The majority of Social Security Disability claims are filed by disabled workers who are no longer able to maintain full-time employment activity. These hard-working individuals have paid into the Social Security system through taxes that were taken out of each paycheck that they received. Some applicants, however, are hard-working Americans who are filing disability claims on behalf of their children – children who have been diagnosed with a severely disabling condition.
It goes without saying that having your child diagnosed with a severe illness is a traumatic experience in and of itself. These parents should not have to fight with the Social Security Administration for the disability benefits that their children so desperately need. Unfortunately, that is oftentimes exactly what happens. The Social Security Administration, on average, denies approximately 70 percent of the claims it receives each year. This results in the need for a disability appeal, which is a process that can take years to complete.
When a parent is caring for a child with a severe disability and trying to provide for their family, they should not have to worry about the red tape that is associated with the typical Social Security Disability application. Fortunately, the SSA recognized this fact and in 2008 they implemented the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, which allow some Social Security Disability applicants to be approved for benefits in a matter of weeks.
Until recently, there were only 88 conditions that qualified a disability applicant for claim processing under the Compassionate Allowances Listings. In 2011 the SSA added 12 more conditions to this list, including patients who are suffering from single ventricle defects.
If you or your child are suffering from a single ventricle defect, the following information will help you understand how the SSA reviews Social Security Disability claims that are based on this diagnosis and how you can increase your chances of receiving a quick approval of your Social Security Disability application.
Single Ventricle Defect Condition and Symptoms
A single ventricle defect is a rare heart defect that is congenital in nature. The defect occurs when a child is born with a heart that has only one ventricle that is able to pump blood through the body. This defect may also be associated with other heart defects, such as an aortic obstruction.
When a child is born with a single ventricle defect, surgery is usually necessary. The first surgery is usually performed within the first week of life. It is not uncommon for additional surgeries to be necessary as the child grows older.
An individual who is born with a single ventricle defect is at a high risk of developing other illnesses and heart-related conditions later on in life. Irregular heart rates, blood clots, congestive heart failure, liver dysfunction and fluid retention are commonly reported in these individuals.
Patients who suffer from single ventricle defects have a very low tolerance for physical activity and, as a result, are unable to maintain the responsibilities required for full time employment activity. The SSA has recognized this fact and has recently included the condition in its Compassionate Allowances Listings.
Filing for Social Security Disability with a Single Ventricle Defect
If you or your child have been diagnosed with a single ventricle defect, it is important that you understand that even though the condition is covered under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings, it does not mean that you will receive an automatic approval of your Social Security Disability claim. You need to make sure that you fill out the claim forms properly and that you provide the SSA with the proper medical documentation in order to prove your case to the adjudicator who will be reviewing your disability file.
When filing a Social Security Disability claim due to a single ventricle defect, it is crucial that you include proper medical proof with your claim forms. In the case of a single ventricle defect, the SSA will need to see a clinical description of your physician's findings, copies of operative reports, cardiology consultation reports, and imaging results from MRI and X-ray tests. Copies of blood study coagulation reports can also be used in order to assess the presence of any blood clots that may be present.
In addition to sufficient medical evidence, you will also need to fill out the Social Security Disability claim forms properly and in their entirety. Be sure that you are as detailed as possible when answering the questions that are on these forms. The more information that you can provide on these forms, the more likely it will be that the adjudicator who is reviewing your file will understand how and why it qualifies for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Single Ventricle Defect and Your Social Security Disability Case
Many individuals make the mistake of assuming that their Social Security Disability claims will be automatically approved if their condition is included in the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings. This is not necessarily the case. While the SSA does not often deny claims that are based on a single ventricle defect, it can happen if you do not fill out your claim forms properly or do not submit enough medical evidence.
If you want to increase your chances of obtaining a hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability claim, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can help you with your disability claim paperwork and can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to submit with your disability claim.
