Multiple Sclerosis:
Many Social Security Disability claimants struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
SSD Criteria
What is the Social Security Administration (SSA) looking for when deciding whether your MS qualifies you for benefits? SSA wants to know about your:
1. Motor Function
- Do you suffer from a disorganization of motor function in two extremities that has resulted in chronic disturbance of your gross and dexterous movements or gait?
2. Eyesight
- Do you suffer from visual impairment that results in vision of 20/200 or less?
3. Mental Impairment
- Do you suffer from mental impairment that prevents you from maintaining full-time work activity?
4. Fatigue and Weakness
- Do you suffer from reproducible fatigue of motor function with substantial muscle weakness when performing repetitive activity?
- Can this fatigue and weakness be demonstrated on physical examination and/or by results from neurological dysfunction in the areas of the central nervous system that are known to be pathologically involved by the multiple sclerosis process?
You do NOT need to prove ALL of the above limitations. You will need to provide medical evidence documenting that your condition meets at least ONE of the above-mentioned limitations.
Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis
To qualify under the multiple sclerosis listing, you must first have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The following tests may used to determine MS:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This test can give positive proof of demyelination caused by multiple sclerosis.
- The spinal tap or lumbar puncture. When a person has MS, the myelin basic proteins are usually elevated along with other antibodies.
- Ectroencephalograph (EEG), computerized axial tomography (CT scans), and x-rays. These are not conclusive tests for MS and are usually given in conjunction with MRI scans and spinal taps.
SSD Attorney
Because it is essential that you have all of your medical documentation and paperwork in perfect order, you may want to consider hiring an SSD attorney. SSD attorneys understand what the SSA needs to see in order to approve your case for benefits. There is no cost for hiring an SSD attorney unless you receive a favorable decision from the SSA. (If you don’t win, you don’t usually pay attorney fees.)
Does you need help with your SSDI/SSI appeal and hearing? If so, please contact Deborah at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC. Call (501) 247-1830.
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this website is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.
Originally published: February 04, 2014 at thehardinlawfirm.com.
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