The Social Security Administration sees millions of claims every year. Statistically, only about 30% of initial claims are approved, with a similar number eventually being approved in the appeals process. Unfortunately, the appeals process takes several months, even under ideal conditions. All too often, claimants actually wait several years before they are able to start receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
This is true whether you are claiming disability benefits because of your own disability, or Social Security Income based on your need to give a higher degree of care to your children with disabilities. Obviously, if you need to take care of a child with a serious disability, it can severely hinder your ability to work and provide income.
Because of this, the Social Security Administration began the Compassionate Allowances program in 2008. Compassionate Allowances help Social Security Disability claims navigate the system much faster than normal, provided the disability in question is such that it automatically qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits.
One such condition that often affects children and automatically qualifies is Alexander Disease, in both its neonatal and infantile forms. The disease is sometimes abbreviated as ALX, and may also be called Fribrinoid Degeneration, Dysmyeolgenic Leukodystrophy, Hyaline Panneuropathy, or other lesser used alternate names.
If one of your children has been diagnosed with Alexander Disease, whether it is infantile or neonatal, they automatically qualify as disabled by the Social Security Administration’s definition. Because it qualifies for a Compassionate Allowance, most claimants will experience little trouble having their claims accepted quickly as long as all the paperwork is filled out correctly.
Alexander Disease (ALX) - Neonatal and Infantile- Condition and Symptoms
In most cases, Alexander Disease is diagnosed in the first two years of life. ALX is a neurological disease that results in the destruction of the white matter that forms the protective coating of the brain’s nerve fibers. This, along with the formation of protein clumps called Rosenthal fibers, leads to a number of mental and physical defects.
Among the most common symptoms of Alexander Disease are abnormal growth of the head and seizures. Children of all ethnic, racial, and geographical backgrounds and both genders may be stricken with Alexander Disease.
Unfortunately, most children with infantile Alexander Disease don’t live past age six. There is no known cure, and no accepted regimen of treatment yet. At the time of this writing, doctors treat the symptoms of Alexander Disease, and offer support to the child and their parents. This generally involves making sure the child’s nutritional needs are met. Antibiotics are administered for the frequent infections which generally accompany Alexander Disease. Occasionally, surgery is required to insert a shunt or feeding tube.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Alexander Disease (ALX) - Neonatal and Infantile
When your child is diagnosed with Alexander Disease, it can feel like the whole world has come to a stop. You realize that you have only a very limited time to spend with your child, and that your child will have very special needs above and beyond what most children have. Most people find that it requires full time parental attention to give appropriate care to a child with Alexander Disease.
Because of this, Alexander Disease is one of the conditions which automatically qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program. When you file for Social Security Disability benefits, make sure the condition is listed as Alexander Disease.
The documentation the Social Security Administration’s adjudicators need in determining claims with Alexander Disease include a full medical history of your child, including the most current neurological and pediatric examinations. They also need to see that lab tests have been run to rule out the possibility of misdiagnosis (i.e., they want to make sure your child actually has Alexander Disease and that this has been adequately proven). They will also want to see that an MRI has been conducted and that the findings are characteristic of Alexander Disease.
Your Alexander Disease (ALX) - Neonatal and Infantile Social Security Disability Case
While you have the right to file a claim by yourself, your chances of having your claim go trough on the first try are contingent on the paperwork being filled out properly (and all of it being there). As long as everything is in order, you will likely be entered into the Compassionate Allowance program and start collecting Social Security Disability benefits within a month or your original application.
The best way to make sure that everything is in order is to have a Social Security Disability lawyer review your case. To find out more about how Social Security Compassionate Allowances affect your case, or to speak with a qualified Social Security Disability attorney, simply request an evaluation of your Social Security Disability case. It’s simple and free.
