Trisomy-18 is also known as Edward’s syndrome. It is a chromosomal condition resulting from inheriting three chromosome 18s rather than the usual two (one from each parent). There is no known cure or remedy as every cell in the body will have the extra chromosomal defect. Those who suffer from trisomy-18 often experience slow growth before birth and a low birth weight. Other signs of trisomy-18 are a small, unusually shaped head, a small mouth and jaw and clenched fists with overlapping fingers. Sadly, many people with Edward’s Syndrome do not survive until adulthood. It is possible to qualify for disability benefits with trisomy-18 if you are able to provide the proper medical evidence that will help to support your claim.
How Does Trisomy-18 Affect Your Ability to Work?
There are so many disabilities due to trisomy-18 that it is unlikely a child or if reached adulthood will ever be able to work at all. Using the Blue Book listing a child with the condition may be eligible for compassionate allowances, which means the claim is reviewed far more quickly so that the benefits can begin as soon as possible.
Compassionate allowances are available for those with life threatening condition. If the applicant is an adult, she or he will have to prove they are not able to work like any other applicant for disability benefits. This information can be obtained from medical reports provided by a doctor and treatment that has been given to the victim.Your disability application will still need to be submitted in the correct way with as much medical evidence as you are able to provide. This includes test results a complete medical record.
What is an RFC?
Detection of trisomy-18 is normally a very straightforward genetic test, but as symptoms do vary from one sufferer to another, the SSA may still need further evidence of an adult sufferer’s inability to work. If you, or your child, do not meet the exact criteria, you can still meet the listing if your doctors help you fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC). This is a number of tests your doctor will conduct that shows both your physical and mental abilities. The RFC will be viewed by a medical assessor from the SSA who will decide if your trisomy 18 condition matches the criteria for disability benefits payments. All your medical records will need to be attached to your RFC so the SSA assessor can get a good idea of your health status.
Have Your Case Reviewed by an Attorney
Before you file a claim with the SSA for social security disability benefits, you should consider talking to a disability lawyer first. A disability lawyer can help you in the preparation of your disability application, ensure that the information in the Blue Book listing is checked and gather together adequate medical evidence and will package your case and help you receive a favorable claim.
