You must include all of your imaging test results, biopsy results, and all of your medical records in your application. Additionally, you should include statements from your various doctors in your claim as well. The more detailed the information is you’re able to provide, the more likely your claim will be approved quickly and without further delays.
Your Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia Social Security Disability Case
While Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia was recently added to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances list, this does not guarantee a claim filed with this diagnosis will automatically be approved. You must still show proof of a definitive diagnosis and the resulting course of treatment in order to be approved for benefits. Hiring a disability attorney can make the claims process run more smoothly and can shorten the wait time for SSD benefits as well.
