Does Multiple Sclerosis Qualify for Social Security Disability?

 Posted on May 05, 2023 in Social Security Disability

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness, fatigue, coordination problems, and a variety of other symptoms. It can be a debilitating condition that can greatly impact a person's ability to work and carry out daily activities. As a result, many MS patients apply for Social Security disability benefits to help support themselves and their families. However, navigating the Social Security disability application process can be daunting, and those who are seeking benefits will need to understand the criteria considered by Social Security in order to maximize their chances of being approved for disability benefits.

Factors Considered by Social Security for People With MS

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, an applicant must demonstrate that they have a medically determinable impairment that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. This means that their condition must be severe enough to significantly limit their ability to work and earn an income. When it comes to MS, the Social Security Administration (SSA) includes this condition in its Listing of Impairments, and if certain criteria are met, a person will be considered to be disabled, allowing them to qualify for disability benefits.

The Listing of Impairments categorizes multiple sclerosis as a neurological disorder, and a person will be considered disabled if they have an interference in the ability to move at least two extremities, including the legs, feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, or fingers. These issues must cause extreme limitations in the ability to move from sitting to standing or to maintain balance while standing or walking without the assistance of items such as crutches or a walker. Extreme limitations may also affect the ability to perform movements with the arms and hands and complete work-related tasks, such as an inability to grip, pinch, handle objects, reach in different directions, push and pull, or lift and carry items.

"Marked" limitations in physical and mental functioning may also qualify a person for disability benefits. In these cases, a person must have significant limitations on their ability to initiate and sustain physical activities while working. They must also show that they have serious limitations on their ability to understand and apply information, interact appropriately with other people, maintain a consistent pace of work while concentrating on tasks, or adapt to changes in the workplace.

People who do not meet the criteria for disability under the listing for MS may still qualify for disability benefits based on other symptoms they have experienced. These may include vision impairments due to abnormalities of the eyes or optic nerves that are caused by MS, as well as mental disorders such as anxiety or depression that may result from damage to the nervous system.

In cases where MS symptoms are particularly severe and debilitating, a person may qualify for benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowance program. This program is designed to expedite the application process for individuals with severely disabling conditions, and malignant multiple sclerosis is included as one of these conditions. This form of MS may be diagnosed through analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, MRI tests, and other tests that detect lesions in the central nervous system and physical changes in the brain.

Contact Our Dallas Social Security Disability Attorneys for MS

It is important to note that a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis does not guarantee approval for Social Security disability benefits. If MS has affected your ability to earn an income and support yourself, you can work with an experienced Collin County Social Security disability lawyer to file an application and maximize your chances of approval. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we can help you submit the proper medical records and other evidence to show that you are disabled, and if your claim is denied, we can help you navigate the complex appeals process, advocating for you to receive the benefits you need. To arrange a free case evaluation, contact our office today at 972-671-9922.

Sources:

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm#11_09

https://nms2cdn.azureedge.net/cmssite/nationalmssociety/media/msnationalfiles/brochures/guidebook-social-security-disability-for-people-with-ms.pdf

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0423022620