Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disorder affecting primarily the lungs and digestive system. CF is caused by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis conductance regulator (CFCR) gene. This gene works to create sweat, mucus, and your digestive enzymes. Symptoms include growing problems, frequent lung infections, and difficulty breathing. When a newborn is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and they have obstructions in their intestines, they will most likely require surgery. In the past, these children may have died within the first year of their lives, but thanks to medical improvements, these children will make it to adulthood.
Although there is no known cure, the quality of life of those affected has been made much better due to modern advancements. Cystic Fibrosis is considered a disability under the social security disability blue book listing 3.04 (www.ssa.gov). In order to meet the social security disability listing, one must be able to prove one of the following conditions:
• Episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia or hemoptysis (more than bloodstreaked sputum) or respiratory failure (documented according to 3.00C, requiring physician intervention, occurring at least once every 2 months or at least six times a year
• Persistent pulmonary infection accompanied by superimposed, recurrent, symptomatic episodes of increased bacterial infection occurring at least once every 6 months and requiring intravenous or nebulization antimicrobial therapy.
If you or your child suffer from Cystic Fibrosis, contact Tallahassee Disability Attorney Matt Liebenhaut. Our office serves Tallahassee and the surrounding areas of North Florida and South Georgia.