It starts with weakness and a slight loss of balance, as well as an uncomfortable squeezing sensation around the perimeter of the stomach. Eventually, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis become severe enough to prevent a patient from working a full-time job.
The worst cases of MS prevent a patient from working at all. To qualify for the financial assistance provided by the disability benefits program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must submit a claim that meets the severity of symptoms standards listed in a medical guide published by the SSA called the Blue Book.
Blue Book Listing
Every year, the SSA updates a medical guide called the Blue Book that lists hundreds of conditions that can qualify applicants for financial assistance.
However, receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis does not guarantee that the SSA approved your disability
claim. You also have to meet the standards established by the SSA for the severity of symptoms. Visiting a neurologist can verify that you suffer from the worst symptoms of MS.
As a disease that impacts the central nervous system, multiple sclerosis lists under Section 11.09 of the Blue Book. Severe symptoms such as chronic pain and fatigue must make it difficult, if not impossible to earn a living. Even working a desk job might be difficult because the acute pain and fatigue caused by multiple sclerosis often negatively impact concentration.
Receiving a diagnosis that proves you suffer from the worst symptoms of MS includes submitting your medical history and the results of a series of neurological tests. Some of the specialized tests performed include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar or spinal tap punctures. A blood analysis is often used to demonstrate the presence of severe multiple sclerosis symptoms as well.
Applying for Disability Benefits
The SSA denies a majority of disability claims for a wide variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons concerns filing a claim that does not include enough convincing medical evidence.
For example, filing an MS claim for disability benefits without including the results of magnetic resonance imaging tests is reason enough for the SSA to deny a claim for financial assistance.
The SSA also denies claims that include incomplete and/or inaccurate information, as well as claims submitted after the deadline. Working with a disability attorney can help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to the denial of disability claims.
How a Disabling Medical Condition May Affect You and Your Family
Living with MS can put a tremendous strain on you and your family. The primary reason for the development of stress stems from the inability to generate income. Severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis typically prevent a patient from working any type of job.
Joblessness can trigger a wide variety of negative emotions and even the development of life-altering mental issues such as depression. Being unable to complete the most basic daily tasks can dramatically diminish your feeling of self-worth.
Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney
Many disability applicants wait until a claim comes back denied before hiring a disability lawyer. Be proactive and work with a Social Security disability attorney before you submit the initial claim. A lawyer can help you submit persuasive medical evidence that proves you live with the worst symptoms that are associated with multiple sclerosis.
