Lowe Syndrome is a rare and debilitating condition, affecting only one in every 500,000 people. Many of the people who develop this condition are unable to perform full-time work activity. Because of this, they oftentimes suffer from significant financial hardship. Fortunately, in cases such as these, Social Security Disability benefits are intended to help. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Lowe Syndrome, the following information will help you to better understand the illness and how it qualifies for faster claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Guidelines.
Lowe Syndrome Condition and Symptoms
Lowe Syndrome occurs predominantly in males and affects the kidneys, eyes and brain. Another name for this condition is oculocerbrorenal syndrome of Lowe (ORCL). Infants can be born with this disease and the ones that are come out with congenital cataracts, which are a thick cloud that coats both of the eyes. If infants are in fact born with Lowe Syndrome, this typically leads to other eye conditions and abnormalities leading to loss of vision and infantile glaucoma. In other individuals who may have Lowe Syndrome, the effects of it can vary on a broad scale. Some may be developmentally delayed, while others experience intellectual development which can span from normal to immensely impaired.
Although Lowe Syndrome is not all that common, only affecting about 1 in 500,000 people, this condition and its symptoms are nothing to take light-heartedly. Children who are born with this particular syndrome have shown to have very weak muscle tone from the start. The scientific terminology for this is neonatal hypotonia. With weakened muscles this can lead to problems with eating and feeding, breathing, delayed motor skills which can include problems with walking, talking, sitting and standing. Another topic of concern is severe behavioral problems as well as seizures that can occur in children who are born with the condition.
The kidney abnormalities that occur are commonly known as renal Fanconi Syndrome. When someone suffers from this illness, instead of the kidneys reabsorbing essential nutrients and filtering them back into the bloodstream, the nutrients are excreted in the urine, therefore leaving the body without the important nutrients that it needs to thrive.
There are numerous problems that surround improper kidney function such as dehydration, increased urination and infections amongst the bladder and urinary tract. Depleted salt and nutrient levels affect bone structure, mostly in the legs. All of these effects, in severe cases, when combined together can lead to death.
Causes of Lowe Syndrome
The main cause of Lowe Syndrome is a genetic mutation on the ORCL gene. This particular gene is solely responsible for providing instruction for the body to make enzymes that modify fat molecules called membrane phospholipids. ORCL helps transport the proper amount of substances to the cell membranes while also regulating the actin cytoskeleton which is responsible for cell shape and movement.
Researchers are currently still doing studies to fully understand how the ORCL mutations actually cause Lowe Syndrome and what parts of the body that this syndrome specifically attacks. It is unclear as to why Lowe Syndrome only attacks the brain, eyes, and kidneys because the ORCL enzyme is present throughout the whole entire body.
Unfortunately this condition can be inherited and it is in the X-linked pattern. This is a mutation in the X chromosome, of which males carry one and females carry two. If directly coming from the female, the mutation must be affecting both of her X chromosomes in order to pass on the condition down. Woman can be carriers of Lowe Syndrome, but not necessarily pass it on to her young. Any conditions that are X-linked typically affect males more so than females.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Lowe Syndrome
If you have been diagnosed with Lowe Syndrome it is important that you understand that even though this condition is covered under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings, it is not a guarantee that you will receive Social Security Disability benefits in just a few weeks. In order to qualify for disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances Guidelines, you must provide the SSA with enough medical evidence to validate your claim.
When filing for disability due to Lowe Syndrome, it is crucial that you include proper medical proof with your claim forms. In the case of a Lowe Syndrome, the SSA will need to see a clinical description of your physician's findings and other medical documentation.
In addition to providing sufficient medical evidence you will also want to fill your Social Security Disability claim forms out properly. This means answering all questions in detail and providing detailed answers that go into specifics about your condition and your day-to-day activities. This will help the adjudicator reviewing your file understand why you qualify for benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Guidelines.
Lowe Syndrome and Your Social Security Disability Case
Many individuals assume that they will automatically qualify for Social Security Disability benefits because their condition falls within the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings. This can be a costly mistake. While the SSA does not often deny claims that are based on a Compassionate Allowances Listing, it has been known to happen.
If you want to increase your chances of obtaining a hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability claim, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or advocate. These professionals can help you with your disability claim paperwork and can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to submit with your disability claim.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowances listings or to find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to a diagnosis of Lowe Syndrome, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
