Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition in a child that results from alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome causes brain damage and growth problems. The problems caused by fetal alcohol syndrome vary from child to child, but defects caused by fetal alcohol syndrome are not reversible. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 10.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Qualify for Disability?
Fetal alcohol syndrome is grouped together with other conditions that result in birth defects, developmental delays, and mental retardation in the SSA’s Blue Book. Fetal alcohol syndrome is mentioned specifically in Paragraph C.2 of Section 10.00 Multiple Body Systems – Adult and in Paragraph C.2 of Section 110.00 Multiple Body – Childhood.
In order to apply for disability benefits based on a diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome, your medical records should 1) confirm the diagnosis, 2) detail your symptoms, and 3) document the limitations that each symptom imposes on you. The SSA bases its rulings for disability benefits on how you are able to function, despite your condition, the severity of your condition, and the treatments that are available to you. SSA terms this your “residual functional capacity,” and it is therefore important when you file for disability benefits that your records address your residual functional capacity by illustrating the limitations your condition imposes. If the limitations imposed by your disability prevent you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
