The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) has added 14 rare medical conditions to its Compassionate Allowances (CAL) list, allowing people diagnosed with the conditions to have their disability claims processed faster.

The latest additions bring the total number of conditions on the CAL list to 314. The initiative, launched in 2008, has helped more than 1.2 million people with severe disabilities receive faster decisions on their claims, according to the SSA.

SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the programme helps reduce delays for people facing life-changing medical diagnoses.

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

Lafora Disease

Malignant Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy

OPHN1 Syndrome

Primary Cardiac Sarcoma

Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma

Uveal Melanoma with Metastases

Warburg Micro Syndrome

The SSA said applicants with conditions on the CAL list must provide relevant medical records to support their claims. The agency also uses electronic medical records through its Health IT programme to help speed up the decision-making process.

The same CAL criteria are used when assessing applications for both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI provides monthly payments to eligible people who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled and have limited income and financial resources. SSDI, on the other hand, provides benefits to people whose disabilities prevent or significantly limit their ability to work and who have sufficient work history.

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

The agency urged applicants to check its official website for detailed eligibility requirements and the full list of Compassionate Allowances conditions. (Saturday Tribune)

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