Creutzfeldt-­Jakob Disease (CJD) and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Lawyer

Typically, applying for and receiving social security disability benefits can take many months.  But what if your disabling condition is so severe that you cannot wait?  Creutzfeldt-­‐Jakob Disease (CJD) is considered a disabling condition on the  Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is CJD?

CJD is a rare and fatal degenerative brain disorder. It is one of a group of human and animal diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), characterized by the spongiform quality of infected brains, which eventually deteriorate to the point where they resemble sponges. Scientists believe that proteins called prions are the agents primarily responsible for CJD. Prions come in both healthy and infectious forms. In CJD, the accumulation of infectious prions (which are shaped differently than healthy ones) wreaks havoc on the structure and function of the brain Onset of symptoms generally begins  around  age 60 and most affected individuals die within a year.

CJD Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of CJD include:

• Rapidly progressing dementia
• Impaired coordination
• Personality changes
• Memory loss
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Loss of vision
• Loss of speech
• Loss of movement

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to talk with a doctor immediately.

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits and CJD

CJD automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines.  If you or a loved one is diagnosed with CJD, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis.