Chicago Huntington’s Disease Attorneys

Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder caused by a defect on chromosome 4, which causes the nerve cells on certain parts of the brain to deteriorate.  There are two types of Huntington’s disease: adult-onset Huntington’s disease and early-onset Huntington’s disease.  Adult-onset Huntington’s disease, in which symptoms typically develop when a person is in their mid-30s and 40s, is the more common form of the disease.  Early-onset Huntington’s disease accounts for only a small number of cases and begins in childhood or adolescence.

Huntington’s disease is passed down from generation to generation.  If an individual’s parent has Huntington’s disease, he or she has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene responsible for Huntington’s disease, which means that the individual will develop the disease at some point in his or her life, and can pass it on to his or her children.

Individuals with Huntington’s disease may suffer from a number of symptoms, including:

• Behavioral changes, such as hallucinations, irritability, moodiness, restlessness, paranoia and psychosis
• Abnormal movements, such as facial grimaces, sudden jerking movements, and unsteady gait
• Deteriorating dementia, such as disorientation, confusion, loss of judgment and memory, and changes in speech or personality

Huntington’s disease is a progressively deteriorating disease and, as the disease worsens, an individual may become unable to work as a result of his or her medical condition.  If you have been diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and are unable to work as a result of your condition, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).  In order to be eligible for either type of disability benefit, you must have a physical or mental medical condition that prevents you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity” and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities.  If a medical condition is not on this list, however, that does not mean that an applicant is necessarily disqualified for social security disability benefits.  Rather, the applicant must prove that the medical condition reduces his or her residual functional capacity to the extent that employment is not possible.  The severity of Huntington’s disease necessary to be eligible for social security disability benefits is set forth in Section 11.17 of the SSA “Listing of Medical Impairments.”

As a skilled Chicago disability law firm, Ankin Law can guide you through the entire disability application process to ensure that the appropriate medical and vocational information is included with your social security disability application.  After your application is filed, our Chicago social security disability attorneys will closely monitor the status of your claim and promptly notify you of any developments or requests for additional information.  If necessary, we will prepare you for, and advocate on your behalf at, your social security disability benefits hearing.

If you or a loved one suffers from Huntington’s disease, contact Ankin Law at (872) 529-9377 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Chicago disability attorneys to discuss a possible disability claim.