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Mosaic Down Syndrome and Qualifying for Disability Benefits

Down syndrome is a fairly common disability, but many people do not realize that there are two different types. The kind of Down syndrome a person has can determine their eligibility to collect Social Security Disability benefits. 

The first type is non-mosaic Down syndrome, and it is the most common; more than 98 percent of individuals with Down syndrome have the non-mosaic variety. Non-mosaic Down syndrome is when you have an extra copy of chromosome 21 in every cell of your body. That extra chromosome can affect the mental, neurological, and skeletal systems. Individuals will frequently suffer from heart disease, impaired vision, hearing problems, and other conditions. A person with non-mosaic Down syndrome is considered disabled from birth. 

The second type of Down syndrome is called mosaic. Mosaic Down syndrome is when only some of the cells in the body carry extra copies of chromosome 21. The other cells are normal. Mosaic Down syndrome is extremely rare and can range from very severe and disabling, to so mild it goes undetected by doctors. The Social Security Administration says that they evaluate adults with confirmed mosaic Down syndrome “under the listing criteria in any affected body system(s) on an individual case basis.” 

If you have mosaic Down syndrome, your disabilities should be well documented by medical professionals, including how they affect you when you try to work. Many individuals will complete their SSDI or SSI application with the help of a Social Security lawyer in Lancaster. Camp Hill and Harrisburg disabled individuals often seek help from Schmidt Kramer when completing their disability applications or after their applications have been denied. If you need assistance with your Social Security Disability benefits, contact Schmidt Kramer for a free consultation at (717) 888-8888.