Farber’s Disease (Infantile) 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?  Infantile Farber’s disease is a disabling condition on the  Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is Farber’s Disease?

Farber’s disease belongs to a group of heritable metabolic diseases called lipid storage disorders, in which fats, oils, and other related substances accumulate in the joints, tissues, and central nervous system. In a healthy body, the enzyme ceramidase breaks down fatty materials, but in people with Farber’s disease, the gene that produces ceramidase is defective. Consequently, the fatty materials accumulate in the body, eventually reaching harmful levels. The symptoms of Farber’s disease usually present in the first few weeks of life, and may also affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.  Lung disease is the most common cause of death in children with classic Farber’s disease, most of whom die by the age of 2.

Farber’s Disease Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Farber’s disease include:

• Impaired motor function
• Difficulty swallowing
• Intellectual impairment
• Arthritis
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nodules under the skin
• Hoarseness
• Breathing difficulties
• Enlarged spleen or liver

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 Farber’s Disease

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