For many people, being born with a disorder can make everyday tasks difficult and prevent them from keeping a steady job. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes these challenges and offers disability benefits to those whose congenital impairments meet specific criteria.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. has over 100 years of combined experience helping people like you secure the benefits they deserve. Contact us today at (847) 299-0008 for a free case evaluation.
Congenital Disorders That Qualify for Disability
The SSA’s Blue Book lists medical conditions that qualify for disability if criteria are met. Some conditions automatically qualify, while other congenital disorders are assessed based on their severity and impact.
- Non-Mosaic Down Syndrome: A genetic disorder in which individuals have an extra copy of chromosome 21 in all their cells. This condition leads to characteristic physical features, delayed development, and intellectual disabilities. Individuals with non-mosaic Down syndrome are considered disabled from birth by the SSA.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS): A group of connective tissue disorders characterized by hypermobile joints, elastic skin, and a tendency to bruise easily. Severe forms can lead to life-threatening complications affecting the cardiovascular system.
- Fragile X Syndrome: A genetic condition causing intellectual disability, behavioral challenges, and distinct physical features. It is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU): A metabolic disorder where the body cannot break down the amino acid phenylalanine. If untreated, it can lead to intellectual disabilities, seizures, and other serious health problems.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, leading to growth deficiencies, facial anomalies, and central nervous system dysfunction.
Non-mosaic Down syndrome has a specific listing, but other congenital disorders are evaluated based on the severity and impact on the individual’s ability to function.
If you need more information on how your condition qualifies, the experienced disability attorneys at The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. can help.
How Do You Qualify for Disability with a Congenital Disorder?
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with a congenital disorder, an individual must demonstrate that the condition significantly impairs their ability to perform substantial gainful activity. The SSA employs a five-step evaluation process to determine disability:
- Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Assess whether the individual is engaged in work that earns above a certain threshold.
- Severity of Impairment: Determine if the condition is severe enough to limit basic work activities.
- Meeting or Equaling a Listing: Evaluate if the condition meets or equals the criteria of a listed impairment in the Blue Book.
- Past Relevant Work: Consider if the individual can perform any work they have done in the past.
- Other Work: Assess if the individual can adjust to other work considering their condition, age, education, and work experience.
If a congenital disorder does not meet a specific listing, the SSA will assess the individual’s residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine the extent of work-related limitations.
This process can be complex, but The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. can simplify it for you.
What Information Do I Need To Qualify for Disability?
Comprehensive and detailed medical documentation is important when applying for disability benefits due to a congenital disorder. Essential information includes:
- Medical Records: Detailed records from healthcare providers outlining the diagnosis, treatment history, and prognosis.
- Diagnostic Tests: Results from genetic testing, imaging studies, and laboratory tests confirming the diagnosis.
- Physician Statements: Reports from treating physicians describing the severity of the condition and its impact on daily functioning.
- Functional Assessments: Evaluations from specialists, such as occupational or physical therapists, detailing limitations in daily activities and work-related tasks.
For conditions like non-mosaic Down syndrome, specific evidence such as a laboratory report of karyotype analysis or a physician’s report confirming the diagnosis is required. The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates can help with gathering medical records, completing applications, and navigating the SSA process to help you build a stronger claim.
How Our Disability Attorneys Can Help
The SSA’s disability determination process can be challenging. A knowledgeable disability attorney can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Evaluating Eligibility: Assessing the strength of your case based on medical evidence and SSA criteria.
- Gathering Documentation: Assisting in collecting and organizing necessary medical records and supporting documents.
- Filing Applications: Helping you make sure applications are accurately completed and submitted promptly.
- Providing Representation: Advocating on your behalf during hearings or appeals, if necessary.
Your condition shouldn’t stand in the way of the financial support you deserve. Let our firm help you navigate the SSDI or SSI process with confidence.
