SSD Benefits and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an auto-immune disorder that affects the neurological system. The symptoms and severity of symptoms vary from person to person, and may also vary over time. Multiple sclerosis is listed in the Social Security Blue Book, meaning there are specific criteria to qualify for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits for MS. In some circumstances, someone who does not meet the listed criteria may still be found to meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of disability.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Simply being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis generally won’t be sufficient to qualify you for SSD benefits. Many people with MS can engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). The progression of multiple sclerosis varies depending on the type of MS.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
The most common type of multiple sclerosis is relapsing-remitting MS. As the name suggests, this type of MS is characterized by attacks followed by periods of relief. Periods of inactivity may last for weeks, months, or in some cases even years. Treatment may stop the attacks, or make them occur less often.
There are two types of progressive multiple sclerosis, described as primary and secondary. Primary progressive MS progressively worsens over time without severe attacks. Secondary progressive MS develops in some people with relapsing-remitting MS. When this occurs, symptoms become constant and worsen over time.
Two other types of MS are less common: clinically isolated syndrome and radiologically isolated syndrome. Neither of these types causes ongoing symptoms, and so would generally not form the basis of a successful disability claim.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Common symptoms of MS include:
- Numbness and/or tingling
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Dizziness and/or vertigo
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Blurred or double vision
- Partial or total loss of vision, usually in one eye and sometimes accompanied by pain with eye movement
- Feeling an electric shock sensation on bending the neck forward–or, less frequently, with other neck movements
- Difficulty walking
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
Multiple sclerosis can be disabling. However, these symptoms will occur in different combinations and with varying frequency and severity. The relapsing-remitting nature of most cases of MS can make it very difficult to secure SSD benefits, since there may be long periods with few or no symptoms.
Qualifying for SSD for Multiple Sclerosis
The SSA may conclude that you are disabled in one of two ways. First, if there is a Blue Book listing for your medical condition, they will review your medical records and other evidence to see whether you meet the criteria in that listing. If you do not, they will go on to an assessment that takes other factors into account.
It’s important to note that it is your responsibility to provide sufficient supporting evidence, mostly in the form of consistent medical records relating to the condition or conditions you are seeking disability for.
Social Security Blue Book Criteria for MS
There are two different ways to meet the SSA listing criteria for multiple sclerosis.
Show “disorganization of motor function” in two or more extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to:
- Stand from a seated position, or
- Balance while standing or walking, or
- Use the upper extremities
OR
Show marked limitation in physical functioning, AND at least one of the below:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information, or
- Interacting with others, or
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace, or
- Adapting or managing oneself
Note that the list of symptoms above includes a great many effects of MS that do not appear in the listing criteria. So, a person with multiple sclerosis may suffer from debilitating symptoms that interfere with their ability to work but still fail to meet the listing criteria.
If you don’t qualify based on the Blue Book listing, the SSA won’t automatically determine that you are not disabled. Instead, they will assess your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity using a different test.
Residual Functional Capacity for MS Patients
Residual functional capacity is the most work you can do given your medical limitations. This assessment takes any debilitating medical conditions into account, not just multiple sclerosis. So, if you have a heart condition, back problems, or some other condition unrelated to your MS, limitations from those other conditions will also be considered.
After reviewing your medical and other documentation, the SSA will consider whether you can still do the work you have done in the past. This assessment includes not only the physical demands of the job but other relevant issues such as mental capacity and sensory issues.
If they determine that you cannot do the same type of work you have done before because of your medical condition, they will look at whether you can adjust to doing a different type of work. This assessment takes additional factors into account, including:
- Your age
- Your educational level
- The skill level of work you have done in the past
- Whether skills from past jobs may be transferable to other jobs you could do despite your limitations
Generally, the older you are and the less skilled work experience and education you have, the more likely you are to be found disabled.
Get Help with Your SSD Application or Appeal
Most SSD applications are initially denied, and an application based on multiple sclerosis can be especially complicated. The intermittent nature of the condition often means that people suffering from MS don’t have sufficient medical documentation to truly show the extent of their medical limitations.
The experienced disability benefits advocates at Disability Help Group understand the type of evidence the SSA will be looking for and can help you put together the strongest SSD application possible.
If you’ve already applied for SSD and been denied, we can help with that, too. But you have a limited time to appeal, and missing the deadline could cost you back benefits or even jeopardize your eligibility. So, you should speak to an advocate as soon as possible after you receive a denial.
To learn more about how we can help, call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.