Ataxia-telangiectasia is a rare genetic condition that affects the neurological system, immunological system, and other organs. This illness is distinguished by developing difficulties coordinating movements (ataxia) that begins in early childhood, generally before the age of five. Affected children generally have trouble walking, balance and hand coordination issues, involuntary jerking motions (chorea), muscle twitches (myoclonus), and nerve function disorders (neuropathy). By adolescence, most persons require wheelchair assistance due to mobility issues. People with this illness have slurred speech and difficulty shifting their gaze side to side (oculomotor apraxia). This disorder is also characterised by little clusters of enlarged blood vessels called telangiectases, which appear in the eyes and on the skin’s surface.
Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare and terrible condition that affects many different parts of the body. Louis-Bar syndrome and Border-Sedgwick syndrome are other names for it. By weakening the body’s motor coordination control centre, the disorder impairs an individual’s ability to resist illness and infection. Individuals suffering from Ataxia Telangiectasia are also more prone to develop cancer and respiratory issues. Approximately 20% of persons diagnosed with ataxia telangiectasia will develop cancer (most commonly lymphocytic leukaemia or lymphoma). Individuals with Ataxia Telangiectasia are also more prone to develop diabetes, early hair greying, and delayed physical and sexual development.
The condition is inherited and is caused by a mutation in the ATM gene. This gene is responsible for repairing DNA errors during cell division and removing cells that cannot be fixed. Ataxia Telangiectasia is more common in children. The symptoms of the illness differ from person to person, but common symptoms include loss of balance, slurred speech, and an increased risk of infection. Individuals suffering from the disease generally develop little red veins around their eyes, as well as on the surface of their ears and cheeks.
Ataxia Telangiectasia is a life-altering disorder. As such, it meets the requirements of the Social Security Compassionate Allowances programme. If you or a loved one suffers Ataxia Telangiectasia, you should file for Social Security Disability payments as soon as possible.
When applying for Social Security Disability payments due to a diagnosis of Ataxia Telangiectasia, include as much paperwork as possible with your application. You should give the SSA statements from your treating physicians as well as a detailed history of your medical records. To fully process your claim, the adjudicator examining your case will need to examine as much medical evidence to support your disability claim as feasible.
According to the Social Security Administration, certain disabilities are more severe than others. As a result, Ataxia Telangiectasia has been added to the list of 88 disabilities eligible for expedited disability clearances via the Compassionate Allowances programme. As a result, your disability claim may be approved in as little as a month, and you should be able to forgo the usual Social Security Disability application process. This is not to say that you should not seek the assistance of a professional Social Security Disability advocate or attorney when submitting your disability claim.
