How are growth impairments determined for SSA disability benefits?

Although your child’s height may not seem like a huge concern for his overall well-being, significant delays or rapid growth could be signs of underlying health conditions. This does not mean that just because your child is shorter than his friends, he has a disorder. In fact, in most people, height is determined by parental height—so if you and your wife are on the shorter side, it stands to reason that your child will be also.

However, extremely short stature or delayed puberty could be signs of pituitary problems, genetic disorders, or glandular conditions that could wind up affecting your child throughout his life. This is why it is important to recognize possible growth impairments in your child and to know what to do in order to get him the help he will need when growing to adulthood.

Diagnosing Growth Impairments for Disability

Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can help make the difference between your child growing up healthy and suffering the consequences of growth defects. However, in order for your child’s disorder to be approved, it must be proven to be an actual disorder, not just the normal result of parental height genetics.

This is why when determining growth impairments for disability, height factors are based upon comparisons of the following:

  • Current height with at least three previous determinations (including length at birth, if available)
  • Standard growth chart recordings (WHO growth standardsand CDC growth charts)
  • Adult heights of the child's natural parents as well as the heights and ages of siblings

If these comparisons show a compelling difference in height and development, your child could be suffering from a growth impairment. Further tests should be used to diagnose the origin of the impairment in order to determine the severity of the issue and whether it can qualify for disability benefits.

The Boost Your Child Needs to Get the Benefits He Deserves

When your child is diagnosed with a growth disorder the next step you should take to protect his future is to file a disability claim. Disability can help pay for treatments as well as help you and your family care for him throughout his childhood. However, applying for disability and being accepted are too very different things.

Dedicated legal representation, such as ourselves, can make sure you have the required tests and documentation before applying. So, before filing, contact us for a free consultation. You’ll see how we can help you and your family get the support and guidance you need to properly pursue your child’s disability claim. Trust us—he’ll be glad you did.

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Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

John L. Keefe
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Founding Attorney, Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyer