The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as a qualifying disability. An MS diagnosis alone, however, is not enough to guarantee an approval for disability benefits.
In addition to a diagnosis from a treating medical provider, a claimant must apply for disability benefits and include supporting medical and work history evidence. This can include extensive medical records and more, depending on the individual’s situation.
Only 30% of disability claims are approved each year but claimants who work with a MS disability lawyer have higher success rates than those who file alone. Along with providing consultative advice and guidance on the strength of your claim, disability attorneys ensure all SSA requirements are met without delay to avoid administrative hiccups.
The Charlotte Social Security disability lawyers at Collins Price have the experience and compassion necessary to help individuals file for benefits. Additionally, if your application has been denied at initial stages, which is common, the team can file any subsequent appeals.
Why Does MS Qualify for Disability Benefits?
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It’s extremely debilitating. Individuals living with MS experience dysfunction in their immune system. Instead of protecting the body, their immune system attacks the protective coverings surrounding the nervous system. This harms communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
When nerves lose their protective coating, the whole nervous system is at risk for attack. This creates a continuous state of inflammation resulting in excruciating pain and possible paralyzation. Because of the severity of the symptoms involved, the SSA recognized Multiple Sclerosis as a chronic impairment with symptoms that can lead to long-term disability and the inability to work.
Symptoms of MS
While there is no cure for MS, treatments are available to help manage flare-ups and improve recovery time. Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Chronic body pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Impaired memory
- Impaired motor skills
- Tremors
- Vision problems
These symptoms can be severe enough to prohibit day-to-day function completely, and can render one unable to sustain gainful employment. Because there are different kinds of Multiple Sclerosis and symptoms can vary from person to person, we highly recommend seeking a disability attorney to help with your claim.
Applying for Multiple Sclerosis Disability
Your chances of being approved for disability benefits may be high if there is sufficient evidence included with your claim. You must prove you are unable to work due to MS symptoms, and that treatments have been extensive but not helpful. In addition to this, your work history must be lengthy enough to demonstrate you’ve earned sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits.
Generally speaking, the more medical evidence you include with your claim, the better your chance of approval. Strong medical evidence includes results from multiple brain scans, progress notes for attempted treatments, eyewitness notes from caregivers, and observations from friends and family members.
The SSA will look for proof of marked limitations in the following areas:
- Applying learned information
- Concentration
- Memory
- Conversation/Understanding
- Personal interactions
- Physical functions
This is an area where detailed, documented observations from treating medical providers is very helpful. Physical proof needed may include any or all of the following:
- Blood tests
- Evoked Potential Tests
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Spinal taps
When deciphering what types of evidence to obtain, your Social Security disability attorney will encourage you to work closely with your treating medical provider. This provider’s support is critical when ordering additional labs, scans, or testing to confirm a work impairment.
If your Multiple Sclerosis has rendered you unable to work, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. We work with claimants at every stage of the process – from initial application to an appeal at hearing. As always, there’s no fee for our services unless we win your claim.
