Disability Benefits for Huntington's Disease

How SSA Evaluates Huntington's Disease Under Listing 11.17

Huntington's disease is an inherited disorder that progressively damages nerve cells in the brain, causing involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and mood changes. SSA evaluates it under Blue Book listing 11.17 for neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, which can be met in one of two ways.

• 11.17A — disorganization of motor function. An extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities, meaning major, lasting loss of control of the movement of at least two limbs.
• 11.17B — physical plus mental limitation. A marked limitation in physical functioning together with a marked limitation in one area of mental functioning — understanding or using information, interacting with others, concentrating and keeping pace, or managing yourself.

Because Huntington's combines movement problems (chorea and loss of coordination) with cognitive and psychiatric symptoms, both the motor and the mental paths are important. SSA looks at how the disease affects daily functioning over time as it progresses. Adult Huntington's disease is on SSA's Compassionate Allowances list, so a documented diagnosis flags the claim for expedited handling. A confirmed family history and genetic testing help establish the diagnosis, and statements from family about movement, thinking, and behavior round out the record.

Medical Evidence for a Huntington's Disease Claim

These claims are built on a firm diagnosis plus documentation of movement and cognitive decline. SSA will look for:

• Genetic testing confirming the Huntington's gene expansion, or a clear clinical diagnosis with family history.
• Neurological exam findings — chorea, impaired balance and coordination, and difficulty with gait and hand use.
• Cognitive and psychiatric records — testing or notes documenting memory, judgment, mood, and behavior changes.
• Function reports from family describing problems with movement, self-care, and daily tasks.

Ask the treating neurologist to describe how the involuntary movements and cognitive changes limit standing, walking, using the hands, concentrating, and interacting with others. Because Huntington's affects both body and mind, a record that captures the motor symptoms and the mental changes together gives the fullest and most persuasive picture of the disease.

Qualifying Through an RFC Assessment

If the listing is not yet met, SSA assesses residual functional capacity (RFC) for both physical and mental work. The involuntary movements of Huntington's interfere with standing, walking, balance, and the steady use of the hands, making tasks that require coordination, precision, or safety around equipment very difficult. Speech and swallowing can also be affected.

On the mental side, declining memory, judgment, and processing speed limit the ability to learn tasks, concentrate, and keep pace, while mood and behavior changes can affect getting along with coworkers and supervisors. SSA combines these physical and mental limits into an RFC and compares it to past work. Because Huntington's is progressive and affects movement, thinking, and behavior at the same time, the combined limitations typically rule out sustained full-time work as the disease advances.

Tips for a Stronger Huntington's Claim

• Use the Compassionate Allowances path. Adult Huntington's is on SSA's expedited list, so make sure the diagnosis is clearly documented.
• Provide genetic testing or a clear clinical diagnosis with family history to confirm the disease.
• Document both movement and thinking. Record chorea and balance problems along with memory, judgment, and mood changes.
• Gather family statements about daily difficulties with movement, self-care, and behavior.
• See a neurologist regularly so the progression of the disease is tracked over time.