Trisomy X Syndrome (also referred to as XXX Syndrome) is caused by a chromosomal anomaly created by an extra x chromosome in the cells of the body. This condition only affects women and only happens in about one in every thousand births. While most of the women who are born with XXX Syndrome display very few symptoms, some cases can be severe in nature and may prevent a woman from being able to perform gainful work activity. In these cases, Social Security Disability benefits may be needed in order to financially provide for the individual suffering from the affects of Trisomy X Syndrome. If you know someone who is suffering from a severe case of XXX Syndrome and are wondering whether or not they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, the following information can help you understand how the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews claims based on this condition.
Trisomy X Syndrome (XXX Syndrome) - Condition and Symptoms
Trisomy X Syndrome occurs when a woman has an extra x chromosome in the cells of her body. In normal, healthy females there is a pair of xx chromosomes in each cell. Women with Trisomy X Syndrome have an additional chromosome in these cells, resulting in a xxx formation. In most cases of Trisomy X Syndrome, the xxx formation is found in each cell of the body, although some women are born with a mosaic version of the condition in which only some of the cells contain the xxx formation. In most cases women with the mosaic form of Trisomy X Syndrome will have fewer symptoms than those with the non-mosaic form of the condition.
In many cases there is no apparent difference between females with normal xx chromosomes and women with Trisomy X Syndrome. This is largely due to the fact that there is usually only one x chromosome active at any given time in a cell. However, in some cases, the Trisomy X Syndrome can result in adverse effects such as behavioral problems, poor coordination and mental retardation. There are also physical characteristics associated with the condition including unusual height, increased width between the eyes and a smaller head size.
Trisomy X Syndrome can be diagnosed via prenatal tests such as an amniocentesis. If testing is not done before the child is born, a karyotype test can be conducted to diagnose the condition once the child is born. Some of the individuals born with Trisomy X Syndrome are not diagnosed until adulthood, if ever at all.
There is no cure for Trisomy X Syndrome and there is no way to remove the extra x chromosome from the cells. In most cases, the symptoms of Trisomy X Syndrome are mild and can be treated with special education classes and various therapies. In some cases a woman living with Trisomy X Syndrome will not have any symptoms at all.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Mosaic and Non-Mosaic Down Syndrome
While there is no specific listing for Trisomy X Syndrome in the SSA's “Blue Book” of impairment listings, the condition is mentioned in Section 10.00 of the Blue Book under Multiple Body Systems – Adult and Section 110.00 under Multiple Body Systems – Childhood. Because there is no specific listing for the condition itself, it may be harder for an individual suffering from a severe case of Trisomy X Syndrome to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits as a result of Trisomy X Syndrome you will need to prove to the SSA that the condition completely prevents the applicant from being able to work. This can be done through medical records and physical and mental evaluations. If enough medical evidence is not provided with an application for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security examiner reviewing the case may request the applicant to undergo a consultative exam. It is important to understand, however, that the findings of the consultative exam do not usually hold enough weight to result in an approval of disability benefits. This is why it is important to obtain sufficient medical records prior to submitting a claim for Social Security Disability benefits.
Trisomy X Syndrome (XXX Syndrome) and Your Social Security Disability Case
It is important to understand that only about 30 percent of the applications received by the SSA are approved at the initial claim stage of the application process. Because of this, it is likely that an initial application for benefits due to Trisomy X Syndrome will be denied. If this happens you will need to file an appeal in order to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
If you are looking to file for disability benefits or have already been denied disability, you will want to consider retaining the services of a qualified disability attorney. Statistics show that the chances of filing a successful disability claim are increased with proper legal representation.