Filing for Social Security Disability with Alport Syndrome
Alport Syndrome is a type of genetic disorder that severely affects the kidneys, ears, and eyes in men with the syndrome. The syndrome is very similar in its symptoms to glomerulonephritis, but can also damage eyesight and hearing. Although having the disease alone is not yet sufficient to apply for disability benefits, the Alport Syndrome can debilitate those who have it and render them disabled. Alport Syndrome is not always debilitating – for example, many women with the genetic condition do not experience any symptoms.
In order to qualify for social security benefits as a sufferer of Alport Syndrome, you may need to:
- Have been diagnosed with Alport Syndrome
- Not be able to (or struggle to) hold gainful employment
- Show other visible and hampering symptoms of Alport Syndrome
- Apply for financial aid from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Despite this, you can still make an appeal to the Social Security Administration regardless of your current condition. As long as you have been correctly diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, you may be eligible for financial aid.
Alport Syndrome – Conditions and Symptoms
Alport Syndrome, also known as hereditary nephritis, is a serious genetic condition that impairs the body's ability to produce collagen, which is a structural protein that helps keep cells from falling apart. Alport Syndrome manifests itself in abnormally severe kidney, eye, and ear problems. Although these are the most common and vicious symptoms, other common symptoms of Alport Syndrome include:
- Bloody urine
- Abnormally colored urine
- Swelling in the face, legs, ankles, and feet
- Hearing loss
- Loss of eyesight
- Kidney failure (often chronic)
Alport Syndrome was discovered by a British graduate student. It is usually much more incapacitating in men than it is in women with the genetic condition. Kidney issues, loss in hearing, and loss in vision are all symptoms that mostly crop up among men with the condition. Women with Alport Syndrome tend to be carriers of the disorder rather than sufferers.
There is neither a treatment nor a cure for Alport Syndrome. All medicine can do is treat and try to alleviate the severity of the symptoms. Doctors and scientists are researching different gene therapy options. If gene therapy can help the body recognize and produce collagen, most of the Alport Syndrome symptoms could be reduced or even completely disappear.
Your Alport Syndrome Disability Case
The Social Security Administration is difficult enough to approach with an attorney, and can be more challenging to face successfully alone. Even with the help of family and friends, the process of appealing for a disability grant or additional financial aid can be overwhelming. A disability attorney can help you:
- Apply to the Social Security Administration successfully
- Appeal a denied claim from the Social Security Administration
- Receive the benefits you need
If you have an unanswered or rejected Alport Syndrome disability claim, a disability attorney can help you take control of the situation. The attorneys will know the range of options that you have, and the different limitations of your case.
A disability attorney is almost guaranteed to give you a better chance at getting the federal aid that you need. If you have become disabled because of Alport Syndrome, there is no reason why you should not receive assistance – a disability attorney's job is to help you get the help you need and get it for you when you need it.
If you have been diagnosed with the condition, you may be eligible for a disability check. If you or someone you know with Alport Syndrome needs assistance, whether it is financial or otherwise, consider filling out our Free Disability Evaluation to speak with a disability attorney about your specific case.
