Galactosialidosis (Early or Late Infantile Forms) 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? Early or late infantile galactosialidosis is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Galactosialidosis?
Galactosialidosis is a glycoprotein storage disorder, which falls under the broader category of lysosomal storage disorders. Lysosomes are enzyme-‐filled compartments in the body’s cells. In healthy individuals, the enzymes in the lysosomes help break down sugars in the body. In galactosialidosis, these enzymes cease to function properly, leading to an accumulation of sugars in the body. This buildup negatively affects all areas of the body, including the brain. There are three forms of galactosialidosis, classified by the age of onset and the nature of the symptoms. Early infantile galactosialidosis presents in the first three months of life and is characterized by edema and fluid accumulation in multiple areas of the body, skeletal deformities, enlarged organs, and delays in cognitive and motor development. Individuals with early infantile galactosialidosis usually die within the first year of life. Late infantile galactosialidosis, the second form, presents in the first few months of life and is characterized by coarse facial features, spinal deformities, and mild mental retardation among other symptoms. The third type of galactosialidosis is the juvenile/adult form. It is the most common and presents in the teenage years, though sometimes as late as the 30s and 40s.
Galactosialidosis Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of early or late infantile galactosialidosis include:
- Fluid-‐filled pouch in the lower abdomen
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Cardiac defects (enlarged heart)
- Coarse facial features
- Bone deformities
- Cherry red spots on the surface of the eye
- Hearing loss
- Kidney disease
- Poor motor coordination
- Mental retardation and developmental delay
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 Galactosialidosis
Early or late infantile galactosialidosis automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with early or late infantile galactosialidosis, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with early or late infantile galactosialidosis, contact an experienced social security disability lawyer today. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a free consultation form for a free evaluation of your social security disability case.
