Social Security Common Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

About 2.3 million people are afflicted with multiple sclerosis (MS), which impairs the ability to speak and move their bodies.

What Is MS?

MS is a disease of the central nervous system that causes a disruption in the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. The breakdown occurs when the myelin surrounding the nerve fibers in our body is damaged. This not only leads to a lack of control of the muscles and limbs, but also to trouble speaking in as many as 40 percent of patients who are diagnosed with MS.

Getting Assistance For An MS Disability

The condition leaves many people unable to work and without a resource for income. Luckily, the condition is one of many that can often qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. However, the patient’s condition must meet certain eligibility standards.

The Social Security Administration’s policies state that in order to be awarded disability benefits for an MS diagnosis, the patient must suffer from the following:

• Disorganization of motor function
• Visual or mental impairment
• Significant, reproducible fatigue and muscle weakness
• Condition lasting longer than a year.

The last standard is often the most difficult for patients to meet due to the episodic nature of MS, which is why it’s important to have a Social Security Disability Lawyer by your side when filing a Social Security Disability claim for benefits.

We Can Help

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we can help by answering any questions you have regarding a claim that’s been denied in the past or that you’re preparing to file. Call us today at (800) 477-7315 to speak with a member of our legal team about your legal rights.