When Florida parents are considering Social Security disability, it’s important to know the criteria that must be met to receive approval for benefits. When there are childhood problems, parents need to understand what needs to be shown for benefits to be given. If a child has a growth impairment, that alone could be the foundation to be found disabled.
The determination as to whether there is a growth impairment is based on the comparison of the child’s height with at least three previous determinations. The child’s length when he or she was born – if it is available – will be used. There are growth charts that are also used to compare the prototypically “normal” range for children of various ages vs. what is present in the child who might qualify for disability. The height of the child will be measured without shoes being worn. The height of the child’s parents and siblings will also be factored in.
Another factor is bone age. The medical requirements for measuring bone will be based on standard practices and image procedures. X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs as well as other imaging processes will be part of the determination. If the child is in the 15 percentiles in height and that height is sustained or if the height falls beneath the third percentile, then there is a possibility that there will be a growth issue that can lead to disability benefits.
If there is a growth impairment with a fall of more than 25 percentiles and the height is sustained or the bone age is larger than two standard deviations when compared with the average for the child’s chronological age, then it is possible for benefits to be approved. Parents who are concerned about their child’s growth should speak to an experienced legal professional about pursing Social Security disability benefits.
Source: SSA.gov, “Growth Impairment – Childhood,” accessed on Jan. 6, 2015
