Finding out that your long-awaited new baby has a rare disease or disorder is probably the most frightening thing that can happen to a parent. The stress of knowing that your new child is suffering along with the frustration of not knowing how to help can be overwhelming. When the accompanying potential financial struggles are added in, suddenly the world feels as though it is collapsing around you. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has enacted the Compassionate Allowance program to help ease the financial burden on families or individuals dealing with a debilitating condition.
Usually, the process of obtaining Social Security disability benefits can be time-consuming and filled with frustration. Collecting the correct documentation can become a daunting task. Even after all of these documents are gathered and submitted, it can potentially be months before a decision is rendered. More often than not, the initial disability claim is denied, resulting in the necessity to begin the appeal process, followed by another wait for the next hearing, which may or may not have a successful outcome. It’s not difficult to imagine that the ensuing appeal/denial/hearing cycle can drag on for a very long time. However, if you or your child has been diagnosed with a condition that qualifies under the Compassionate Allowance program, this process can be shortened considerably, allowing your family to begin receiving disability benefits in a timely manner.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is one of the conditions that qualify as a compassionate allowance. It is of the utmost importance that you start the disability application process immediately after receiving a diagnosis so that your family can obtain financial relief as soon as possible.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type II- Condition and Symptoms
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a congenital condition causing extremely brittle, fragile bones. It is often caused by a defect in the gene that produces type 1 collagen, which is a major building block for the bones. Since there are multiple defects that can affect this gene, there are at least 8 different types of OI. Type II is the most severe. Children born with OI Type II have very short limbs, small chests and softened skulls. Their lungs are usually very underdeveloped, leaving them prone to infections. The sclera (the whites of the eyes) is usually dark blue or gray. Bone fractures are often detectable with ultrasound before birth.
OI Type II has no known cure at this time. Some osteoporosis medications have been used to address some of its symptoms. There are also therapies that may help to minimize some of the pain and other complications that accompany OI. Unfortunately, children born with OI Type II often don’t survive past their first birthday, usually as a result of breathing problems.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type II
A child who has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type II will qualify for disability, since OI Type II is listed as one of the conditions that qualify for a compassionate allowance. As a result, your application for disability benefits will go through an expedited process so that you and your family can begin getting some financial help to at least soften the blow of such a dreadful diagnosis.
Although a diagnosis of OI Type II automatically qualifies for a compassionate allowance, you would still be very well-advised to enlist the assistance of a Social Security disability lawyer. A disability lawyer will be able to review your application and ascertain that you have obtained all of the proper documentation, including any diagnostic information required by the SSA so that your claim can be processed in the shortest time possible.
When you file for disability for a child diagnosed with OI Type II, it may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis through genetic testing so that the specific gene mutations can be detected.
Your Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type II Social Security Disability Case
If your child has been diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Type II, you can be assured that he or she will certainly qualify to receive disability benefits from the SSA. Despite that certainty, it would be very prudent to seek out the help of an experienced Social Security disability lawyer so that you can avoid any unexpected or unnecessary delays. A qualified disability attorney will be familiar with the entire process of obtaining disability benefits for you and your family so that your claim will not be denied or delayed due to incomplete or insufficient documentation. The initial consultation with a disability attorney is free and the attorney is paid unless you are awarded benefits.
