Imagine waking up one morning with blurred vision and numbness in your legs. After a series of tests, your doctor delivers the devastating news: you have multiple sclerosis (MS). As the reality of your diagnosis sinks in, you wonder how you'll manage the unpredictable symptoms and mounting medical expenses.
If your MS prevents you from working, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide a critical lifeline. However, the application process is involved, and many claims are initially denied. This is where the guidance of a skilled Social Security disability lawyer can make all the difference.
At Phillip M. Hendry Attorney at Law, we understand the unique challenges individuals with MS face when applying for SSDI. Our experienced legal team is here to help you through the application process and fight for the benefits you deserve. Learn more about Social Security disability eligibility for multiple sclerosis and how we can assist you.
Understanding the Social Security Disability Listing for Multiple Sclerosis
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains the “Blue Book,” a list of impairments that qualify for disability benefits if specific criteria are met. Multiple sclerosis is listed under Section 11.09 of the neurological disorders section. To meet the listing, you must have a definitive diagnosis of MS and one of the following:
- Disorganization of motor function. Severe and ongoing difficulty controlling movement in two limbs, leading to trouble with gross motor skills, fine motor skills, walking, or standing.
- Visual impairment. Significant and persistent visual impairment, with either visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye after best correction or a visual field limitation in your better eye.
- Mental impairment. Significant and persistent mental impairment, characterized by marked limitations in understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself.
- Marked limitation of physical functioning. Significant and persistent limitation in physical functioning and one of the following: understanding, remembering, or applying information; interacting with others; concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or adapting or managing oneself.
Meeting the specific criteria outlined in the MS listing can be challenging, especially given the variable nature of the disease. Even if you don't meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI benefits if your MS symptoms prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
Proving Your MS Prevents You From Working
If your MS doesn't meet the Blue Book listing, the SSA will evaluate your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if you can perform your past work or any other type of work. Your RFC assessment will consider the combined effects of all your impairments, including any symptoms or limitations caused by your MS.
Some common MS symptoms that can impact your ability to work include:
- Fatigue. Overwhelming tiredness that interferes with daily activities and worsens with heat or exertion.
- Mobility issues. Difficulty walking, balancing, or coordinating movements due to muscle weakness, spasticity, or tremors.
- Cognitive changes. Problems with memory, concentration, attention, or processing information.
- Vision problems. Blurred or double vision, eye pain, or partial or complete vision loss.
- Sensory disturbances. Numbness, tingling, or pain in various parts of the body.
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction. Frequent urination, incontinence, or constipation.
To prove that your MS prevents you from working, you'll need to provide extensive medical evidence documenting your diagnosis, symptoms, functional limitations, and treatment history. This may include medical records, imaging scans, laboratory results, and statements from your treating physicians.
How a Social Security Disability Lawyer Can Help
Applying for SSDI with multiple sclerosis can be a daunting process. The SSA's numerous regulations and strict evidentiary requirements can easily overwhelm someone already struggling with the challenges of a chronic illness. A knowledgeable Social Security disability lawyer can ease your burden and improve your chances of success.
At Phillip M. Hendry Attorney at Law, we offer personalized support at every stage of the SSDI application process.
- Eligibility. We'll review your medical history and work background to determine if you meet the SSA's requirements for disability benefits.
- Supporting evidence. We'll work with your healthcare providers to collect the medical evidence needed to support your claim, including records that demonstrate the severity and progression of your MS.
- Application. We'll help you with the SSA's complex paperwork and ensure your application is complete and accurate before filing.
- Appeals: If your initial application is denied, we'll request a hearing before an administrative law judge and present a compelling case on your behalf. If necessary, we'll pursue appeals to the Appeals Council or federal court to fight for the benefits you deserve.
Living with multiple sclerosis is challenging enough without the added stress of the Social Security disability system. When you work with Phillip M. Hendry, Attorney at Law, you gain an experienced advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the benefits you need to move forward with your life.