If you have been diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy and you can’t work because of the symptoms of this condition you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. Posterior Cortical Atrophy can qualify you to receive disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowance program. The Compassionate Allowance program was created to help people who are very sick get money they need to pay for their living expenses.
What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
Posterior Cortical Atrophy is a type of dementia that is sometimes called visual Alzheimer’s. PCA is a progressive disease that impairs the higher visual processing skills and other posterior cortical functions without any ocular abnormalities. In the early stages of the disease the memory and language skills remain intact but PCA causes progressive atrophy of the posterior part of the cerebral cortex. Eventually there is significant disruption of complex visual processing. Symptoms of PCA include:
- Difficulty reading
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Issues with depth perception
- Trouble navigating through space
- Apraxia
- Alexia
- Visual hallucinations
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Depression
Diagnosis is made primarily through imaging such CAT scans, MRIs, or PET scans.
What Is A Compassionate Allowance?
The Social Security Administration created the Compassionate Allowance program as a way to reduce the wait time to start receiving disability benefits. There are dozens of conditions that qualify for Compassionate Allowance. You can find the full list of conditions that quality for Compassionate Allowance here.
Anytime someone submits an application for benefits because they have a condition that is on the Compassionate Allowance list their application is flagged. It goes to the front of the line for quick processing. As long as the medical evidence shows that the person’s diagnosis meets the Blue Book requirements their application is approved and money can be distributed quickly. Sometimes people start receiving benefits in just a few weeks after being approved.
Qualifying For Disability Benefits With Posterior Cortical Atrophy
The Blue Book listing for neurological disorders has different requirements for different neurological conditions. Anyone filing an application for benefits under the neurological disorder listing because they have PCA would have to submit medical evidence showing that they have severe or marked physical functioning in one of these areas:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself
They may also be able to qualify under the vision impairment listing. Submitting MRIs, PET scans, or CAT scans that show the atrophy caused by PCA as well a letter of diagnosis from a doctor and any other medical records that support their application will increase the chances that their application will get approved quickly.
Get Help With Your Posterior Cortical Atrophy SSD Claim
Anyone with Post Cortical Atrophy should submit an application for Social Security disability benefits as soon as possible so they can start getting benefits quickly once their application is approved. An experienced disability attorney may be able to help you by giving you guidance about what medical records you need to submit and helping you go through the application process. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page to get connected with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
