Disability Benefits for Impairements to Multiple Body Systems

Impairments that affect multiple body systems include Down’s syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Down syndrome occurs when a person has an extra chromosome 21 within the cells of the body. This extra chromosome changes the development of the brain and body. It is characterized by:

• Mental retardation
• Physical characteristics
• Delay in physical development

Determination of Multiple Disabilities

Social Security evaluates each person’s claim for benefits by using the following five steps:

1. Are you working?
2. Is your condition severe enough to interfere with basic work-related activities?
3. If you condition found in the list of disabling conditions
4. Can you perform the work you did previously?
5. Can you do any other type of work?

Social Security will need documentation from your medical providers in order to establish that you have a medically determinable impairment.

Covered Disorders

According to the listing of impairments that affect multiple body systems, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers you disabled if you have Non-mosaic Down syndrome. This occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell of their body. Virtually all cases affect the mental, neurological, and skeletal systems and are often accompanied by heart disease, impaired vision, hearing problems and other conditions. If you have a different impairment that affects multiple body systems, the SSA will consider whether the impairment(s) qualifies under another body system’s criteria. Other impairments that can cause deviation from or interruption of the normal function of the body may include:

• Congenital anomalies
• Chromosomal disorders
• Dysmorphic syndromes
• Metabolic disorders
• Perinatal infectious diseases

The SSA evaluates the specific effects of these impairments on the claimant on an individual case basis.

Filing a Claim

If you believe that you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will need to initiate the process by submitting a claim to the SSA. The examiner will proceed to obtain records from relevant sources to support the claim. To be eligible for disability, you must have been unable to work for twelve months or more due to a mental or physical condition, or your condition is terminal. The process can take a long time and will require extensive documentation from a variety of sources.

Benefits Determination

Social Security claimants that are awarded SSDI benefits must wait five consecutive calendar months from the determined onset date of their disability. The monthly benefit payment is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. According to the SSA, the average monthly benefit for an individual was about $1164. An individual may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have limited income and resources, and are 65 or older, blind or disabled.

Claim Denials

If your claim for disability is denied at the initial application, you can file a request for reconsideration within 60 days after receiving your denial. If this is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. If you receive an unfavorable decision, you can file an appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. At this level, your case will be reviewed to see if any errors were previously committed. If you are denied at this level, you may appeal your case to a federal court.

Help From a Disability Lawyer

Applying for Social Security Disability or SSI can be a long, stressful and confusing process. Therefore, it is important to obtain legal help. A skilled and experienced disability attorney can dramatically increase your chances of winning your claim and receiving benefits.