If you have multiple sclerosis, the SSA’s Blue Book can help you decide what medical evidence you need to support your claim for Social Security benefits. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting the central nervous system.
Some people may only experience mild symptoms like numbness and tingling while others may be completely paralyzed. If you suffer the severest effects of multiple sclerosis you may be eligible for social security disability benefits.
How the Blue Book Can Help You Medically Qualify with Multiple Sclerosis
The Blue Book is compiled by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which has lists of medical conditions which entitle victims to get social security disability benefits. If a claimant’s condition is so serious and he or she is permanently disabled the disability assessor will look up multiple sclerosis in the Blue Book to determine if the claimant meets the eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
Multiple sclerosis is listed in section 11.09 of the Blue Book, but because it may affect different parts of the body the claimant’s symptoms may appear in different lists such as under the psychological impairment listings found in section 12.02. If the right evidence is provided a victim of multiple sclerosis may qualify for disability benefits.
What Medical Evidence Do I Need to Win a Multiple Sclerosis Claim?
The more evidence you provide describing the effects of multiple sclerosis in your disability benefit’s application, the better chance you will have to qualify for disability benefits.
When filing your application there are several bits of evidence you will need to back up your claim which are the following:
- a description of your multiple sclerosis, including your symptoms and how the disease is progressing;
- a medical report from your neurologist after conducting an in depth physical and neurological examination;
- proof that you have difficulties with moving your legs, arms, fingers, wrists, hands or shoulders;
- proof that you find it hard to move from a seated to a standing position and you have difficulties with balance when trying to walk;
- problems you may have breathing including using an assistive breathing device like a CPAP machine.
Your doctor needs to provide information about medications you are taking and how you are responding. This includes:
- the IV therapy you need and its side-effects;
- the physical therapy you are receiving;
- the mental health treatment that you are being given including reports from your psychologist.
You can use the Blue Book to help determine what evidence your claim will need.
Help Filing for Disability Benefits with Multiple Sclerosis
A lawyer may be able to assist in helping you with your application for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis, particularly using relevant information found in the Blue Book. Your lawyer can ensure you have all the evidence you need to prove that you are disabled by multiple sclerosis so that you get your disability benefits’ entitlements. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation above to get in touch with an independent, participating lawyer who subscribes to the website.
