Gaucher Disease (GD)

Serving the Western United States

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? Type II Gaucher disease is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.

What is Gaucher Disease?

Gaucher disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder in which the enzyme glucocerebrosidase fails to break down a fatty acid called glucosylceramide. Consequently, glucosylceramide accumulates in the body’s cells, including the white blood cells, and eventually collects in major organs, such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, brain, and lungs. There are three types of Gaucher disease. Type II (the acute infantile neuropathic form) typically occurs within the first six months of life, and affected individuals usually die by age 2.

Gaucher Disease Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of Type II Gaucher disease include:

• Bone pain and fractures
• Brain damage
• Poor motor function
• Enlarged liver and spleen
• Poor ability to suck and swallow
• Eye movement disorders
• Spasticity
• Seizures
• Limb rigidity
• Blood disorders

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 Gaucher Disease

Type II Gaucher 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 Type II Gaucher disease, then you are considered disabled for at least 24 months from the date of diagnosis.