When an individual is faced with an unexpected long-term or permanent disability, the financial concerns can be overwhelming. Without a way to generate an income, it can be increasingly difficult to deal with the burden of medical and living expenses. Many hard-working American citizens count on the fact that Social Security Disability benefits will be available to them if and when they need them. What most of these individuals do not realize is that it can take months, if not years, for a Social Security Disability claim to be approved and for disability payments to begin.
Fortunately, the Social Security Administration took steps in 2008 to speed up the SSA's lengthy and complicated approval process through the implementation of the Social Security Compassionate Allowances program.
The Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program allows some individuals to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits in just a few short weeks rather than having to wait months or years before being awarded disability benefits. Mixed Dementia is one of the 88 conditions that qualify a claim for expedited claim processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Mixed Dementias and you are wondering how the condition qualifies an individual for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information will help you understand the disability claim process, as well as how you can increase your chances of being approved for disability benefits more quickly under the Compassionate Allowances program.
Mixed Dementias - Condition and Symptoms
Mixed Dementias occur when a patient develops both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia at the same time. While this condition was once thought to be very rare, recent studies are indicating that nearly 45 percent of the people who develop dementia have signs of both vascular disease and Alzheimer's.
The effects of Mixed Dementias can vary from patient to patient, but common symptoms of the condition include memory loss, confusion, concentration difficulties, slurred speech, depression, dizziness, loss of bladder and/or bowel control, abnormal behaviors, weakness, language difficulties, and emotional instability.
There is no one single cause for Mixed Dementia. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and smoking are all risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing the condition. When a doctor suspects that a patient is suffering from Mixed Dementia, he or she will perform a variety of tests including CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, neuropsychological tests, and ultrasounds.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Mixed Dementias. Patients may be treated for their symptoms and there are drugs available to help improve the symptoms of the Alzheimer's portion of the disorder. Speech therapy and cholinesterase inhibitor therapy may also be provided to address the symptoms of the condition. In most cases, a doctor will also treat the underlying causes of the disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Mixed Dementias
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Mixed Dementias, it is important that you understand that even though the condition is one of the 88 that qualify for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you must still fill out the application paperwork properly in order to obtain a hassle-free approval of your disability benefits. Make sure that you provide the Social Security Administration with as much supporting medical evidence as possible including lab results, treatment records, and written statements from your physicians.
When filling out the questions on the Social Security Disability application, make sure that you answer them thoroughly. One-word answers will not suffice. Be detailed in your explanations so that the adjudicator reviewing your file understands the severity of your condition.
Your Mixed Dementias Social Security Disability Case
Many applicants who file a Social Security Disability claim based on a diagnosis of Mixed Dementias assume that their claim will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration, but this is not necessarily the case. If your application is not completed properly or if you do not provide sufficient medical evidence, your claim for disability benefits may be denied even though it has been submitted based on a Compassionate Allowances listing.
If you would like to increase your chances of obtaining an approval of your initial disability claim, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified disability advocate or attorney. This professional will be able to work with you to ensure that your application is filled out and submitted properly and that all required medical evidence is received by the Social Security Administration. Your advocate or attorney will also make sure that your application is presented in such a way that the adjudicator reviewing your file understands how your condition qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings, or to find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Mixed Dementias, request a free Social Security Disability evaluation today.
