Galactosialidosis is a very rare disease. While the exact prevalence is unknown, more than 100 cases have been reported. Parents with children who have been diagnosed with Type 1 of the disease (also known as early infantile type) may face significant financial hardship due to the burden that has been placed on the family. Fortunately, in many cases, disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can help. While many people must wait months or years before disability benefits can begin, those who have been with diagnosed with galactosialidosis (early infant type) may qualify for benefits in a matter of weeks thanks to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. If your child has been diagnosed with this illness, the following information will help shed light on the condition and how you may qualify more quickly for assistance from the Social Security Administration.
Galactosialidosis (Early Infantile Type) - Condition and Symptoms
Galactosialidosis is a lysomal storage disorder that is caused by a deficiency of a cathepsin A and other enzymes, which results in substances accumulating in the lysosomes of the body. The early infantile form of galactosialidosis begins during fetal development. The condition is associated with fluid-induced extensive swelling, inguinal hernia, an enlarged liver, an enlarged spleen, abnormal bone development, distinctive facial features, an enlargement of the heart and eye abnormalities.
Causes of Galactosialidosis (Early Infantile Type)
Galactosialidosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that each parent of a child who has the disease carries one copy of the mutated gene that causes the disorder. In galactosialidosis, the mutation of gene CTSA is what results in the disorder. While each parent only carries one recessive mutated copy of the gene, the child inherits the mutated gene from each parent, resulting in two mutated copies of the gene. This then results in the development of the disorder.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Galactosialidosis (Early Infantile Type)
Each and every year the Social Security Administration receives millions of claims from disability applicants. Traditionally, nearly 70 percent of the initial claims that are filed each year are denied by the SSA. The millions of denied applicants must then appeal their case if they hope to receive disability benefits in the future. The appeal process normally consists of a request for reconsideration and a disability hearing. Because there is such a large backlog of appeals being handled by the SSA, it can take two years or more for a disability applicant to get their day in court.
Fortunately, the SSA has recognized that not all disability applicants can wait such extensive periods of time for their disability claims to be processed. As a result, they implemented the Compassionate Allowances program. Under this program, an applicant may be approved in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or even years for benefits to begin. Galactosialidosis (early infantile type) is one of the conditions that qualify a claim for processing under these guidelines.
It is important to note that even though the condition has been included in the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances listings, that does not mean an automatic approval of your disability claim. You will still need to fill out all of your claim forms properly and will need to furnish the SSA with sufficient medical evidence in order to support your claim for disability benefits.
Galactosialidosis (Early Infantile Type) and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you are applying for Social Security Disability benefits for a child who has been diagnosed with galactosialidosis (early infantile type), you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney. The disability claim process can be overwhelming and the paperwork must be filled out properly in order for your child to have the best chance of an approval during the initial stage of the application process.
A disability lawyer can ensure that your claim forms are submitted in such a way that the SSA understands the nature of the claim and how your child qualifies for benefits under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This will help you receive your benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years before benefits can begin. It will also ensure that your claim is handled in a timely manner and will reduce the chance that you will need to appeal the denial of your claim.
