Each and every year millions of disability claims are filed by parents of children who suffer from severely debilitating conditions. Unfortunately, each and every year millions of the claims that the SSA receives are denied, resulting in an extensive backlog of disability appeals.

While some people must endure the lengthy and complex claim and appeal process, others suffer from diseases and conditions that are so severe that they warrant special attention.

The SSA has recognized this fact by implementing the Compassionate Allowances program. This program allows individuals who suffer from certain conditions to qualify for disability benefits in a matter of weeks rather than months or years.

Histiocytosis is one of the conditions that have been included in the listing of conditions that qualify a claim for Compassionate Allowances processing. If your child has been diagnosed with Histiocytosis, the following information will help you understand the condition and how you may benefit for disability benefits from the SSA in a timely manner.

Histiocytosis - Condition and Symptoms

Histiocytosis affects approximately every 1 in 200,000 born each year. The term “histiocytosis” is used to refer to a group of rare diseases that result in an excessive number of histiocytes in the mononuclear phagocyte system.

While the disease is similar to cancer, it is actually an autoimmune disorder. In individuals who suffer from histiocytosis, the histiocytes in the body may begin to attack the body’s bones, muscles, skin and vital organs as well as the hematopoietic system.

There are three main different types of histiocytosis including histiocytosis X, malignant histiocytosis syndrome (also known as T-cell lymphoma) and Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis (also referred to as hemophagocytic syndrome).

The symptoms a patient experiences will vary depending on the type of histiocytosis they have been diagnosed with and how far the disease has progressed.

Common symptoms include bone pain, abdominal pain, delayed physical development, dizzy spells, chronic ear drainage, progressive eye protrusion, irritability, fever, frequent urination, jaundice, recurring headaches, limping, impaired mental development, seizures, excessive thirst, vomiting, unexplained weight loss and/or a failure to thrive.

The outlook of a patient suffering from histiocytosis depends on the type of histiocytosis they have been diagnosed with and how severe the disease is. Oftentimes histiocytosis does severe damage to the organs of the body and may result in death.

Causes of Histiocytosis

Researchers have yet to find the exact cause of histiocytosis. There is some evidence, however, indicating that the condition may be linked to a deficiency of a certain type of white blood cell. More research must be done, however, to see if this deficiency is a cause of the disease or an effect of the condition.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Histiocytosis

The SSA has been adding new conditions to its listing of conditions that qualify a claim for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Histiocytosis is one of the conditions that know qualifies as a Compassionate Allowances claim.

That does not mean, however, that a diagnosis of histiocytosis in and of itself is enough to qualify an applicant for Social Security Disability benefits.

In order to qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration, you will need to be able to prove the severity of your condition.

This is done by answering the questions provided on the disability claim forms and by submitting objective medical evidence that supports your claim. In the case of histiocytosis, some of the medical information that can be required may include biopsy results, lab test results, treatment histories and written statements from treating physicians.

Histiocytosis and Your Disability Case

If you are applying for disability benefits due to a case of histiocytosis, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney before you submit your application to the Social Security Administration.

The disability claim process can be very overwhelming and the paperwork can be confusing, to say the least. To ensure that your paperwork is filled out properly and that the SSA has the evidence that they need in order to approve your claim, you may want to work with a lawyer while putting your claim together.

In addition to ensuring that you fill out all forms properly and provide sufficient medical evidence, a disability lawyer can also ensure that your claim forms are submitted in such a way that the SSA understands how the claim qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines.

This will help you receive your benefits in a more timely manner and will also reduce the chance that you will need to endure the stress and delay of a disability appeal.