Can You Qualify for SSD Benefits if You Have Down Syndrome?

If you have Down Syndrome you may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, whether you have Trisomy 21 or Mosaic Down Syndrome can impact the approval of your benefits.

SSD Benefits for Non-Mosaic Down Syndrome

If you can prove that you have non-mosaic Down Syndrome, you may be able to get automatic approval for SSD benefits by using the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing of Down Syndrome in its medical guide, also referred to as the Blue Book.

In order to provide sufficient evidence, there are specific listings under 10.06 of the Blue Book. Evidence that the SSA will accept includes the following:

• A physician-verified and signed karyotype analysis laboratory report.
• An unsigned karyotype laboratory report along with a statement signed by a doctor stating that the patient has Down Syndrome.
• A doctor report that indicates that the patient has chromosome 21 translocation or chromosome 21 trisomy, which is consistent with a previous karyotype analysis that shows Down Syndrome’s distinguishing physical appearance and features.
• A doctor’s report that shows that there is evidence that the applicant’s functional ability is consistent with non-mosaic Down Syndrome and that the applicant shares those traits.

SSD Benefits for Mosaic Down Syndrome

Unfortunately, those diagnosed with mosaic Down Syndrome don’t automatically receive approval for SSD benefits; Just being diagnosed with Down Syndrome doesn’t automatically meet the SSA’s requirements.

This is due to the fact that the condition of those who have been diagnosed with mosaic Down Syndrome can greatly differ. Therefore this individual is responsible for proving that his or her impairments are disabling. These physical and mental impairments will then be separately evaluated under the Blue Book’s appropriate listings.

Some examples of these impairments include:

• Intellectual disabilities or low IQ
• Thyroid problems
• Sleep apnea or other breathing disorders while asleep.
• Loss of hearing
• Congenital heart conditions

In order to prove your impairments and to support your assertion of limitations or restrictions, it will require supportive documentation, such as your medical records.

Medical-Vocational Allowance

If your Down Syndrome diagnosis fails to meet the requirements as listed in the Blue Book, you may still be able to qualify for disability benefits through a medical-vocational allowance. A medical-vocational allowance looks at many factors, such as your:

• Age
• Medical conditions
• Work history
• Education
• Skills

Then the SSA will complete your residual functional capacity (RFC) in order to determine which limitations an applicant has and whether he or she can still work given his or her conditions. If the RFC results in the SSA’s determination that the applicant is capable of performing a simple or sedentary job, SSD benefits may be denied. However, if the RFC results in the SSA’s determination that no work can be performed, the individual may be awarded disability benefits using the medical-vocational allowance.

The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents the ability to work, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!