Translocation or Trisomy 21 affects 98% of people with Down syndrome. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers people with Non-Mosaic Down syndrome to be disabled from birth. Non-Mosaic Down syndrome predominantly affects the mental, neurological, and skeletal systems, and it is commonly connected with heart disease, poor vision, hearing problems, and other illnesses.
Mosaic Down Syndrome and SSDI
Mosaic Down syndrome, often known as mosaicism, is an uncommon kind of Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Mosaic Down syndrome patients have a variety of cells. Some people have two copies of chromosome 21, while others have three.
Mosaic Down syndrome affects around 2% of all people with Down syndrome. Mosaic Down syndrome patients typically, but not always, have less Down syndrome symptoms because some of their cells are normal.
A medical term for having an extra copy of Trisomy is known as 'Down Syndrome' – It changes how the baby's brain and body develops which ultimately results in both mental and physical disorders. Even though people with Down syndrome may behave and appear alike, each individual has unique skills. People with Down syndrome typically have a mild-to-moderately low IQ (a measure of intellect) and talk at a slower tempo than other people.
Mosaic Down syndrome affects just one to two percent of persons with Down syndrome, and the severity of the disability varies greatly. Mosaic Down syndrome can be severe and devastating, but it can also be so mild that it goes unnoticed clinically.
Although prenatal screening and specialized diagnostic tests are available to detect Down syndrome, screening is not always a reliable predictor of the condition. The specific tests that are 98% accurate in making a diagnosis are amniocentesis (taking a sample of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus and analyzing it for chromosome abnormalities), chorionic villus sampling (taking cells from the mother's placenta for analysis), and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (taking blood from a vein in the umbilical cord for analysis).
Apart from mental retardation, Down syndrome is associated with congenital cardiac abnormalities, and people with Down syndrome are more likely to suffer from infections, respiratory problems, vision and hearing impairments, thyroid issues, and other medical problems. With adequate medical treatment, most children and individuals with Down syndrome live long and healthy lives, reaching their fifties and beyond.
Filing for Social Security Disability after being diagnosed with Down Syndrome
Down syndrome is classified by the Social Security Administration as one of the "Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems" under Section 110.00. The SSA distinguishes between Mosaic Down syndrome and Non-Mosaic Down syndrome.
Non-Mosaic Down Syndrome
Patients with non-Mosaic Down syndrome are disabled from birth and are automatically eligible for Social Security disability payments. To verify a Non-Mosaic Down syndrome diagnosis, SSA requires a definitive chromosomal study (meaning a karyotype analysis) from a recognized medical source. A Social Security Impairment application should always include the specific karyotype analysis proving the disability. The SSA will not need a clinical description of the physical indications of Down syndrome if the actual karyotype data is supplied.
If you do not have the actual karyotype analysis, the SSA will want a report from a reputable medical source that includes a clinical description of Down syndrome's physical features.
The report must contain the karyotype analysis, and the results must confirm the diagnosis. Other evidence in the case record, such as evidence of adaptive functioning deficiencies, signs of a mental disorder associated with Non-Mosaic Down syndrome, educational history, or psychological testing findings, must be consistent with the report.
Mosaic Syndrome
To qualify for Social Security Disability payments, the symptoms of Mosaic Down syndrome must seriously limit the capacity to obtain gainful employment. The SSA analyses each application on an individual basis. Furthermore, the specific body parts affected by Down syndrome must be impaired in ways that fulfil SSA standards in order for a person to qualify for disability payments. The impairments must be medically determinable and included on the Social Security Administration's list of disabilities. Alternatively, if a claimant's handicap "functionally fits a listing," payments will be made. Because the Social Security Administration's disability evaluation system focuses on the disease's functional limits, Social Security Disability benefits can be granted as long as the Mosaic Down syndrome condition is deemed sufficiently limiting. The SSA considers the following elements while making its decision.
-> The severity of your condition - must interfere with basic work-related duties in order for your claim to be considered.
-> Work - If you can work, your monthly earnings must not exceed $1000. If you previously worked but were forced to stop owing to a condition related to your Down syndrome, the SSA will assess whether you may work again in the future. If you are unable to do the work you previously held, the SSA will evaluate your ability to adjust to new tasks. This decision will consider your medical difficulties, as well as your age, education, past employment experience, and any transferable skills you may have.
-> Related Disabling Illnesses - For each major body system, the Social Security Administration maintains a list of medical illnesses that are severe enough to automatically qualify a person for Social Security Disability benefits. Certain bodily functions hampered by Mosaic Down syndrome may qualify you for disability based on this list; however, if your condition and/or symptoms do not meet the requirements specifically listed, the SSA will decide whether your impairment is of equal severity to one of the listed medical conditions.
**However, remember you will only qualify for SSDI with Down's Syndrome if you previously worked and paid Social Security taxes and complete 'work credits' under Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If the applicant does not have adequate work history, but has a parent who currently gets SSDI, you may be qualified to receive supplementary payments as a "adult child".
Seek Professional Help
You may be qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance if you have Down syndrome and it stops you from working (SSDI). Collecting and submitting the essential papers to support your disability claim with the help of medical professionals and an experienced Social Security disability attorney or advocate at The Law Office of Irene Ruzin will give your case the best chance of success.