Many people are surprised to find out just how complicated and lengthy the Social Security Disability claim process can be. While the initial stage of the application process only takes three to four months to complete, the majority of initial applications are denied by the Social Security Administration. In fact, approximately 70 percent of disability applicants must file an appeal if they hope to get disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Unfortunately, in some cases, the appeal process can take more than two years to complete.
The Social Security Administration has recognized that some individuals, due to the severity of their condition, are unable to wait such long periods of time before their disability claims can be approved. This is why they have created the Compassionate Allowances program, which provides for expedited consideration of 88 different disabling medical conditions. This program allows individuals to be approved for benefits in a matter of weeks rather than waiting months or years to complete the claim process.
Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome is one of the 88 conditions covered under the Compassionate Allowances initiative.
The following information will help you understand how the SSA reviews Social Security Disability claims based on a diagnosis of Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome, and how the condition qualifies for faster processing times under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome - Condition and Symptoms
Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. A person is born with this disorder, which is characterized by a failure to grow from birth and little to no neurological development. Structural abnormalities of the eyes and fixed bending of the joints and the spines are also trademark symptoms of the disorder.
Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome is an inherited condition and is one of the conditions that falls under the Cockayne Syndrome spectrum of disorders. Symptoms of Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome include small eyes, an unusually small head, poor muscle tone, impaired reflexes, low-set ears, a small jaw, wide-set nipples, poor vision and mild to moderate mental retardation. Children with COFS are also at an increased risk of developing respiratory infections.
Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome is usually diagnosed at birth, although ultrasound technology can often detect the condition in fetuses that have Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome. When a medical professional is treating the condition, he or she will focus on supportive and symptomatic treatment. Oftentimes tube feeding is required to provide the child with the nutrients needed to survive. COFS has a significant impact on the lifespan of a child. In most cases, COFS patients do not live beyond five years of age.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome
If your child has been diagnosed with Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program. This means that your application for benefits will likely be approved in less than one month. You will, however, need to provide the Social Security Administration with proper medical evidence if you wish to have your claim to be processed correctly and efficiently by the disability examiner reviewing your social security exhibit file.
When filing for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of COFS, you will need to include complete medical records, lab results, and written statements from treating physicians with your Social Security Disability application. The more medical documentation you can provide, the more likely your application is to be approved under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. A lack of sufficient medical evidence may result in approval delays or a denial of your Social Security Disability claim.
Your Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome Social Security Disability Case
Although Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal Syndrome is one of the 88 conditions listed under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, your application for disability benefits may not be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. Your application for Social Security Disability benefits must be presented properly in order for your claim to be processed under the Compassionate Allowances program. Because of this, you may wish to hire a disability advocate or attorney when filing your Social Security Disability claim.
The attorneys and advocates who represent Social Security Disability applicants are familiar with the disability claim process and understand exactly what information is needed by an adjudicator from the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in order to successfully process a claim for disability benefits. Your advocate or attorney will help you gather the necessary medical information and will make sure that your claim is presented in such a way that the adjudicator who reviews your file understands the severity of the condition and how it qualifies for approval under the Compassionate Allowances listings.
If you would like to find out whether or not your child qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome, or if you are interested in finding out more about the Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, fill out a request for a free, no-obligation review of your Social Security Disability case.
