When a parent has a child who has been diagnosed with a severely debilitating illness, the emotional and financial ramifications can be overwhelming. Faced with such a situation, many parents decide to file for Social Security Disability benefits for their child in order to make ends meet. Unfortunately, these parents are often forced to endure a tedious and complicated disability claim process in addition to having to deal with the stress of their child's diagnosis.
It takes some Social Security Disability applicants well over a year to obtain the benefits to which they are rightfully entitled. These extensive wait times are due to the fact that most Social Security Disability applicants are denied during the initial stage of the disability application process. These claims then get backlogged in the disability appeal process. The last thing parents of disabled children need is the stress of a disability appeal and a long wait for financial help to arrive.
In 2008 the Social Security Administration took measures to address the fact that some Social Security Disability applicants are incapable of completing the standard disability claim and appeal process. As a result, they implemented the Compassionate Allowances program. Under this program, there are 88 conditions that qualify an applicant for expedited consideration of a disability claim, and Zellweger Syndrome is one of these.
If your child has been diagnosed with Zellweger Syndrome, the following information will help you through the disability claim process and shed light on how you can increase your child's chances of obtaining a fast approval of his or her disability claim under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Zellweger Syndrome - Condition and Symptoms
Zellweger Syndrome, also referred to as cerebrohepatorenal syndrome, is a congenital disorder that results from a deficiency of the peroxisomes in the cells of the body. It is one of the conditions that fall into the category of disorders known as leukodystrophies. Zellweger Syndrome is linked to the PXR1 gene. Mutations of this gene are what lead to the effects of the disorder.
The condition is a rare hereditary disorder that affects infants and is usually marked by problems during prenatal development. Some of the most common symptoms of Zellweger Syndrome include liver enlargement, high levels of copper and iron in the blood, and vision loss. Babies who are born with the disease often lack muscle tone and are prone to mental retardation and seizures. The disease affects the white matter of the brain, and well as the body’s ability to metabolize substances in the blood and tissues of the organs.
Unfortunately there is no cure for Zellweger Syndrome. Instead, treatment is focused on alleviating the symptoms of the condition. Most infants who are born with the disorder do not survive beyond the first six months of life. Death usually occurs due to liver failure, respiratory distress, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Zellweger Syndrome
If your child has received a diagnosis of Zellweger Syndrome, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits as soon as possible. The sooner you submit your child's disability claim, the sooner you will be able to receive financial help from the Social Security Administration.
When filing your child's claim for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure that you provide the SSA with as much medical evidence as possible. Even though Zellweger Syndrome is one of the 88 conditions that qualifies an applicant for expedited processing under the Compassionate Allowances initiative, you will still need to prove your child's disability to the Social Security Administration and will need to provide medical evidence, such as laboratory results, with your claim for disability benefits.
When filling out the disability claim forms, make sure that you answer all questions with detailed explanations. The more information you provide, the more likely you will be to obtain a hassle-free approval of your child's Social Security Disability benefits.
Your Zellweger Syndrome Social Security Disability Case
Many of the applicants who file Social Security Disability claims that are based on a diagnosis that has been included in the Compassionate Allowances listings assume that their claims will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. This is not necessarily the case. These applications can be denied if the claim forms are not submitted properly or if there is a lack of supporting medical evidence.
If you would like to increase your child's chances of obtaining a quick approval of Social Security Disability benefits, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified disability advocate or attorney. These professionals can help you in the preparation and submission of your child's disability claim, ensuring that it is processed properly and according to 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 Zellweger Syndrome, request a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case today.
