The process of applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is often very lengthy, beginning with the three to four month average wait for the initial claim to be review. The majority of applicants are also initially denied benefits, which means they must go through a second review and, in most cases, an appeal before seeing a final determination on their eligibility by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This full process can take a year or more, with some applicants waiting as long as two years.
Those with very severe disabilities and terminal illnesses simply don’t have years, or in some cases even months, to wait for disability benefits. Knowing this, SSA instituted the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program in 2008. CAL is intended to speed up the review and approval process for conditions in which disability is inarguably present.
There are 113 conditions on the CAL program list currently and another 52 which were recently approved for addition, effective August 13, 2012. Among the newly approved conditions is Kufs Disease Type A and B.
If you’ve been diagnosed with either Type A or B Kufs Disease, the following information will help you understand the SSA’s review process for disability claims. It may also help you increase your chances of being quickly approved for disability benefits under the CAL guidelines of the SSA.
Kufs Disease Type A and B – Condition and Symptoms
Kufs Disease is a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system, causing progressive deterioration of patient’s ability to move and think. There are two forms of the condition, Type A and Type B, both of which have been approved for inclusion in the CAL program by the SSA.
Some symptoms of Kufs Disease Type A and B are the same, while others differ based on type. Type A Kufs includes symptoms of muscle spasms, tremors and tics as well as epilepsy, seizures, loss of coordination, problems with speech, and dementia. Type B symptoms include many of the same symptoms, but individuals with Type B never develop epilepsy or speech problems but can experience personality and behavioral changes.
The average age of onset of Kufs Disease, Type A or B, is around 30, but symptoms can arise as early as adolescence. Symptoms of Kufs progress quickly and patients afflicted by the condition don’t usually survive more than ten years following the onset of symptoms.
Diagnosis used to depend almost entirely on the presence of pronounced symptoms. Genetic testing has recently become available but not widely so. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and maintaining patient comfort. Anticonvulsants and similar medications are common for treating Kufs, as are other symptom-specific drugs.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Kufs Disease Type A and B
As Kufs Disease is a terminal illness, seeking disability benefits under the SSA’s CAL program with this diagnosis is usually less complicated of a process, but you will still need to include as much medical evidence as possible in your claim.
Many people mistakenly think that the diagnosis of Kufs Disease alone will get them approved for benefits. While it’s true that the SSA views terminal illnesses differently, you will still need to complete the full application process for disability benefits.
This means you’ll need to place all of your medical records in your application, including test results and labs in addition to written statements from all your doctors. The greater the documentation in your claim, the more likely you are to be approved without additional delays or the need for second reviews or appeals.
Your Kufs Disease Social Security Disability Case
You’ll need to make your SSD application as thorough as possible to be approved for benefits without further delays. A Social Security Disability attorney who is familiar with the application process can help you ensure your file is complete and meets the SSA’s eligibility requirements. Having legal assistance can also help you get through the review process more quickly.
When your child is diagnosed with Hydrocephaly, the last thing on your mind is the attention to detail required for putting together a thorough and complete application for SSD benefits, though the financial support you can receive from the SSA is likely crucial to being able to provide the support and care your child needs.
This is where a Social Security lawyer’s assistance can be invaluable. He or she can remove much of the burden regarding the SSD application process from your shoulders and allow you instead to focus your attentions on providing adequate care for your child.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings or to discover whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits with a diagnosis of Hydranencephaly, request a free case evaluation today.
