Unfair Disability Denials: What You Should Know About Your Rare Medical Condition

If the SSA or Social Security Administration unfairly denies your disability claim because it doesn't recognize your rare medical condition, you need to consult an attorney right away. The SSA denies over 70 percent of first-time disability claims each year. A number of the denials pertain to medical conditions the administration deems unrecognizable according to its stringent approval standards. If this happens to you, you can fight back. Here are things you should understand and know about your case.

What Is a Rare Health Condition and Why Do You Need a Disability Attorney?

One of the most critical mistakes many first-time disability claim filers make is applying for benefits without an attorney's advice or assistance. This mistake can cost you the benefits you need to support your family, pay bills, or to cover the extensive medical expenses you incur because of your disability. The problems become worse if the health condition you have is rare or uncommon.

According to NORD, or the National Organization for Rare Disorders, rare health condition refers to a disease, disorder and ailment that affect less than 200,000 adults, teens and children who live in the United States. NORD currently tracts and documents almost 7,000 of these uncommon conditions each year. However, the SSA only recognizes 50 of these rare medical diseases and disorders.

The list includes conditions such as aplastic anemia and Alpers disease. These types of conditions damage the:

  • immune system's lymph cells that fight off deadly bacteria and viruses that cause diseases
  • blood system's ability to regenerate and make new blood cells
  • nervous system's spinal fluids and nerve cells

If the SSA doesn't have your condition on the list, you may face a denied disability claim each time you appeal. Keep in mind that you generally have two chances to appeal a denial and win after your initial application. A qualified and professional disability lawyer may have the ability to change the outcome of your second or third disability claim.

Why Does Your Attorney Need Specific Documentation of Your Rare Condition?

The most effective way to appeal a denied disability claim is to document every test, procedure and medication used to diagnose and treat your rare condition. If you see multiple physicians for your health condition, it's critical that your attorney contact each doctor and obtain every bit of information that pertains specifically to your case.

Although every disability lawyer uses different methods to secure the proper documentation for denied cases, your attorney may also consult with research specialists about your condition. Rare disorders and diseases typically require extensive research, such as years of laboratory testing and studies, to develop the medications and procedures needed to control, manage or treat them.

Traditional methods like antibiotics and pain medications may not work for uncommon medical conditions. The body's cells, tissues and organs may reject the drugs or procedures before they have a chance to work. In addition, some conditions may cause the cells of the body to change or die over time. A number of research organizations perform ongoing medical trials in order to develop treatments that work for clients with rare conditions. 

All of this information is pertinent to winning your disability benefits. If you don't hire the right attorney to get the documentation you need, you may end up paying out-of-pocket for the expenses. Once you do hire the best lawyer for your case, you can appeal your denied claim.

What Happens When You Appeal Your Denied Disability Claim?

The appeal process may not go as fast or smoothly as you want it to. In some cases, it may take six months to a year before you receive an answer to your second claim. During this time, your disability lawyer may require that you continue your medical care and visits.

The SSA may also send you to specialists for medical care. The administration may want its own physicians to examine you and document or verify your rare condition. If this happens, you should keep every appointment, or you risk an immediate denial for not cooperating with the SSA.

If you have questions about your denied disability claim, contact your attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait to appeal, the longer it may take to receive the medical care and benefits you deserve.Continue here for additional info on finding an attorney.


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