Pompe Disease (Infantile) 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? Infantile Pompe disease is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Pompe Disease?
Pompe disease is a rare, genetic neuromuscular disorder in which glycogen (a type of sugar used for energy) builds up in the body’s cells, eventually reaching toxic levels. People with Pompe disease lack sufficient levels of an enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), which helps break down glycogen into glucose in the lysosomes, cellular structures that function as energy-producing, recycling centers. Excess levels of glycogen impair organ and tissue function and are especially harmful to the heart and skeletal muscles. There are several forms of Pompe disease, characterized by their severity and age of onset. Infantile Pompe disease presents immediately after birth and many affected babies die of cardiac and/or respiratory complications before the age of 1.
Infantile Pompe Disease Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of infantile Pompe disease include:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor muscle tone
- Large head size
- Floppiness
- Enlarged tongue
- Enlarged liver
- Heart defects
- Failure to thrive
- Breathing 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 Infantile Pompe Disease
Infantile Pompe disease qualifies you for social security disability benefits under the Social Security Administration’s guidelines. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with infantile Pompe disease, 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 infantile Pompe disease, 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.
