Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) Type C 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? Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) Type C is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is NPD Type C?
NPD refers to a group of inherited metabolic disorders characterized by an accumulation of fatty acids in the body’s cells. There are four types of NPD: A, B, C, and D. Each type involves different organs and produces different symptoms. Types A and B result from an enzyme deficiency; in NPD Types A and B, the body lacks acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), an enzyme that breaks down a substance called sphingomyelin, which exists in every cell in the body. Excess sphingomyelin destroys cells and impedes organ function. NPD Type C occurs when the body cannot break down cholesterols and other fats, which then build up in the liver, spleen, and brain. Type D is a variant of Type C. NPD Type C usually presents in school-aged children but can occur anytime between infancy and adulthood. The lifespan of those diagnosed with NPD Type C varies depending on the age of onset and severity of symptoms. There is no cure.
NPD Type C Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of NPD Type C include:
- Poor muscle tone
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Jaundice
- Dementia
- Seizures
- Speech difficulties
- Tremors
- Inability to move eyes vertically
- Movement and balance difficulties
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 NPD Type C
NPD Type C automatically qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with NPD Type C, 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 NPD Type C, 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.
