You’ve possibly never heard of Williams Syndrome. That’s because it’s an extremely rare genetic condition characterized by cardiovascular disease, high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia), developmental delays, sensitive hearing (hyperacusis), joint stiffness (contractures), and learning disabilities that appear in persons who also – surprisingly – have high verbal abilities, extroverted personalities, and a strong affinity for music. Williams Syndrome affects about one in 10,000 people globally and an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States. If you hope to receive Social Security disability benefits in southern California on the basis of Williams Syndrome, it won’t be easy, but it can sometimes be accomplished with the help of an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyer.
Williams Syndrome is not listed as an impairment by the Social Security Administration (SSA), so you cannot automatically receive benefits just because you suffer from the condition. However, one tactic a disability attorney can use is to demonstrate that Williams Syndrome is analogous to a listed impairment. In other words, your attorney can insist that you are just as disabled, and that Williams Syndrome is just as disabling, as other conditions already listed by the SSA. Your attorney may want to focus on the cardiovascular aspect of Williams Syndrome, or your attorney may choose to stress your difficulties with daily activities such as getting dressed, bathing, eating, and taking medication. Maintaining concentration is also difficult for those suffering Williams Syndrome.
While it’s possible for someone with Williams Syndrome to win disability benefits, it’s going to require a lot of evidence and explanation. It’s also going to take a disability attorney who has experience representing clients with a number of different disabling medical conditions. If you are a Williams Syndrome patient and you need to receive disability benefits in southern California, discuss your condition and your options as soon as possible with an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyer.