Perry Syndrome 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? Perry syndrome is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Perry Syndrome?
Perry syndrome is a very rare, degenerative brain disease that manifests as four major symptom groups: movement abnormalities (parkinsonism), psychiatric changes, weight loss, and slow breathing (hypoventilation). This disease is the result of mutations in the DCTN1 gene, which contains instructions for creating a protein called dynactin-1 (a protein involved in intracellular transport of various materials). Dynactin-1 is especially important to the health of nerve cells in the brain, so when it forms improperly, nerve cells malfunction and eventually die. Most cases of Perry syndrome are inherited, but a few occur because of new mutations in people with no family history of the disease. Perry syndrome usually strikes people in their 40s and 50s. Death often occurs within 5 years of the onset of symptoms. Respiratory failure, pneumonia, and suicide are among the leading causes of death from Perry syndrome.
Perry Syndrome Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Perry syndrome include:
- Impaired movement
- Decreased motor control
- Mood and behavior changes (apathy, depression, withdrawal, suicidal thoughts)
- Severe weight loss
- Sleep difficulties
- Hypoventilation
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 Perry Syndrome
Perry syndrome qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Perry syndrome, 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 Perry syndrome, 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.
