If you or a loved one suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, there may be a progressive decline in the ability to work. Many people continue to live normally and do proper work after being diagnosed with MS disorder. However, it is a progressive disease that eventually diminishes motor skills and causes other neurological symptoms that interfere with work-related activities.
You may face a lot of financial problems if an MS disorder prevents you from working. However, benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may offer some much-needed relief. However, winning Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits is not easy because of the difficult federal regulations and complicated application process set in by the SSA. More than two-thirds of applications for SSDI and SSI benefits are denied after the initial disability determination process.
An MS Disability Benefits Lawyer at The Keener Law Firm can help prepare an application and the supporting documentation that meets the qualification criteria to win disability benefits. If you had applied for benefits and received a notice of denial, we can help challenge the denial and get it overturned.
To qualify for SSD benefits, the applicant must prove inability to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) for at least 12 months or that the impairment(s) are expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
To prove that you meet the SSA definition and standard of disability, you must either prove that you meet the definition that Social Security uses to determine whether a person is disabled under the Listing of Impairments or that you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity based on an assessment of your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
The Listing of Impairments, also known as the “Blue Book”, contains a list of mental and physical health impairment(s) that qualify as a disability. MS is listed as a disease of the Central Nervous System in section 11.09 of the Listing of Impairments. However, there are certain symptoms of MS such as impaired vision under Section 2.02 of the Blue Book which qualifies an applicant for disability benefits.
Each listed impairment criteria must be met to qualify for the MS disability benefits you need and deserve.
In the alternative, you can prove that you qualify for MS disability benefits through an assessment of the Residual Functional Capacity. An MS Disability Benefits Lawyer can help draft a proper application and prepare the supporting documentation that proves that your physical or mental impairment(s) prevents you from performing your present job or any other job.
Being a progressive disease, Multiple Sclerosis can impair your ability to work but SSDI or SSI benefits administered by the SSA may offer some respite. Contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation and claim review.