ALS is included in the compassionate allowance list

In October of 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the addition of thirteen new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list. One of those conditions was ALS, also known as Parkinsonism Dementia Complex.

The SSA's Compassionate Allowances list communicated what medical conditions automatically qualify for disability. 

Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS) is a form of Alzheimer’s disease which typically strikes younger victims than traditional Alzheimer’s. In addition to deteriorating mental capacity and memory, it is marked by fatigue and adverse effects on multiple internal organs.

The Compassionate Allowances list was originally created in 2008. The purpose of the list is to identify conditions which automatically meet the Social Security Administration's stringent requirements for disability benefits. Those who have been medically diagnosed with one of the conditions on the CA list are automatically approved for Social Security disability benefits, and their claims are fast tracked to allow those who suffer from the conditions to receive their benefits faster.

A typical Social Security disability claim takes three to six months. Over 70% of these are initially denied, often because there is not sufficient medical evidence of a disability (this often amounts to claims paperwork which is not filed optimally-a problem that a Social Security disability lawyer can help with). The appeals process often takes several months (and sometimes years) after a claim has been denied.

The Compassionate Allowance program was started to help those who have obviously debilitating conditions to receive their benefits while they can still use them. It saves time and money by moving people through the process more quickly. With the addition of ALS and 12 other conditions, the number of medical conditions qualifying for compassionate allowances has risen to 113. Fifty conditions were part of the program initially, and additional conditions are currently being considered for addition to the program.

Because ALS (ALS Parkinsonian Dementia Complex) has been added to the list of compassionate allowances, those who have been diagnosed with it can expect to be automatically approved for any Social Security disability benefits which they are eligible for. Claimants can expect to start receiving benefits in about six weeks (rather than three to six months).

Even though you are automatically qualified for benefits if you have ALS, it’s still a good idea to have a Social Security lawyer look over your claim. This will help ensure that you have all of your I’s dotted and t’s crossed. Even though the condition qualifies for a compassionate allowance, you will want to make sure that your claims paperwork is in order and that the SSA receives all of the medical evidence they need to accept the ALS diagnosis and place your claim into the Compassionate Allowances program.

While all Social Security disability claimants would be well advised to have professional representation, it’s especially important for those with degenerative diseases like ALS. The approval of your benefits is not in question if you have ALS, but you will want to make sure that the claim is handled properly from the beginning. If your claim is properly handled, you will qualify for a compassionate allowance and will begin receiving your Social Security disability benefits in short order.

Additional Resources

• What Conditions Automatically Qualify for Disability?