Congenital Disorders That Affect Multiple Body Systems for Social Security Disability (SSD)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program which provides financial support to individuals who are unable to work and take part in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and therefore unable to support themselves.
In order to qualify for SSDI, a claimant must prove they have a disability, and that their disability prevents them from taking part in SGA and caring for themselves financially. They must also be able to clearly define the severity of their disability and how it impacts their everyday life and activities.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews disability claims for Social Security Disability Insurance by referencing the Blue Book. The Blue Book clearly defines qualifying disorders and breaks them down into categories.
The Blue Book’s category of impairments for Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems includes non-mosaic Down syndrome and other congenital disorders. There are both non-mosaic and mosaic forms for Down syndrome, but only non-mosaic is evaluated under this category.
The SSA considers claimants with non-mosaic Down Syndrome eligible for Social Security Disability benefits because this disorder can greatly impact a person’s daily life and their ability to work. Down Syndrome causes delayed physical development, intellectual impairment, and distinguishable physical features. Down Syndrome can also cause other medical issues, such as heart disease or hearing impairments.
For those filing for disability benefits with non-mosaic Down syndrome, claimants might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and not SSDI. A person with Down syndrome will only qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance if they have paid into the Social Security system by working in the past, or they are eligible to receive auxiliary benefits under a parent’s work history.
To qualify for SSDI under the congenital disorders category, a claimant must provide the SSA with medical proof of their disorder. Some qualifying claimants may have illnesses which are likely to result in death within the first few months, and others will be expected to live but have developmental issues.
Certain conditions may fall under a single body system disorder. If this does not suit, the claimant may be able to qualify after proving their disabilities are severe enough to prevent them from working.
Other Multiple System Disorders Covered by Social Security Disability Insurance
Some other disorders which are covered in the Blue Book under the Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems category include things like congenital anomalies, dysmorphic syndromes, perinatal infectious diseases, and others that can cause “deviation from, or interruption of, the normal function of the body or can interfere with development,” according to the SSA.
Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Caudal Regression Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Fragile X Syndrome (also known as Martin Bell syndrome or Escalante syndrome)
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Reye’s Syndrome
A Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer in Stockton
When you are filing a claim with the Social Security Administration, you need to be sure you file properly, on time, and know precisely how to make your claim to the SSA so that you will be approved for benefits.
Filing a disability claim with the SSA can be difficult, which is why you should reach out for legal counsel from a Social Security Disability attorney in Stockton. At Peña & Bromberg, you will get extensive experience from a team who cares about your wellbeing. We are also a qualified SSDI appeal attorney in Bakersfield, CA, so if you find your initial claim has been denied, we can help.
Reach out to Peña & Bromberg to speak with one of our Stockton Social Security Disability attorneys today.
