Tay-Sachs Disease – Infantile Type 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 Tay-Sachs disease is a disabling condition on the Compassionate Allowance List, which qualifies an individual for an expedited approval process.
What is Tay-Sachs Disease?
Tay-Sachs disease is an inherited, neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the HEXA gene. The HEXA gene contains instructions for making components of an enzyme called beta-hexosaminidase A (Hex A), a lysosomal enzyme. In healthy individuals, Hex A, which resides in cellular structures called lysosomes (the recycling centers of the cell), rids the body – specifically the brain and spinal cord – of harmful levels of fats and proteins that can interfere with physical and neurological functions if allowed to accumulate unchecked. As these harmful substances accumulate, nerve cells die and the body suffers greatly. There are several forms of Tay-Sachs, but the infantile form is the most common. Symptoms of infantile Tay-Sachs appear between 3-6 months of age, at which point infants begin to regress developmentally, and generally die in early childhood. There is no cure for Tay-Sachs disease; treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Infantile Tay-Sachs Disease Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of infantile Tay-Sachs disease include:
- Muscle weakness
- Cherry-red spot in the eye
- Loss of previously acquired motor skills
- Failure to reach basic developmental milestones
- Exaggerated startle reaction to loud noises
- Seizures
- Vision and hearing loss
- Intellectual disability
- Paralysis
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 Tay-Sachs Disease
Infantile Tay-Sachs 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 Tay-Sachs 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 Tay-Sachs 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.
