Angelman syndrome, one of many listed on Compassionate Allowance
As we have mentioned before on this blog, proving that you have a legitimate need for disability benefits can be a difficult challenge. That's because the Social Security Administration has established a series of strict guidelines for the application process that requires people to not only demonstrate that they have a disability but that they have a need for financial support as well.These strict requirements slow down the screening process though and may cause legitimate claims to fall through the cracks. That's why in 2008, the SSA created the Compassionate Allowance list. Some of our New York readers may already be familiar with the list, as we have talked about it before on this blog.For those unfamiliar with it, the list contains a growing number of conditions that meet the SSA definition of disability. Applications listing one or more of these conditions are automatically fast-tracked and have a better chance of leading to benefits.One such condition found on the list is the Angelman syndrome. First noted in 1965 by an English physician by the name of Dr. Harry Angelman, Angelman Syndrome is a "rare genetic neurological disorder" in which a microdeletion on the maternally derived number 15 chromosome causes patients to experience intellectual disability, developmental delays, stiff and jerky movements, and severe speech impairment.Unlike other neurological disorders that may share the same symptoms, Angelman Syndrome patients are distinctively different because of their easily excitable personalities and the fact that they excessively smile and laugh.At or around the age of three, AS patients generally start having seizures that can progress into adulthood. Although seizure severity does decrease as a person gets older, they will most likely require medication or other treatments throughout their life.Because AS is listed as a Compassionate Allowance, applicants have a better chance of having their application expedited and may also have a better chance of receiving disability benefits in the end. It's worth pointing out, however, that even though more pediatricians are becoming familiar with this condition, it is still quite rare and may not be diagnosed right away.This is something our readers should keep in mind, especially because a diagnosis from a medical professional is necessary in order to receive benefits.The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, "Facts About Angelman Syndrome," Jan. 1, 2009, 7th Edition
La contratación de Terry Katz y sus asociados para representar mis intereses en mi caso de compensación laboral y discapacidad del Seguro Social demostró ser una decisión inteligente que arrojó un resultado extremadamente exitoso.
A través del largo e intrincado proceso, me di cuenta de lo valioso que era tener un equipo de representación altamente calificado, y así es como se describe al bufete de abogados de Terry Katz and Associates como «Representación legal altamente calificada». Me gustaría dar las gracias a todo el equipo que trabajó en mis dos casos, quienes siempre fueron profesionales, informados y extremadamente atentos. Durante todo mi caso, todas mis llamadas y correos electrónicos siempre fueron devueltos de manera oportuna. Mis preguntas siempre fueron respondidas de manera competente y profesional. Siempre entendí el proceso y sentí una confianza en el proceso que no habría tenido si no hubiera contratado a Terry Katz and Associates.
Principalmente, me gustaría dar las gracias a la Sra. Langdale, quien trabajó incansablemente tanto en mi caso de compensación laboral como en mi caso de discapacidad del seguro social. Su representación y su destreza legal en la sala del tribunal fueron impresionantes de presenciar. Nunca olvidaré la confianza con la que me sentí representada y protegida durante su discurso de apertura en mi audiencia de discapacidad del Seguro Social.
Durante estos tiempos difíciles, estaba verdaderamente agradecida de que la Sra. Langdale trabajara tan diligente y expertamente por mis intereses.
