Millions of Americans file for Social Security Disability benefits each and every year. Unfortunately, the majority of these claims are denied due to a lack of medical evidence or poorly prepared claim forms. As a result, the majority of disability applicants must pursue a lengthy and complex disability appeal process – a process that can take more than two years to complete. Fortunately the SSA has recognized that some applicants, due to the severity and nature of their condition, cannot possibly wait years before benefits begin. As such, they have implemented the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program. Orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia is one of the conditions that have recently been added to the list of conditions that qualifies an applicant for processing under the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, the following information will help you understand how you may qualify for disability benefits more quickly and how you can help ensure a hassle-free claim process.
Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia Condition and Symptoms
Leukodystrophy is a term that is used to refer to a number of conditions that involve the dysfunction of the white matter in the brain. The condition is caused by improper growth of the myelin sheath covering the nerve fibers of the brain.
The symptoms of orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include a loss of body tone, impaired movements, impaired speech, difficulty eating, vision and hearing loss and behavioral changes. The disease is progressive and symptoms become worse as the patient ages.
Most cases of leukodystrophy occur in infants or during childhood. Orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia, however, occurs in adults – usually between the ages of 30 and 40.
While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, research has shown that each of the leukodystrophies that develop are caused by a defect in the gene that controls the production and/or metabolism of one of the component molecules of the myelin in the brain.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia
When filing a disability claim based on a diagnosis of orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia you must prove to the SSA that your condition is so severe that it meets the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This is accomplished by properly filling out the disability claim forms(and answering all questions in detail) as well as providing sufficient medical evidence to support your claim.
In the case of orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia, you will want to provide medical records that show imaging test results, biopsy results and written statements from treating physicians. All of these records will be considered when processing your claim for disability benefits and you should provide as much documentation as possible in order to support your claim.
Orthochromatic Leukodystrophy with Pigmented Glia and Your Social Security Disability Case
If you have been diagnosed with orthochromatic leukodystrophy with pigmented glia and you wish to obtain Social Security Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney prior to submitting your claim for benefits. By working with a disability attorney before you file your claim, you can ensure that your disability claim forms are properly filled out and that you have enough objective medical evidence to support your claim for benefits.
In addition to helping you with your claim paperwork, a disability lawyer can ensure that your claim is filed properly so that the adjudicator who reviews the file will understand how your claim qualifies for processing under the Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This will ensure timely processing of your disability claim.
If, for some reason, your initial claim is denied by the Social Security Administration, you will need to file an appeal. If this happens, you will want the help of an attorney to guide you through the appeal process. Compassionate Allowances appeals are given priority over standard appeals and, therefore, are processed more quickly. With the help of an attorney, you can ensure that your appeal is handled according to the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances guidelines and is given the timely attention it warrants.
