Sandhoff Disease Tumors 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? Sandhoff disease is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Sandhoff Disease?
Sandhoff disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder. This condition is caused by mutations in the HEXB gene, which contains instructions for creating a protein that is part of two enzymes crucial to nervous system function. In healthy individuals, these enzymes, beta-hexosamindase A and beta-hexosamindase B, work within lysosomes (cellular structures that break down a number of substances into usable forms of energy for the body’s cells) to metabolize fatty acids and complex sugars. In Sandhoff disease, genetic mutations interrupt the function of both enzymes, the allowing sugars and fatty acids they would normally metabolize to accumulate in toxic levels in the cells of the brain and spinal cord. As the nerve cells die, symptoms of the disease become apparent. There are several forms of Sandhoff disease. While children with the more severe infantile form of it generally die in early childhood, others with less severe and/or later-onset forms can live into adulthood.
Sandhoff Disease Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of Sandhoff disease include:
- Slow development
- Loss of motor skills in infants
- Muscle weakness
- Exaggerated startle reaction to loud noises
- Seizures
- Vision and hearing loss
- Cherry-red spot in the eye
- Intellectual disability
- Paralysis
- Enlarged organs
- Bone abnormalities
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 Sandhoff Disease
Sandhoff 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 Sandhoff 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 Sandhoff 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.
