DIGEORGE SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
UNDERSTANDING DIGEORGE SYNDROME & SSD BENEFITS
DiGeorge Syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a genetic condition that leads to a wide range of health problems. For example, if you have DiGeorge Syndrome then you may have heart defects, problems with your immune system, and developmental delays. DiGeorge Syndrome has many symptoms which can be different even among members of the same family.
For those with DiGeorge Syndrome, winning benefits under the five step disability review process can be challenging. This article provides valuable information on DiGeorge Syndrome and the SSD benefits available to support those living with this condition.
WHAT IS DIGEORGE SYNDROME?
DiGeorge Syndrome occurs when you are missing a small piece of chromosome 22. This genetic anomaly can result in a variety of symptoms. However, common signs of DiGeorge Syndrome include:
- Heart defects: Congenital heart issues are common issues for those with DiGeorge Syndrome. They may require surgery.
- Immune system problems: The disease weakens the immune system, making those with the syndrome more likely to contract infections.
- Cleft palate: Some people may be born with a cleft palate or other facial differences.
- Developmental delays: Learning and speech delays occur frequently in those with DiGeorge Syndrome.
- Behavioral and mental health issues: ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety are more common in individuals with DiGeorge Syndrome.
DiGeorge Syndrome affects about 1 in 4,000 live births. Given the current population of the United States, which is almost 331 million people, there are roughly 82,750 people living with DiGeorge Syndrome in the US. However, it’s important to note that this number is an estimate. Many cases are misdiagnosed due to the wide range of symptoms.
DiGeorge Syndrome can impact the length of your life. However, it depends on how severe the health issues are that stem from the disease. Because people with the syndrome may have severe heart defects, immune system issues, or other critical health problems. When the symptoms are severe it can impact your life span. However, with advances in medical care, many people with DiGeorge Syndrome manage their symptoms and lead normal lives.
SYMPTOMS OF DIGEORGE SYNDROME
One of the most common symptoms of DiGeorge Syndrome is congenital heart defects. These heart defects often require surgery and ongoing medical care. Your lawyer may be able to show you meet a listing for your heart condition.
Additionally, individuals with DiGeorge Syndrome frequently experience immune system problems, making them prone to infections and illness. Facial issues such as a cleft palate are also common with the disease. Hearing problems and dental issues are also common.
Developmental delays are another significant aspect of DiGeorge Syndrome, with affected individuals often facing learning disabilities and speech delays.
Behavioral and mental health challenges also occur with DiGeorge Syndrome. For example, with DiGeorge Syndrome many people have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, many people with the disease also have autism spectrum disorder and anxiety. Learn about autism spectrum disorder.
Furthermore, hypocalcemia, which is low levels of calcium in the blood, can occur due to underdeveloped parathyroid glands. This condition can also lead to muscle cramps and seizures. Symptoms like these require a team approach for all of the problems. A team of doctors will ensure that those with DiGeorge Syndrome receive the support they need to manage their disease.
TREATMENT FOR DIGEORGE SYNDROME
The treatment for DiGeorge Syndrome involves a team approach due to the many symptoms that stem from the condition. Heart defects, for example, often require surgery and cardiac care. Immune system problems also require monitoring.
For those with hypocalcemia, doctors will give you calcium and vitamin D to maintain appropriate calcium levels. Additionally, speech and developmental delays benefit from early intervention programs. For example, you could participate in speech therapy and special education services.
Behavioral and mental health issues, such as ADHD and anxiety, are treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and counseling. Additionally, doctors can give you medication. Regular visits with your doctor and team of experts is important to your treatment. Following your treatment plan for DiGeorge Syndrome will improve your quality of life and support your health.
SSA LISTING 14.07 FOR DIGEORGE SYNDROME
The SSA defines DiGeorge syndrome under listing 14.07. In SSA’s blue book, listing 14.07 occurs under immune deficiency disorder, but it excludes HIV infection. To meet the listing, you must have all of the symptoms under the listing. Therefore, you must have an immune disorder with:
A. One or more of the following infections. The infection must either be resistant to treatment or require hospitalization or intravenous treatment three or more times in a 12 month period.
1. Sepsis; or
2. Meningitis; or
3. Pneumonia; or
4. Septic arthritis; or
5. Endocarditis; or
6. Sinusitis shown by appropriate medically acceptable imaging.
OR
B. Stem cell transplantation as described under 14.00E3. Consider under a disability until at least 12 months from the date of transplant. Thereafter, evaluate any residual impairment under the criteria for the affected body system.
OR
C. Repeated manifestations of an immune deficiency disorder, with at least two of the constitutional symptoms or signs (severe fatigue, fever, malaise, or involuntary weight loss) and one of the following at the marked level:
1. Limitation of activities of daily living.
2. Limitation in maintaining social function.
3. Limitation in completing tasks in a timely manner due to deficiencies in concentration, persistence, or pace.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS FOR DIGEORGE SYNDROME
In order to win SSDI and SSI benefits, you must have a severe medical condition, like DiGeorge Syndrome, that keeps you from working for over one year. When you apply for SSD benefits online, you can apply for both SSDI and SSI benefits. To do so, simply check the boxes that indicate SSDI and SSI. If your income and assets are low enough to qualify for SSI and you also have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, then you might receive concurrent benefits.
You can apply in person, or over the phone, or online. Applying online is the easiest way to begin your application for benefits.
A state agency will process your application. Disability is defined the same way for both SSDI and SSI claims. Each claim for benefits is subject to a five step Social Security review process.
Both SSDI and SSI benefits are tied to the date you file your application. Therefore, the longer you wait to file, the more money you lose. Here are three ways to apply:
- Online: You can apply online at the Social Security website.
- Telephone: You can apply over the telephone by calling the SSA’s customer service line at 1-800-772-1213.
- In person: You can apply in person at your local Social Security field office.
The SSA will look at your income and assets and decide if you qualify for SSI benefits. Next, the SSA will look at your work credits to see if you qualify for SSDI benefits. If your SSDI benefits are below $943, then you may qualify for both benefits. Learn the secrets your attorney knows about filing for SSD benefits.
THE TWO TYPES OF SSD BENEFITS FOR DIGEORGE SYNDROME
When you file an application for disability benefits, understand that there are two types of benefits for which you can apply. The first benefit is Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. This benefit belongs to you because you work and pay taxes. The second benefit is Supplemental Security Income benefits. There are strict income and asset rules for SSI benefits. Both benefits require you to have a medical condition that prevents you from working for over one year.
1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system, but are now unable to work due to a severe medical condition. To qualify for SSDI benefits:
- The individual must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of a disability.
- The condition must prevent the individual from working or performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- The disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs based program. SSI provides financial support to disabled individuals who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. This program is often more accessible for children with DiGeorge Syndrome and their families. Eligibility criteria include: 1) Having a severe disability that keeps you from working for over one year. 2) Your income and resources must fall below certain limits. Learn more about the rules for SSI benefits.
IF YOU RECEIVE A DENIAL FOR DIGEORGE BENEFITS, THEN APPEAL
If you receive a denial of your SSDI and SSI benefits for DiGeorge Syndrome, then it could be for two reasons. First, you can receive a medical denial. This means that your medical condition does not meet the standard for disability. You should appeal this denial within 60 days.
Second, you might receive a technical denial. A technical denial means that you:
- 1) do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits or
- 2) you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI
If your receive a technical denial, then the SSA will still proceed with the other portion of your claim. For example, you might receive a technical denial for SSI benefits because or your assets. If so, then the SSA will continue to process your SSDI claim.
Likewise, if you receive a technical denial for SSDI benefits, it means that you do not have enough work credits. Therefore, you do not qualify for SSDI benefits. However, you still might qualify for SSI benefits. The SSI claim will go on as long as you appeal within the SSA’s time frame (60 days).
The other thing to remember about SSI claims is that if your circumstances change, then let the SSA know. For example, if you get a divorce while your claim for SSI is pending, then your financial resources might change. This might make you eligible for SSI benefits when you weren’t before. Let the SSA know, so they can evaluate whether you now qualify for SSI benefits. Finally, always appeal any SSA decision within the 60 day time frame.
MEDICAID AND MEDICARE BENEFITS
Individuals who qualify for SSI are often automatically eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage for low income individuals. Those who qualify for SSDI may become eligible for Medicare after a two year waiting period.
Another great thing about winning benefits is being able to receive health insurance through Medicare or Medicaid. If you qualify for SSDI benefits, then you might get Medicare.
Medicare benefits begin after a 29 month waiting period. The waiting period includes your 5 month waiting period and the 24 months after that. Medicare is the same health insurance you receive when you retire. Most doctors accept Medicare as payment. Learn information about Medicare benefits.
If you qualify for SSI benefits, then you also qualify for Medicaid benefits. The SSA gives Medicaid to those with income that is low enough. Otherwise, they may not have any health insurance coverage.
Both the Medicare and Medicaid programs are a form of health insurance. In most states, Medicaid provides payment for more services than Medicare. For example, Medicaid usually covers medications. Medicaid also does not charge you a fee to receive care. Learn information about Medicaid benefits.
ASK FOR OUR FREE REVIEW OF YOUR SSD BENEFITS
If you need help filing for benefits, then reach out to our Social Security law firm. Take the first step by calling us. We offer a free review of your SSDI and SSI benefits. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case for free. Then, we will let you know if you have a chance to win. Also, we will let you know if we can represent you. We do not charge you for our review of your case.
When you call, be aware that we don’t take every case that calls our office. We take the cases that have a chance to win. Sometimes, there are other factors that prevent us from taking your case. However, we will try to help you. In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. We are experts at what we do. Therefore, we want to make this process easier for you. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.
We help clients win benefits in many states, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and California. Find out more about your benefits and how to apply in your state below:
- California SSDI and SSI benefits
- Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
- Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
- Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
- Utah SSDI and SSI benefits
No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. Also, there will be no attorney fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. We will do our best to help you win your benefits.
HIRE US BECAUSE WE ARE THE BEST SSD LAWYERS
At our SSD law firm, we are experts in winning benefits for DiGeorge Syndrome. If you want to learn more about our lawyers and staff, then read our About Us Page.
In the last 30 years, we have won over 20,000 cases for our clients. If you need help filing for benefits, then contact our office. We can also help you appeal a denial from the SSA. Learn information about what it costs to hire us by reading our article, “Attorney Fees in SSD Cases.”
When you contact our office for help, be ready to give us some basic facts about your case. We will need to know your date of birth. Also, we need your wedding date and divorce date. Also, we need to know the date you last worked. Additionally, we will need to know the names, address and phone numbers of your doctors.
The Social Security application also asks basic information about your family and your children. If you have a child under the age of 18, make sure to put their name on your application. If you don’t, then they may not be able to receive benefits. Even if you divorce and your children live with your ex, the children can still get payments. The children receive a monthly payment on your work record. Learn about divorce and SSD benefits.
Also, on the application you will need to list your jobs and what you did at each job in the last 5 years. The SSA needs to know this information to process your application. Did you previously file an application for SSDI and SSI benefits? Then don’t forget to request that the SSA reopen your old application.
WORK WITH OUR LEGAL TEAM TO FILE FOR DIGEORGE SYNDROME BENEFITS
Obviously, we cannot win SSDI and SSI benefits for DiGeorge Syndrome without your help. As your legal team, we need to work together. We may be experts at SSD law. But, you are the expert about your symptoms and why you cannot work.
We need to know from you why you cannot work. When you call, be ready to describe the symptoms of your illness. Also, be ready to fill out the SSA’s forms, which requires patience.
You will need to submit forms such as the Activities of Daily Living Form and the Work History report. First, complete the forms in pencil. If you need help with the form, then call. We will help you. If you make a mistake, then you can erase it and fix the mistake.
HOW WE WIN DIGEORGE SYNDROME BENEFITS
After we file your application, we will collect your medical records. We will need your help to collect your records. You provide the names of your doctors. If you don’t give us the information about your doctors, then we can’t contact them for you.
After we file your SSD and SSI application, we will position your case to win. If you receive a denial at the initial phase, then we will appeal it. If you are denied again, then we will request a hearing with an SSA judge. Finally, we will represent you at your hearing. Also, we will submit your medical records to the SSA throughout the process.
Once you reach a hearing, we will review your SSA file. We then prepare you to testify. Also, we can explain the questions the judge will ask you at your hearing. Let us help you win your SSD and SSI case. If you need help filing for DiGe0rge Syndrome benefits, then call now. It is easy to contact the best SSD firm today.
