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Fort Lauderdale Workers' Compensation Lawyer > Blog > Uncategorized > Florida Down Syndrome Patients Eligible For Social Security Benefits

Florida Down Syndrome Patients Eligible For Social Security Benefits

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong mental retardation and significant developmental delays. People with Down syndrome are also at risk for developing congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, hearing problems, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions.

Individuals with this genetic condition are often able to contribute to society in meaningful ways. However, Down syndrome often makes it very difficult, and near impossible, for some individuals to find employment and earn a living. For this reason, South Floridians diagnosed with Down syndrome are often eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.

Down Syndrome Physical Traits

  • Low muscle tone
  • Small stature
  • Small head
  • Short neck
  • Protruding tongue
  • Flattened facial features
  • Upward slant of eyes
  • Deep crease across palm

Down Syndrome: What is it?

A healthy fertilized egg has 23 pairs of chromosomes. Down syndrome is a condition that presents physical and mental symptoms that usually result from having three copies of Chromosome 21, instead of only two.

Down Syndrome: 3 Types

  1. Non-Mosaic Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21: More than 90% of Down syndrome cases. This type results from abnormal cell division during the egg and sperm cells.

  2. Mosaic Down Syndrome: This type results from abnormal cell division after fertilization and is only prevalent in less 5% of cases.

  3. Translocation Down Syndrome: This rare type results when only part of chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome before conception.

Down Syndrome: Who gets it?

While Down syndrome is genetic, is not inherited. It’s caused by problems that occur during cell division. Less than 2% of individuals diagnosed with Translocation Down syndrome have inherited it from a parent. Mothers over the age of 35 are more at risk for having a baby with Down syndrome because their eggs are more likely to have problems during cell division.

Down Syndrome: What other complications do they have?

  1. Congenital heart defects-may require surgery and can be life threatening
  2. Sleep apnea-their airways are obstructed due to soft tissue and skeletal issues
  3. Pneumonia-due to problems with immune system
  4. Childhood leukemia
  5. Early dementia
  6. Obesity

Down Syndrome: Does it qualify for Social Security Benefits?

Since Down syndrome produces mild to severe mental retardation, individuals with this condition often find it difficult or impossible to retain gainful employment. People who have a diagnosis of Non-Mosaic Down syndrome automatically qualify for disability benefits from the SSA. To receive benefits, the individual will need to show proof of the lab report labeled karyotype chromosomal analysis.

Get Help for Down Syndrome!

To assist you or a loved one in the accuracy of your Social Security claim for Down syndrome, it is important to talk with an experienced South Florida Social Security disability attorney. We can help you prepare your paperwork to get the results you are looking for.

If you need assistance to file your claim for Social Security disability claim, the Law Offices of David Benenfeld is here to help. For or a free legal consultation and book call today: 954-677-0155. Can’t Work? Maneuvering the Social Security Disability Claim’s Maze.

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