On November 9, 2010 Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, hosted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the agency’s sixth public hearing on Compassionate Allowances. Commissioner Astrue joined Susan B. Shurin, Acting Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security officials in listening to testimony from some of the leading experts on cardiovascular disease and multiple organ transplants regarding possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for both adults and children.

“Compassionate Allowances and the Quick Disability Determination process are making a real difference for disabled Americans by ensuring those with devastating disabilities receive their benefit decisions quickly and accurately,” Commissioner Astrue said. “This fiscal year, about 150,000 people will benefit from these fast-track disability processes. With this hearing, we continue to look at broader categories of conditions to determine if a subset or certain diagnosis might clearly meet our disability standards and qualify as a Compassionate Allowance.”

Social Security implemented Compassionate Allowances in October 2008 to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security’s standards. There currently are 88 specific diseases and conditions that qualify as a Compassionate Allowance. To learn more and to view a web cast of the November 9th hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

The Center for Disease Control Estimates that 3.9 million (1.8%) Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and of those infected, 2.7 million are chronically infected. Hepatitis C is a blood borne illness that causes liver disease and causes a host of symptoms that can prevent someone from working. Common symptoms of the Hepatitis C virus (HVC) include jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and fatigue.

The two approved drugs for treating Hepatitis C are interferon and ribavirin. The current treatment of choice for Hepatitis C is a combination therapy using pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This combination therapy can eliminate the Hepatitis C virus (HVC) in 50% and 80% of patients. However, side effects can be debilitating and include fatigue, arthritis and joint pain, vision problems, and cognitive problems.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lists Hepatitis C under Digestive System – Chronic Liver Disease, on the list of impairments eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. In addition Social Security must consider the effects of medications used to treat Hepatitis C when making a determination as to Social Security Disability benefits. However, just being diagnosed with Hepatitis C or suffering from side effects from medication does not automatically qualify an infected person for Social Security Disability benefits.

Virginia Attorney Sheri Abrams, of the law firm of Needham Mitnick & Pollack PLC, has effectively assisted numerous clients in pursuing successful Social Security Disability claims related to Hepatitis C.

If you or someone you know suffers from liver disease brought on by Hepatitis C and you cannot work, please contact Attorney Sheri Abrams. She can be reached by phone at (703) 536-7778.