This year alone, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will receive millions of Social Security Disability claims from disabled American citizens. Unfortunately, nearly 70 percent of such claims have historically been denied by the SSA. When an initial application for Social Security Disability is denied, it results in the need for the applicant to appeal the SSA's decision to deny benefits – a process that can take months or even years to complete.
In some cases, applicants whose conditions are so severe that they warrant immediate attention can qualify for expedited consideration under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, and individuals who have been diagnosed with Gaucher Disease Type 2 are among the applicants who qualify for faster claim processing.
If your child has been diagnosed with Type 2 Gaucher Disease and you are wondering how the condition affects his or her eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you understand the disability claim process and how you can increase your chances of obtaining a quick approval of your disability claim under the Compassionate Allowances initiative.
Type 2 Gaucher Disease (GD) - Conditions and Symptoms
Gaucher Disease is a very rare genetic disorder that only affects approximately one in every 50,000 to 100,000 people in the population. Individuals who are of eastern and central European Jewish descent are at the highest risk of developing the condition.
When an individual suffers from Gaucher Disease, their body lacks the enzyme referred to as glucocerebrodsidase. This causes harmful substances to build up in the individual's bones, bone marrow, spleen and liver. These substances, referred to as glycosylceramides, prevent the body’s cells and organs from functioning the way they should.
There are three main categories of Gaucher Disease, designated simply as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. Type 2 is the form of the disease that qualifies for claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
When an individual suffers from Type 2 Gaucher Disease, the condition begins in infancy and causes severe problems with neurological development. The symptoms of Type 2 Gaucher Disease include an enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, and progressive brain damage. In many cases, this form of the disease can lead to rapid death, and most of the children who are diagnosed with the condition will not live beyond five years of age.
If a doctor suspects that a patient has Type 2 Gaucher Disease, he or she will perform a variety of tests including a physical exam, blood tests to look for enzyme activity, bone marrow aspirations, spleen biopsy, MRIs, CT scans, skeletal x-rays, and genetic testing. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Gaucher Disease, although in some cases enzyme replacement therapy or bone marrow transplants may be able to help those who are suffering from the condition.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Type 2 Gaucher Disease (GD)
If your child has been diagnosed with Type 2 Gaucher Disease, it is crucial that you file a claim for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. The sooner you apply for benefits, the sooner you will be able to receive financial assistance from the Social Security Administration.
The Social Security Administration will normally determine that a child has been disabled since the date of diagnosis, but this does not necessarily mean that every claim will receive an automatic approval. In order to increase your chances of a quick and hassle-free approval of your child's Social Security Disability benefits, you need to provide the Social Security Administration with as much medical evidence as possible when preparing your Social Security Disability claim. Be sure to include a complete copy of your child's medical records along with your claim in addition to any treatment history and lab results. You should also try to obtain written statements from your child's treating physicians.
Your Type 2 Gaucher Disease (GD) Social Security Disability Case
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of Type 2 Gaucher Disease, it is important to understand that the diagnosis itself is not a guarantee of an instant approval of your disability claim. Even though Type 2 Gaucher Disease is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies for expedited claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you will still need to prove your case to the SSA.
In most cases, claims for Social Security Disability benefits based on a diagnosis of Type 2 Gaucher Disease are quickly approved by the SSA. In some cases, however, even claims based on conditions covered under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines are denied. This is usually do to an improperly presented disability application or a lack of understanding on the part of the adjudicator reviewing the file. Because of this, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocate. Your attorney or advocate can help you present your claim in the best light possible and will ensure that your claim is processed according to the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings or to find out whether your child qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits due to a case of Type 2 Gaucher Disease, request a free evaluation of your disability case today.
