Finding out that you or your child has been diagnosed with a severe disorder can be rather frightening. Extra time and attention is necessary, and you may have to quit working to have more time available for your new baby, leading to financial difficulties and stress. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has created what is known as the Compassionate Allowances. The Compassionate Allowances are a collection of rare and serious disorders that automatically qualify you or your child for disability benefits.
Generally, the process of applying for disability benefits can be rather long and tedious. It can take anywhere from three to six months, and often even after being approved you might not be able to start collecting benefits right away. The Compassionate Allowances make it so you can follow an expedited process. On top of that, you can begin receiving your benefits as soon as the next benefit cycle starts. This can be a big help when your child has a very serious disorder. Often, you might not have the time available to spend so long applying for disability benefits. This way, you can rest easier knowing help will be on its way rather quickly.
Sandhoff Disease – Condition and Symptoms
Sandhoff Disease is a rare genetic disorder causing continuing deterioration of the central nervous system. It occurs when there is a defect in the gene HEXB, which creates a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase. The lack of this enzyme causes lipids (fats) to build up in the brain and body organs. Sandhoff Disease usually begins exhibiting symptoms around six months of age. Infants with this disorder initially appear normal, until around three to six months when their development begins to slow and the muscles that are used for movement begin to weaken.
There are many symptoms that can be indicative of Sandhoff Disease: exaggerated reaction to noise, weak motor control, early blindness, continuing mental deterioration, and an abnormally large head and seizures are a handful of these. Parents should also be on the lookout for respiratory problems, cherry-red spots in the eyes, a doll-like facial appearance and quick contractions of the muscles, also known as myoclonus.
Sandhoff Disease does not have a specific recommended treatment. Supportive treatment is necessary in the forms of proper nutrition, hydration and making sure the airways remain open. Anticonvulsants can sometimes help to control or lessen the seizures. Currently, studies are being done using stem cell transplants from umbilical cord blood. Although so far these have not provided a treatment or a cure, scientists are continuing to study and experiment.
The prognosis for those with Sandhoff disease is poor. Children affected with the infantile form of the disorder rarely survive past three months. Death is usually due to a respiratory infection.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Sandhoff Disease
If your child has been diagnosed with Sandhoff Disease, you can feel confident that you will be able to receive disability benefits from the SSA. Since Sandhoff Disease is listed as a Compassionate Allowance, you will also be able to go through an expedited disability application process. This is especially helpful when you need help with finances as soon as possible. Even though you can be sure you and your child will receive the help that you need, it’s still smart to contact a Social Security disability lawyer. The application process can be confusing at times, and a disability lawyer can help you sort through all the paperwork.
People may be surprised to learn that cases are often delayed or denied simply because of out of order paperwork or missing medical documentation. With the help of a disability lawyer, you can be sure that everything is in the right place and the documentation you provide is exactly what’s needed. For Sandhoff Disease, the necessary medical proof is genetic testing showing a mutation of the HEXB gene. However, definitive genetic testing might not be available everywhere. In such a case, other laboratory tests tissue biopsy and molecular cell analysis may be sufficient.
Your Sandhoff Disease Social Security Disability Case
With a new baby, it can be mind-boggling to try to maneuver through a Social Security disability case. It can take time away from what’s most important, which is caring for your little one. Social Security disability lawyer can provide a lot of assistance in this area and improve your chances of avoiding a delay in your case because of incorrect documentation or unorganized paperwork.
