Mosaic/Non-Mosaic Down syndrome is a condition which causes the cells in the body to have an extra chromosome. Ninety-eight percent of Down Syndrome cases are known as Non-mosaic Down Syndrome. This means they involve all of the cells in a person’s body. The remainder of cases are Mosaic Down Syndrome, which means only a portion of the cells in a person’s body have an extra chromosome. While nearly all cases of Non-mosaic Down Syndrome qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and many cases of Mosaic Down Syndrome qualify as well, it is in your best interests to use the services of a Social Security Disability lawyer when filing for Social Security Disability benefits.
Those with Mosaic Down Syndrome have a wide range of symptoms, which vary in severity, and may affect the person’s ability to perform meaningful work. Many with Mosaic Down Syndrome have symptoms that are so slight that they may not even be detected. Others may have symptoms which completely hinder them from ever being able to maintain any kind of gainful employment.
Those with Non-mosaic Down Syndrome are typically affected in several debilitating ways. Non-mosaic Down Syndrome affects muscle development, skeletal development, and mental/neurological development. These impairments generally make it impossible to find and keep any kind of meaningful employment. In addition, those with Non-mosaic Down Syndrome often have problems with heart disease, vision impairment and hearing impairment; among other things.
The Social Security Administration recognizes Non-mosaic Down Syndrome as a debilitating condition which qualifies a person for Social Security Disability benefits. People with Non-mosaic Down Syndrome typically have no difficulty qualifying for Social Security Disability programs such as SSI as long as the condition has been medically diagnosed and is properly documented. If you do have any trouble qualifying for Social security Disability benefits for someone with Non-mosaic Down Syndrome, a Social Security Disability lawyer can help you sort out your appeals to make sure that the error is corrected sooner rather than later.
Mosaic/Non-mosaic Down Syndrome and Your Ability to Perform Physical Work
If you or your loved one has Non-mosaic Down Syndrome, you will not need further proof of inability to perform physical work, as the condition itself is considered debilitating. However, if you or your loved one has Mosaic Down Syndrome, you will need to build a claim based on what kinds of activities and work functions can be performed.
Physically, the SSA considers whether you can push, pull, stand, walk, bend, and lift. They also consider whether or not you are capable of performing repetitive motions. For many with Mosaic Down Syndrome, skeletal and musculature problems will make even light physical work impossible. For others, varying degrees of physical work may be acceptable. You will want to make sure that your doctor documents all physical restrictions. If you have any concerns about what kinds of limitations should be listed, consider consulting a Social Security Disability Attorney or representative to help you with your Social Security Disability claim.
Mosaic/Non-mosaic Down Syndrome and Your Ability to Perform Sedentary Work
As with physical work, you will not need to prove your inability to perform sedentary work if you have Non-mosaic Down Syndrome. For Mosaic Down Syndrome, you will need to make sure that the extent of your limitations is fully documented. This needs to include all physical, mental, and emotional impairments inherent with your condition.
An experienced Social Security Disability lawyer can make all the difference in the success of your Social Security Disability claim for those with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Besides the fact that having legal representation makes the whole process less stressful, your Social Security Disability attorney has experience presenting cases like yours to the Social Security Administration, and represents your best chance of having your claim or appeal approved.
