Social Security | Compassionate Allowance

5 Conditions Added to Social Security Compassionate Allowance Fast Track

In 2008 The Social Security Administration implemented the “Compassionate Allowance Program” to help disabled individuals who need it most, get their disability benefits without delays.

The Compassionate Allowance list contains more than 240 severely disabling conditions that entitle an individual to have their Social Security claim “expedited” or “fast tracked”. Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are available to both Social Security Disability and SSI claims.

The Compassionate Allowance Program is more important than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic. Delays and backlogs are piling up in many Social Security offices, since all SSA offices are closed and all hearings are phone and video only. A Compassionate Allowance means that qualifying individuals with serious disease can still get their Social Security or SSA benefits approved rapidly and without the pandemic delays.

2021 New Social Security Compassionate Allowance Conditions

Compassionate Allowance conditions are typically metastatic or fast-growing cancers, genetic diseases, motor neurological disorders, or terminal illnesses.

As medical research and advancements in medicine result in the identification and understanding of more diseases, new medical conditions are added to the Compassionate Allowance list every year.

In 2019 the SSA added four new diseases to the Compassionate Allowance list, including Primary Peritoneal Cancer (a cancer of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity), and Richter Syndrome (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma).

In August of 2020, five more medical conditions were added to the Social Security Compassionate Allowance list.

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT)

DSRCT is a condition in which cancerous tumors develop in the abdomen and pelvic area. Desmoplastic small round cell tumors are a type of “soft tissue sarcoma” meaning that they form in the connective tissue of the body.

Gangliosidosis – Infantile and Juvenile Forms

Gangliosidosis is a progressive genetic neurological disorder that results when a vital enzyme is missing. This inherited disorder progressively destroys nerve cells (neurons) in the brain and spinal cord. Children with Gangliosidosis begin to develop symptoms of the condition around the age of 18 months (infantile form) or 5 years (juvenile form).

Symptoms of this condition include poor muscle tone, enlargement of the liver and spleen, developmental regression, skeletal abnormalities, seizures and visual impairment or eventual blindness.

Nicolaides-Baraister Syndrome (NCBRS)

Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is another rare genetic disorder. Symptoms of the disease typically include intellectual disability, short stature, seizures, sparse hair, and short fingers and toes with prominent joints.

Rubinstein-Tybai Syndrome

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is another condition characterized by short stature intellectual disability, and distinctive facial features. It can also include eye abnormalities, heart and kidney defects, dental problems, and obesity.

While there is no cure for this disease treatments can be used to manage problems and symptoms commonly associated with the condition. So, the prognosis is often better than for other inherited diseases of a similar nature.

Secondary Adenocarcinoma of the Brain

Secondary brain cancer is also called metastatic brain cancer- and refers to brain cancer that has spread to another part or parts of the body.

This is the most common condition added to the Compassionate Allowance list in 2020 and is about ten times more common than primary brain cancer, which starts in the brain.

Applying for Social Security Compassionate Allowance

The Compassionate Allowances program quickly identifies Social Security claims that qualify for disability benefits. As of 2020 more than 600,000 people with severe disabilities were “fast tracked” through this program.

As long as the Social Security applicant has supplied sufficient medical records and documentation to demonstrate that they have a condition on the Compassionate Allowance list, they do not have to take any additional steps and should be approved for benefits with a rapid determination.

Social Security Attorneys | Compassionate Allowance

If you or a loved one is suffering from one of these disabilities, our experienced and compassionate Social Security lawyers can help you request a Quick Disability Determination (“QDD”). Our Social Security lawyers can also help you understand if your diagnosis alone automatically qualifies you for Social Security benefits and/or if you still must submit proof of severity.

Our experienced and compassionate Social Security lawyers understand that you are facing unprecedented challenges as you deal with one of these devastating conditions. We are here to listen to your concerns and assist you in getting the maximum Social Security Disability Benefits for which you qualify, as quickly as possible.

Social Security Disability Attorney Consultation: 800-964-8047