Approximately 400,000 people in the US have some form of multiple sclerosis, with the average age of onset and diagnosis being between 30 and 37 years of age. Due to the debilitating nature of the condition, it is not uncommon for an individual who has been diagnosed with the condition to be completely prevented from performing any type of work activity. This can cause significant financial hardship. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits can offset some of these financial burdens. If you have been diagnosed with Malignant Multiple Sclerosis and you are wondering how Social Security Disability can help, the following information will give you the insight you need in order to qualify for benefits under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Guidelines.
Malignant Multiple Sclerosis Condition and Symptoms
Malignant multiple sclerosis is a type of multiple sclerosis or MS. This form of the disease is also called Marburg Multiple Sclerosis or a Marburg Variant of Multiple Sclerosis. Malignant multiple sclerosis is an extremely aggressive form of multiple sclerosis and is considered very rare. This type of multiple sclerosis develops swiftly and initiates a relatively quick decline toward significant disability within weeks or months after an initial attack.
Multiple sclerosis, and any variants of the condition, are classified as autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks its own cellular structures and causes damage. Multiple sclerosis affects the body's central nervous system. To date, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, although treatment for symptoms may offer some relief and improved quality of life for those diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms of malignant multiple sclerosis involve a rapid progression of the disease characterized by loss of mobility, muscle function and cognition, resulting in severe disability. Most cases of malignant MS occur in younger individuals. In many cases, individuals who are diagnosed with malignant multiple sclerosis experience chronic and severe symptoms. Individuals react differently to the disabling condition, depending on the location and severity of damage to axon, myelin and nerves. Confusion, difficulty concentrating, cognitive impairment and poor attention spans are a few symptoms produced by the condition.
Neuralgia, tingling and numbness is also a common complaint, as is increased difficulty with muscle movement, coordination and mobility. Most individuals diagnosed with any form of multiple sclerosis experience fatigue and also experience seizures caused by legions in the brain.
Causes of Malignant Multiple Sclerosis
While the exact cause of malignant multiple sclerosis is unknown, it is known that this type of multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, and most specifically nerve axons, rather than the myelin sheath surrounding the axons. A nerve axon conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron cell. Axons connect with other cells through synapses, or junctions along which nerve signals and impulses travel. Axons are considered the major form of transmission or communication in the nervous system and are a major component of the nerves and nervous system. Malignant multiple sclerosis may also include more typical damage to not only the axon, but the myelin sheath that surrounds axons.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Malignant Multiple Sclerosis
It is widely known that nearly 70 percent of the Social Security Disability claims received each year are denied by the Social Security Administration, resulting in the need for a disability appeal (which can take years to process). Fortunately, Malignant Multiple Sclerosis is now one of the few conditions that qualify for disability claim processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Guidelines. Because of this, applicants who are suffering from Malignant Multiple Sclerosis may qualify for disability benefits in a matter of weeks rather than having to wait months or years for benefits to begin.
When filing a disability claim, make sure that you answer all of the questions on the claim forms in their entirety. Do not leave any question unanswered and when you are answering questions, give as much details on the forms as you possibly can. This will help the adjudicator who is reviewing your file understand why your case qualifies for processing under the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Guidelines. Also make sure you include sufficient medical evidence including all medical records and a written statement from your treating physicians.
Malignant Multiple Sclerosis and Your Social Security Disability Case
Just because Malignant Multiple Sclerosis is included in the SSA's Compassionate Allowances Listings, do not assume that your Social Security Disability claim will be automatically approved by the Social Security Administration. It is not common for the SSA to deny Compassionate Allowances claims, but it has been known to happen on occasion. This is usually due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence, improperly filled out claim forms or a lack of knowledge and/or understanding on the part of the adjudicator who is reviewing the Social Security Disability case.
If you would like to increase your chances of obtaining a hassle-free approval of your Social Security Disability claim based on a case of Malignant Multiple Sclerosis, you should consider retaining the services of a qualified Social Security attorney or advocate.
To learn more about the Social Security Compassionate Allowances listings or to find out if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to Malignant Multiple Sclerosis, click here for a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability case.
