Options for Disability Benefits for Spina Bifida

A child or an adult suffering from a severe form of the birth defect Spina Bifida would be almost immediately eligible for benefits with the Social Security Disability Insurance program and with the Supplemental Security Income program depending on the income levels of his parents.

Spinal Birth Defect

Spina Bifida is a birth defect where the bones of the spine of the fetus or infant do not form correctly.  The resulting disability can vary in levels of severity.  In the least severe form of the defect the one or more vertebrae do not form correctly but the spinal cord and the surrounding tissues, or menigues, are unaffected causing symptoms to be mind and almost unnoticeable.  In a meningocele, a more severe defect, the menigues protrude out and through the improperly formed vertebrae causing a fluid filled bulge under the skin.  The most severe form of this condition is the meningomycloele, where the entire spinal cord protrudes through the improperly formed vertebrae.  This last child is likely to be profoundly disabled into his adult life.

Medical Documentation of Diagnosis and Severity of Disability

The first two forms of Spina Bifida, meringues and meningocele can be minor disabilities to moderate disabilities.  These claimants will need to be able to document the severity of their condition on their ability to engage in gainful employment if an adult and function performing daily tasks commensurate with non-disabled children his same age, if a child.  An applicant claiming a meningomyelocele disorder would likely have profound impairments due to the condition.  A meningomyelocele impaired claimant would needs to show motor dysfunction involving persistent disorganization or deficit for age of child involving at least two extremities disrupting movements and gait or less severe motor dysfunction, but more than slight dysfunction, and urinary or fecal incontinence as appropriate for age or an IQ of 70 or less or four extremity involvement or noncompensated hydrocephalus producing interference with mental for motor progression.  This would be little question that this claimant would be approved to receive disability benefits with the SSDI or the SSI programs.

Getting Legal Help

If you or a member of your family had suffered a Spina Bifida birth defect which resulted in a disabling condition it may be helpful to the discuss the disability with a disability lawyer.  An attorney can provide valuable guidance on submitting an application for benefits and collecting the medical documentation needed to evidence the severity of the disability.