Each and every year, millions of hard-working Americans pay into the Social Security system out of every paycheck they receive. Some of these individuals will face serious long-term or permanent disabilities at some point in their lives, and they will naturally expect Social Security Disability benefits will be there for them if and when they need them. Unfortunately, these benefits don't always come easily to the majority of Social Security Disability applicants.
The truth is that the majority of Social Security Disability applicants are denied disability benefits during the initial stage of the application process. Almost 70 percent of disability applicants must endure the lengthy and complicated disability appeal process in order to obtain the disability benefits to which they are entitled. For some disability applicants, it will take more than two years to obtain the Social Security Disability benefits they need.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for all disability applicants to wait months or years for disability benefits to begin. Some disabling conditions are so severe that they warrant immediate attention from the Social Security Administration. In such cases, the SSA's Compassionate Allowances program may be able to help.
Social Security Disability applicants who qualify for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines may be approved for disability benefits in just a few short weeks instead of having to wait months or years for benefits to begin.
There are 88 conditions that qualify an applicant for claim processing under the Compassionate Allowances listings and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy is one of them. If you have been diagnosed with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy and are wondering how the condition qualifies you for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information will help you understand the disability claim process and how you can increase your chances of being awarded benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances listings.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy - Condition and Symptoms
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, also known as PML, occurs when a virus that is common to the central nervous system becomes reactivated. Most people carry this virus (known as the JC virus), although in the majority of carriers the virus is harmless. In those who have lowered immune systems, however, the condition may cause serious and life-threatening complications.
The symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy vary from individual to individual, though there are some common symptoms that are associated with the disease. Individuals who suffer from PML often experience clumsiness, weakness, visual and speech impairment, and personality changes. Over time, the progression of the disease can lead to life-threatening disabilities. This progression can take a matter of weeks or months depending on the specific case of the condition.
There is currently no cure for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. Instead, treatment will be focused on the symptoms of the condition and making a patient as comfortable as possible.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
If you have been diagnosed with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, you should remember that even though the condition is one of the 88 that will qualify you for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines, your application for benefits will not be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. You will still need to fill out your claim paperwork properly and will need to provide the SSA with sufficient medical evidence in order to obtain a quick and hassle-free approval of your disability benefits.
When completing the Social Security Disability application forms, be sure to provide as much information as possible when answering the application questions. Also include as much evidence as possible when submitting your Social Security Disability claim. Lab results, written statements from treating physicians, and medical treatment histories will all play an important role in the processing of your claim for disability benefits.
Your Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Social Security Disability Case
The majority of individuals who file Social Security Disability claims based on a diagnosis that falls under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines assume that their claim will be automatically approved by the SSA, but this is not the case. While it is uncommon for Compassionate Allowances claims to be turned down by the SSA, it does happen on occasion.
When a Compassionate Allowances claim is denied by the SSA, it is usually due to a lack of medical evidence, an improperly completed application, or a lack of understanding on the part of the adjudicator reviewing the file. To prevent this from happening, you may want to consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocate to represent you in your disability case.
When you work with a professional disability representative, he or she can help you in the preparation of your disability claim. They will also assist you in gathering the medical evidence necessary to support your claim for disability benefits.
