Also known as Duncan Syndrome or Duncan Disease, X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease (XLD) is an immune disorder that often leads to cancer and other life threatening symptoms and complications. The Social Security Administration (SSA) understands the inherently disabling nature of the disease and expedites the review of disability applications filed on behalf of children with XLD.
Disability Benefit Programs
Children are most often eligible for benefits under the SSA’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a need-based disability program that has strict income and financial resource limitations set for eligibility.
Children can sometimes qualify for benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program as well. This program requires a work history and work credits, but children are sometimes eligible under the work credits of a disabled or a deceased parent or legal guardian.
Compassionate Allowances
The SSA’s expedited review of XLD applications is due to the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program. This program ensures applications that are filed for certain disabilities are bumped to the head of the line. They are reviewed quickly and minimal medical evidence is required to support these claims. It is also very uncommon for a CAL application to be denied for medical reasons, though they must still meet the technical eligibility requirements for SSI or SSDI.
Required Medical Evidence for X-Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease
Although the SSA needs limited medical records to support your child’s claim for benefits, there are still certain central pieces of medical documentation that are crucial. These include:
- Imaging
- A thorough medical history, including:
- The onset of symptoms
- The physical features of the disease
- The treatments attempted or required
- The prognosis
- Imaging test results, including MRIs and CT scans
- Blood test results, showing the presence of EBV antigens and abnormally low immunoglobulins
- Biopsy reports, if cancer is present
The SSA may also review listings in the Blue Book, which is a manual of impairments and the evidence needed to prove the severity level of a disability. The listings that may apply to your child’s claim include:
- Section 13.05 or 113.05 – Lymphoma
- Section 14.07 or 114.07 – Immune deficiency disorders
Your child’s doctor can be an invaluable resource in ensuring your son or daughter’s medical records prove the severity level eligibility requirements are met.
Submitting an Application
When applying for SSI, you must participate in a personal interview with an SSA representative who will take your information and fill out all of the appropriate forms for you. Interviews typically take place at the local SSA office and can be scheduled by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you need to apply for SSDI as well, that can be done at the local office or you can complete your son or daughter’s application online, via the SSA’s website, at any time.
