When an individual applies for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, he or she usually waits at least three to four months to complete the initial stage of the application process. Since only 30 percent of Social Security Disability claims are approved at the initial application stage, the majority of these applicants must then go on to file an appeal when they are denied denied benefits. The appeals process takes even more time to complete, with some applicants waiting years before benefits are approved.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has recognized the fact that some conditions are so disabling that they warrant a faster approval rate, which is why they have implemented the Compassionate Allowances program. Systemic Degos Disease is one of the 88 conditions that qualify for expedited claim processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with systemic Degos Disease, the following information can help you understand how the condition qualifies an individual for Social Security Disability benefits, and how a claim for benefits may be processed under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Systemic Degos Disease - Condition and Symptoms
Degos Disease, also referred to as malignant atrophic papulosis, is a very rare condition that affects the lining of the small and medium veins and arteries of the body. This condition results in a blockage of the blood vessels and tissue infarction. The blood vessels that are affected by Degos Disease are the vessels that supply blood to the gastrointestinal tract, skin and central nervous system. The condition can lead to stroke, chronic skin lesions, ocular lesions, spinal lesions, headaches, seizures, cognitive disorders and, in some cases, pericardial effusions.
The symptoms of Degos Disease will vary on a case-to-case basis. The most common symptom of Degos Disease is skin lesions. The effects of the condition can remain limited to the skin for a number of years. Once the disease becomes systemic, however, additional symptoms begin to present themselves. These symptoms may include oxygen deficiencies and damage to vital organs. Systemic Degos Disease is often fatal, with a median survival rate of only two to three years. It is the systemic form of this disease that qualifies under the Social Security Disability Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
If a case of Degos Disease is suspected, a biopsy of the skin tissue will normally be ordered and a physical exam will be performed. This condition is very rare, however, and is not commonly diagnosed. There have only been 200 cases of the condition reported worldwide. While there is no cure for Degos Disease, treatment options such as anti-platelet drugs, immunosuppressants and anticoagulants can help alleviate the symptoms.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Systemic Degos Disease
If you are filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to systemic Degos Disease, you need to make sure that you provide the SSA with as much medical evidence for your disability as possible. You will want to provide your medical records, lab results and written statements from your doctors along with your application for disability benefits. The more information you provide to the SSA, the more likely it will be that your application for benefits is approved quickly and without hassle.
Because systemic Degos Disease is one of the 88 qualifying conditions under the Social Security Compassionate Allowances guidelines, your application for disability benefits will likely be approved in a matter of weeks. It is not unheard of, however, for initial claims to be denied even in the case of a Compassionate Allowances listing. In order to avoid the reconsideration stage, you should provide as much medical evidence as possible when filing your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Systemic Degos Disease Disability Case
Even though systemic Degos Disease is one of the 88 conditions that qualify under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, that does not mean your application for benefits will be automatically approved. You still need to provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence and you will need to submit your claim properly to avoid any delays with your Social Security Disability approval.
In order to have the best chance of a hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability claim, you may wish to consider retaining the services of a qualified disability attorney or advocate. Your advocate or attorney will make sure that you have the necessary medical evidence and will ensure that your claim is properly submitted to the Social Security Administration for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
