FULL LIST: US Social Security adds 14 rare diseases to fast-track disability list

The United States Social Security Administration has added 14 rare and serious medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, allowing people diagnosed with the conditions to receive faster decisions on disability benefit claims.

The latest additions bring the total number of conditions covered under the programme to 314.

The Compassionate Allowances initiative, introduced in 2008, is designed to quickly identify people with severe medical conditions who qualify for disability benefits. The SSA said the programme has helped more than 1.2 million people obtain faster decisions on their claims.

SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the programme was intended to reduce delays for applicants dealing with life-changing medical conditions.

The 14 newly added conditions are: Adenylosuccinate Lyase Deficiency – Neonatal Form and Type 1, Aicardi Syndrome, Baraitser-Winter Syndrome, Beare-Stevenson Cutis Gyrata Syndrome, Bohring-Opitz Syndrome, CASK-Related Gene Disorders Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma

Others include; Lafora Disease, Malignant Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy, OPHN1 Syndrome, Primary Cardiac Sarcoma, Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma, Uveal Melanoma with Metastases, and Warburg Micro Syndrome.

The SSA said applicants must submit relevant medical records and other evidence supporting their disability claims.

The agency also uses electronic medical records through its Health Information Technology programme to facilitate faster processing and decisions.

The Compassionate Allowances criteria apply to claims under both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

SSI provides monthly payments to eligible people aged 65 or older, as well as people who are blind or disabled and have limited income and financial resources.

SSDI provides benefits to people whose disabilities prevent or substantially limit their ability to work and who have accumulated sufficient work credits.

The SSA said eligible beneficiaries could receive monthly payments, while some SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicare.

The agency advised applicants to consult its official website for detailed eligibility requirements and the complete list of conditions covered by the Compassionate Allowances programme.