Juvenile Onset Huntington’s Disease (HD) 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? Juvenile onset Huntington’s disease (HD) is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Juvenile HD?
Juvenile HD describes a case of Huntington’s disease that presents before age 20. Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that slowly destroys cognitive and psychomotor functions. It is caused by an inherited defect in a single gene, so many diagnosed with juvenile HD also have a parent with the disease. The defect that causes the disease occurs in a gene called the Huntingtin gene, which produces a protein called huntingtin. The defect results in a mutant form of the protein that damages nerve cells, though the specific function of the huntingtin protein remains unknown, as do the means by which its mutant form damages nerve cells. There is no cure for the disease; treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Most affected individuals die within about 20 years of diagnosis.
Juvenile HD Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of juvenile HD include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Impaired cognition
- Unsteady gait
- Loss of motor coordination
- Muscle rigidity
- Involuntary muscle jerks or twitches
- Seizures
- Abnormal facial expressions
- Difficulties chewing, swallowing, and speaking
- Decline in mental clarity
- Memory loss
- Dementia
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 Juvenile HD
Juvenile HD automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with juvenile HD, 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 juvenile HD, 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.
