Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia should qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Compassionate Allowance Program. This is because this medical condition is serious enough that is will likely last for at least 12 months or may end in death at any time. This means the victim of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia is likely unable to work and provide financial support for themselves following this diagnosis.
What is Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia?
Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia is a rare and inherited type of adult Leukodystrophy that affects the white matter of the brain. Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia is progressive and typically fatal. This medical condition is most common in adults who are between 40 and 50 years old. And, as the disorder progresses, some victims become dependent on using a wheelchair and even require feeding via gastronomy in order to maintain sufficient nutritional levels. Death usually takes place within ten years of Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia diagnosis.
What is a Compassionate Allowance?
Because it often takes several months to process a disability benefits (SSD) claim, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has devised a scheme that helps people get their claim fast-tracked. This offering—or scheme—is what the SSA calls their “Compassionate Allowance Program.” The Compassionate Allowance Program has something called a “Compassionate Allowance List” that was compiled—and is consistently updated—by the SSA. This list contains the most severe medical conditions that are likely to be fatal earlier rather than later after a patient has been diagnosed. These conditions are listed in the SSA’s Blue Book.
Anyone who is diagnosed with one of these medical conditions, including Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia, may be eligible to have their medical condition assessed under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances Program. There are many medical conditions on the Compassionate Allowances list which are those that mostly meet the SSA’s requirements for Social Security disability benefits (SSD). This is precisely what (1) enables the Compassionate Allowance Program and (2) helps the SSA to reduce the wait time for receiving disability benefits for any applicants that have a condition(s) that is on the Compassionate Allowance list.
Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia could qualify as a compassionate allowance under Sections 11.17 or 12.02: Neurological-Adult in the SSA’s Blue Book.
Medical Evidence for Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia
When a victim is diagnosed with Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia, the evidence used to confirm the diagnosis includes the following:
- a study of the patient’s clinical and family history;
- results of a neurological exam;
- results of neuropsychological testing;
- results of neuroimaging, such as computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In order to qualify for disability benefits, the SSA assesses the victims features such as:
- abnormal gait;
- spasticity;
- dysarthria which is a weakness in the muscles used for speech;
- ocular apraxia which is the absence or defect of controlled, voluntary, and purposeful eye movements;
- the prevalence of seizures;
- the rapid progression of dementia;
- facial and bulbar weakness.
Get Help with Your Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia
Failing to prove the severity of a medical condition is one of the most common reasons why the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies disability benefits (SSD) claims. However, if you work with an attorney, they may be able to help you file—and win—disability benefits using the Compassionate Allowances scheme.
To get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website and can help you with your disability benefits (SSD) claim, complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page.
