The Social Security Administration is currently facing a backlog of millions of Social Security Disability claims. This backlog has resulted in a delay of the approval of benefits for many frustrated applicants. In some cases, applicants are waiting more than two years before receiving their first payment from the Social Security Administration. What happens when an applicant cannot possibly wait a year or more for disability benefits to begin? In some cases, the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program may be able to help.
In 2008 the Social Security Administration took the first step towards addressing the issues faced by applicants who need immediate processing of their disability claims by implementing the Compassionate Allowances program. There are currently 88 conditions that qualify an individual for faster approvals under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. These applicants can be approved for disability benefits in a matter of weeks instead of having to wait months or even years before their disability benefits can begin. Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 glutaric acidemia are among those who qualify for expedited claim approval under the Compassionate Allowances listings.
If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 glutaric acidemia and you are wondering how the condition affects eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information will help you understand how the Compassionate Allowances guidelines may provide you with a faster approval of your child's disability benefits.
Glutaric Acidemia Type II (Neonatal) - Conditions and Symptoms
Type II glutaric acidemia is a very rare genetic condition that prevents an individual's body from being able to break down proteins and fats in order to produce energy. The buildup of these proteins and fats cause the blood and tissue of the body to become acidic, resulting metabolic acidosis.
Type II glutaric acidemia is normally diagnosed during infancy or in early childhood. The condition is usually diagnosed as the result of an “episode,” referred to as a metabolic crisis. During this crisis, low blood sugar and acidosis result in behavioral changes, poor feeding habits, vomiting, decreased activity and overall weakness. This crisis can be life-threatening and is sometimes triggered by stress or childhood illness.
In some cases, a diagnosis of type II glutaric acidemia may be initiated due to physical abnormalities that a child is born with. These may include an enlarged liver, brain malformations, enlarged heart, fluid filled cysts and kidney malformations. Unusual facial features and genital abnormalities may also be present. It is important to note, however, that a child may be born with type II glutaric acidemia without ever showing any physical manifestations of the condition.
In order to develop this condition, a baby must have inherited the genetic mutations that cause glutaric acidemia from both parents. When a person is born with this condition, it means that both parents carried one copy of the mutated gene. Typically, because type II glutaric acidemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, neither parent will show symptoms of the condition even though they have passed it on to their child.
There is currently no cure for type II glutaric acidemia. The condition can be controlled to some degree with a low-fat, low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet. It is crucial that children who suffer from the condition consume as little fat and protein as possible since their bodies do not have the enzymes that are necessary to break these elements down. Children with type II glutaric acidemia should also eat often to avoid low blood sugar levels, which could trigger a metabolic crisis.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Glutaric Acidemia Type II (Neonatal)
Type II glutaric acidemia can be a severely debilitating condition. As such, it qualifies for expedited claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program. When applying for benefits due to a diagnosis of this condition, your application may be approved in less than a month according to these guidelines.
When submitting your Social Security Disability application, make sure that you provide as much medical evidence as possible to prove a diagnosis of type II glutaric acidemia to the SSA. Be sure to include all disability-related medical records and written statements from treating physicians to support your claim. This evidence will help increase your chances of a quick approval of your claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Glutaric Acidemia Type II (Neonatal) Social Security Disability Case
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of type II glutaric acidemia, do not assume that your application for disability benefits will be automatically approved by the SSA. Even though this condition is covered under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you will still need to provide the Social Security Administration with as much evidence as possible when submitting your claim. You will also need to make sure your claim is presented properly for the best chance of a favorable decision. A poorly-prepared application can result in the delay of your disability approval or even a denial of Social Security Disability benefits.
Because it is crucial that your claim for benefits is submitted properly, you should consider the services of a qualified disability attorney or advocate. An advocate or attorney can assist you in gathering the necessary medical evidence and will ensure that your disability claim is submitted properly to the SSA. This will help the adjudicator who is reviewing your file understand how your condition qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
