If you have a child who has been diagnosed with a disabling condition, the Social Security Disability claim process can seem overwhelmingly complex and confusing. In most cases, a child's disability claim will take months or years to complete because the majority of disability claims received by the Social Security Administration are denied during the initial stage of the application process. Fortunately, this lengthy and complicated process can be avoided thanks to the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program.
In 2008, the Social Security Administration introduced the Compassionate Allowances initiative, allowing some disability applicants to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits in as little as 28 days. MPS I, formally known as Hurler Syndrome, is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies a claim for expedited processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. MPS II and MPS III qualify for the compassionate allowance exception as well.
If your child has been diagnosed with MPS I and you are wondering how the condition affects his or her eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you better understand the disability claim process and increase your chances of obtaining a faster approval of your child's disability application.
MPS I (Hurler Syndrome) - Condition and Symptoms
There are a number of genetic disorders that result in a child not having enough (or not having any) of the enzymes that are necessary to break down molecules and proteins in the body. These disorders are known as mucopolysaccharidoses, commonly referred to as MPS. When a patient suffers from MPS I, also known as Hurler Syndrome, the individual is deficient in the alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme which results in the inability of the body to break down long chains of sugar molecules.
MPS I is a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. In order to develop the condition, the child must inherit two copies of the mutated gene that results in MPS I. When a baby with MPS I is born, few signs may be present at birth. Symptoms of the condition usually begin to manifest within a few months, however, as the heart and respiratory systems become affected and bone deformities become apparent.
While children who are diagnosed with MPS I do experience growth, they will tend to lag behind in both physical and mental developments. Many babies with MPS I have trouble crawling or walking and some develop joint problems which prevent the child from straightening out certain parts of the body, such as the hands. Children with MPS I are also at an increased risk of developing serious medical complications such as heart failure or pneumonia.
Unfortunately there is no cure for MPS I, and treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms caused by the condition. In some cases, a prescription drug called Aldurazyme can be used to address the enzyme deficiency. This drug is administered once each week via an IV drip. While this treatment does alleviate the symptoms of the condition, it does not cure the disease. Bone marrow transplants are also given to some MPS I patients, but unfortunately very few of the children who are born with MPS I are candidates for a bone marrow transplant procedure.
Filing for Social Security Disability with MPS I (Formally Known as Hurler Syndrome)
If your child has received a diagnosis of MPS I, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. The sooner you apply for benefits, the sooner you will be able to begin receiving help from the Social Security Administration.
When filing a claim for disability benefits based on a diagnosis of MPS I, make sure that you provide as much medical documentation as possible with your disability application. Even though MPS I is one of the 88 conditions that qualify a claim for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you will still need medical evidence supporting your claim in order for the SSA to approve your child's Social Security Disability application.
When filling out your Social Security Disability application, make sure you fill out the entire application and provide thorough answers to all of the questions asked. Insufficient information may result in a delay, or even a denial, of your child's Social Security Disability benefits.
Your MPS I (Hurler Syndrome) Social Security Disability Case
Many of the people who file disability claims based on a Compassionate Allowances listing assume that their claim for benefits will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration due to the nature of the condition, but this is not necessarily the case. Your application must be presented properly and the medical evidence provided must be sufficient to approve your child for Social Security Disability payments.
If you want to increase your chances of obtaining a favorable decision regarding your child's Social Security Disability claim, you may wish to retain the services of a qualified disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can go over your claim with you, ensuring that you are providing the Social Security Administration with all of the information needed to approve your child's disability claim. Your attorney or advocate will also ensure that your claim is presented in such a way that the adjudicator reviewing your file understands how the claim qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowance listings, or to find out whether your child may qualify for disability benefits due to a diagnosis of MPS I, get a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case today.
