More Conditions Added to the Compassionate Allowance List

Four new Compassionate Allowance conditions have recently been added to the list of claims that receive expedited decisions. They are: CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder, Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, Primary Peritoneal Cancer, and Richter Syndrome. The Compassionate Allowance List is a program to quickly identify severe diseases and medical conditions that meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits.

The Compassionate Allowances program identifies claims where the applicant’s condition or disease clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability. Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. The list has grown to a total of 237 conditions, including certain cancers, adult brain disorders, and a number of rare disorders that affect children. To date, more than 600,000 people with severe disabilities have been approved through this fast-track policy-compliant disability process.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

Full list of Compassionate Allowances: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®

Sunday Begins National Suicide Prevention Week

Sunday, September 8, 2019 marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week.  During this week, organizations and individuals will be drawing attention to the issue of mental illness and suicide.  In particular, strategies for suicide prevention will be discussed.  At Premier, we encourage any of our clients who are struggling with mental illness to take advantage of the resources available over the next week.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

By: Devon Brady of Premier Disability Services, LLC®

Seizures and Social Security Disability

If you suffer from seizures that impact your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Seizure disorders are caused by uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. In order for an individual to have normal brain functioning, there needs to be an orderly, coordinated discharge of electrical impulses. When the electrical activity disturbances occur, the individual suffers temporary brain dysfunction. Seizures can cause uncontrollable movements, unconsciousness, or result in the individual stopping movement all together.

Oftentimes, those with seizure disorders are not aware of what is happening during a seizure, but some people experience unusual symptoms before having a seizure. There are some seizure disorders that are the result of birth defects or environmental hazards. Others can be caused by low blood sugar levels, low oxygen levels in the blood, abnormal heart rhythm, fever, medications, or infection. Some people even have seizures that are triggered by flashing lights, repetitive sounds, or even video games.

Those who suffer from seizure disorder are much more likely to experience seizures when they are sleep deprived or experiencing stress or if there are additional neurological disorders, immune system problems, or psychiatric conditions. There are some seizures that cause serious problems, impact intelligence, or even cause brain damage.

If you suffer from seizures, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your claim under Adult Listing 11.02 (Epilepsy). To be found disabled under the Listing, you must have documentation showing a detailed description of typical seizure activity and characterized by either:

1. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurring at least once a month for at least 3 consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment; Or
2. Dyscognitive seizures occurring at least once a week for at least 3 consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment; Or
3. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures occurring at least once every 2 months for at least 4 consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment, and a marked limitation in one of the following:
4. Physical functioning;
5. Understanding, remembering, or applying information;
6. Interacting with others;
7. Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
8. Adapting or managing onself. Or
9. Dyscognitive seizures occurring at least once every 2 weeks for at least 3 consecutive months despite adherence to prescribed treatment, and a marked limitation in one of the following:
10. Physical functioning;
11. Understanding, remembering, or applying information;
12. Interacting with others;
13. Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
14. Adapting or managing onself.

Even if you do not meet the criteria for Social Security’s epilepsy listing, you could still be eligible for benefits under the Medical-Vocational guidelines if your symptoms interfere with your daily life and activities to an extent that no jobs are available for you to regularly perform. Social Security will also consider your age, your educational background, any transferable work skills, any other psychiatric or medical conditions that impact your ability to work, and any restrictions that your doctor has given you.

Contact our office today if you or anyone you know would like to learn more about qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.

Listings: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_02

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC®