The Social Security Administration processes millions of Social Security Disability claims every year, most of which must go through a lengthy process before they can be approved.

Even in a best case scenario, it generally takes three months before an adjudicator will look at a claim and make an initial determination. Usually this initial determination is a denial or a request for more information, which usually requires you to be seen by their medical or mental health professionals.

However, there are some conditions that are serious enough that even the Social Security Administration recognizes that they should always qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

Those who have one of these conditions, which are referred to as Compassionate Allowance Listings, are saved much of the time and hassle of the normal Social Security Disability claims and appeals process.

There are currently 88 conditions counted as Compassionate Allowance Listings. The SSA is continually considering other conditions that always meet the conditions for complete disability.

The conditions currently listed include several types of terminal cancer, progressive neurological conditions, dementias, and other rare diseases or conditions that clearly make it impossible for those who have them to continue working.

If you or a loved one has one of the conditions listed for a Compassionate Allowance, you should file a Social Security Disability claim or consult a SSD attorney right away.

Mixed Dementias – Condition and Symptoms

Mixed dementias is not a single condition, but a combination of two or more disorders, at least one of which is termed a dementia. There are a number of possible combinations, with the most common being a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Mixed dementias are characterized by neurological deficits, loss of motor functioning (often paralysis, problems with walking, and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease). Progressive memory loss and deteriorating cognitive functioning are also common symptoms.

To be considered to have mixed dementias, the patient must have lost intellectual or cognitive abilities in at least two areas such as memory, attention, language, presence of mind, and decision making abilities. Other common symptoms include loss of bowel and bladder control, and trouble sleeping.

The treatment for mixed dementias depends largely on exactly which disorders are combined in the diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease, which is generally one of the conditions, has no effective treatment or cure.

There are number of different treatments used for symptoms suffered by those with mixed dementia, ranging from sedatives and anti-depressants to antioxidants and blood pressure medication.

Filing for Social Security Disability with Mixed Dementias

If you have been diagnosed with mixed dementias, the first thing you should do is appoint a representative to help deal with your affairs. Because of the neurological effects of the conditions included in mixed dementias, you should not try dealing with the Social Security Administration by yourself.

While there’s no doubt you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you will want someone helping you with the claims process.

Even without a condition like mixed dementia, most people find it helpful to have a Social Security Disability lawyer help them with their claim.

For those who have mixed dementias and similar disorders, it’s all the more important to have competent legal counsel when applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

Your medical file should include complete clinical information showing a diagnosis of progressive dementia. This is an absolute must to qualify for a Compassionate Allowance for mixed dementias. These records can be from your doctor, psychiatrist, or neurologist.

Your dementia testing must fall within accepted parameters. You should also have the results of any neuroimaging studies such as MRIs or CT scans if they are available.

You should also include a daily living report, filled out by a relative or whomever is taking care of you. If you were working at or shortly before the time of diagnosis with mixed dementia, you should also have a performance report filled out by your supervisor or a co-worker.

Your Mixed Dementias Social Security Disability Case

Because a diagnosis of mixed dementias qualifies for a Compassionate Allowance, you are automatically qualified for Social Security Disability benefits. Generally, you should receive a notice that your claim has been approved under the Compassionate Allowances Listings within three weeks.

If you don’t, you or your representative should contact the SSA to find out what is holding your claim up.

The best way to make sure that your claim doesn’t get held up as a result of something being filed incorrectly or missing medical documentation is to have a Social Security Disability lawyer go over your claim with you first. Your Social Security Disability lawyer won’t charge you anything up front.

Their fees will be come as a percentage of any back pay to which you are entitled.

To take the next step and have a Social Security Disability attorney evaluate your claim, just fill out the request for a fee evaluation.