Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Benefits Lawyer Serving Cook and Lake Counties

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as “MS” is a rare disease of the central nervous system. Some of the more famous people who have suffered from MS include both Richard Pryor and Montel Williams. The disease is progressive and affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is more common in women. There is still no consensus in the medical community as to what actually causes MS. Despite consensus on the cause, it is still possible to receive Social Security disability for multiple sclerosis.

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Suffer From Multiple Sclerosis(MS)

The answer is yes. An Individual may qualify for Social Security disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI) if MS is preventing him or her from working for at leasr 12 months. In order to receive benefits, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing for Multiple Sclerosis. If you unfortunately do not meet the listing and are found ineligible to receive Social Security disability, the next step would be to evaluate your residual functional capacity. The Social Security Administration uses this to measure the most work that you can do despite having Multiple Sclerosis. This is done for all individuals if they do not meet the listing.

Is There A Specific Listing For MS?

The Social Security Administration recognizes MS under Listing of Impairments 11.09: Multiple sclerosis.

Most of the listing for MS points towards other listings. Part A points to the listing for Strokes. For more information on part A, click here.

Part B of the MS listing points towards the Vision and Organic Disorders listings. For more information on how to satisfy part B, click here.

Part C of the MS listing is the only section that does not point towards other listings. Instead, it focuses on fatigue. This section discusses the side effects that come with MS. In order to meet part C of the listing, it is important to have the effects of MS well documented in your records.

Listing 11.09 can be found on the Social Security Administration website. Most of the listing for determining eligibility to receive Multiple Sclerosis Social Security disability uses medical terminology, and it can be difficult to know whether you will meet the MS listing without professional insight. We suggested that you contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC or fill out our free online consultation form.

I Don’t Meet the Listing. Is There Another Way To Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you do not meet Listing 11.09 and MS is preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. We can help make this happen. For more information on how we can help you get the benefits you deserve, and the process of qualify for Multiple Sclerosis Social Security Disability, contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC today at 312-999-0999 for a free consultation.