Each time an American worker receives a paycheck, a portion of that paycheck goes to pay for Social Security benefits. These benefits are paid out in the form of retirement benefits or, if necessary, Social Security Disability benefits. When a worker is no longer able to maintain employment due to a long-term or permanent disability, this is when disability benefits from the Social Security Administration are supposed to kick in to help alleviate the financial stress caused by your disability. Unfortunately, actually obtaining these benefits is often easier said than done. Some disability applicants wait two years or more before seeing their first payment from the Social Security Administration. Fortunately, the SSA has recognized the fact that some conditions are so severe that applicants who suffer from such a condition cannot possibly wait such lengthy processing times. This is why the Compassionate Allowances program was implemented and keeps expanding. Under this program, applicants who are suffering from certain conditions can qualify for benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or even years. The SSA has recently added nephrogenic systemic fibrosis as one of the conditions that may qualify for Compassionate Allowances processing. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, the following information will help you understand how you may obtain Social Security Disability benefits more quickly from the Social Security Administration.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Condition and Symptoms
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, also referred to as NSF, is a very rare condition that was identified in 1997. Since that time, a registry for NSF has been created and only 335 cases have been identified as of 2011. The condition is very debilitating and involves fibrosis of the body’s internal organs, joints, skin and eyes.
While the symptoms of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis can vary on a case by case basis, common symptoms include large areas of skin that have become hardened and display fibrotic nodules, pain in the joints and limited mobility. In the most severe cases, the condition may also cause symptoms affecting the internal organs of the body, such as the liver, lungs, spleen and/or heart.
A relatively new disorder, the cause of NSF is not yet completely understood. There is, however, evidence pointing to the fact that the condition may be connected to exposure to gadolinium. Gadolinium is used in MRI procedures as a contrast agent in patients suffering from severe kidney failure. Most of the patients who have been diagnosed with NSF have undergone hemodialysis for renal failure, although some patients have never undergone dialysis at all. It has also been noted that many of the patients who develop this disease have taken immunosuppressive medications. Exactly how these medications and/or gadolinium products result in NSF remains yet to be determined.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
This year the SSA will receive millions of claims for disability benefits. Only about 30 percent of these claims will be approved during the initial stage of the application process. While it is true that you have a better chance of approval when filing due to a condition that is included in the Compassionate Allowances listings, that does not mean that you will automatically be approved for benefits from the Social Security Administration.
While it is not common for the SSA to deny a Compassionate Allowances claim, it has been known to happen. This is usually due to improperly completed claim forms or a lack of medical evidence. This is why it is crucial that you fill out your claim forms properly and provide sufficient medical evidence when submitting your disability claim to the SSA. Not doing so may result in a delay of your benefits or a denial of your initial disability claim.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you need to file a disability claim based on a diagnosis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, you may want to consult with a disability attorney prior to submitting your claim forms. The application process can be confusing and the paperwork is complex. As stated above, improperly filled out forms may lead to delays or a denial of your disability claim. By working with a disability attorney, you can ensure that your claim forms are filled out properly and that you have the best chance of a quick and hassle-free approval of your 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 SSDI appeals. Your attorney will ensure that your appeal is handled promptly and properly.
