Every year millions of American workers pay for benefits from the Social Security Administration. These benefits are there for these workers when they retire, but should also be there for them if they suffer from a long-term disability. Unfortunately, actually obtaining benefits in the case of a disability is often harder than one might think. It takes some disability applicants more than two years before seeing their first Social Security Disability check. Fortunately the SSA has recognized that not all SSDI applicants are able to wait such long periods of time due to the severity of their conditions. As a result, the SSA has implemented the Compassionate Allowances program, which allows some disability applicants to qualify for benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years. Myocolonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers syndrome is one of the conditions that has recently been added to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances listings. If you have been diagnosed with this condition the following information will help you understand how you may qualify for benefits more quickly under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines.
Myocolonic Epilepsy and Ragged Red Fibers Syndrome with Metastasis Condition and Symptoms
Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers syndrome, also known as MERRF, is a condition that usually appears during childhood or adolescence. The condition affects many different parts of the body including the muscles and the nervous system. MERRF is a genetic condition and symptoms can vary widely from one case to another, even amongst members who are in the same family.
While the symptoms of myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers syndrome can and do vary, common symptoms include muscle twitches, general weakness, muscle spasticity, ragged red fiber muscle cells, recurrent seizures, coordination impairment, peripheral neuropathy and dementia. While it is rare, people with MERRF may also develop hearing loss, heart abnormalities and/or fatty tumors under the skin.
MERRF is a genetic condition and the disorder is caused by genetic mutations, specifically mutations to the MT-TK, MT-TL1, MT-TH, and MT-TS1 genes. It is mutations to these genes that are linked to the development or MERRF.
The disorder is inherited through maternal inheritance and applies to genes contained in an individuals’ mtDNA. Only females can pass the disease on to their children since the mutations are inherited through the egg and not the sperm during conception.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Myocolonic Epilepsy and Ragged Red Fibers Syndrome
Of the millions of claims received by the SSA this year, nearly 70 percent will be denied. This means that millions of disability applicants will find themselves filing appeals in order to obtain the benefits they may be rightfully entitled to. Unfortunately, it can take more than two years for an appeal to be decided.
The good news is that individuals who suffer from a Compassionate Allowances listing do not have to endure the typical SSDI application wait times. In fact, you may be able to qualify for benefits in a matter of weeks if you properly fill out your application paperwork and supply the SSA with sufficient medical evidence. It is important to note, however, that in order to be successful in this endeavor you must fill out the forms in complete detail and present your claim properly to the SSA. Incomplete forms, improperly answered questions or a lack of sufficient medical evidence may result in delay or a denial of your disability benefits.
Myocolonic Epilepsy and Ragged Red Fibers Syndrome and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you have been diagnosed with myocolonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers syndrome and you would like to receive Social Security Disability benefits more quickly under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines, you should consider retaining the services of a lawyer who practices disability law. When you work with an attorney, you and the professional you are working with can ensure that your claim paperwork is properly filled out and that you have furnished the SSA with enough medical evidence to support your claim for disability benefits.
If, for some reason, your initial claim for benefits is not approved, your attorney can ensure that your appeal is handled appropriately and according to the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. Compassionate Allowances appeals are to be given priority over standard appeals. This means you will not have to wait months or years to receive your day in court.
