At the law firm of Jeffrey A Rabin & Associates, Ltd. located in Des Plaines, Illinois, we serve SSDI and SSI claimants in Chicago, Illinois, and across the nation. We have assisted many clients in pursuing successful Social Security Disability claims related to multiple sclerosis.
Please schedule a free initial consultation with a Chicago MS disability lawyer today. You may contact our firm online or you may reach us by phone at 888-529-0600.
Social Security Disability Benefits And MS
Fortunately, multiple sclerosis is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in its list of impairments that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, simply being on this list does not mean that people who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis automatically qualify for SSDI or SSI.
The Social Security Administration classifies multiple sclerosis as a neurological disorder in its list of impairments. To qualify for SSDI or SSI, people with MS must show that their impairments are severe enough to prevent them from working. Some of the factors required for the Social Security Administration to grant Social Security Disability benefits for multiple sclerosis include the following:
- Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord or peripheral nerve dysfunction) that occur singly or in various combinations, frequently provide the sole or partial basis for decisions in cases of neurological impairment
- Visual impairment involving less than 20/200 vision after best correction, 20 percent or less visual field efficiency, or visual efficiency of the better eye after best correction is 20 percent or less
- Mental impairment involving psychological or behavioral abnormalities demonstrated by the presence of specific mental disorders judged to be related to the abnormal mental state and loss of previously acquired functional abilities
- Significant, reproducible fatigue of motor function with substantial muscle weakness on repetitive activity, demonstrated on physical examination, resulting from neurological dysfunction in areas of the central nervous system known to be pathologically involved with the multiple sclerosis process
The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands, arms, or how vision affects a person’s ability to perform tasks associated with working.
Applying For SSDI Or SSI Benefits In Relation To Multiple Sclerosis
While the application process for SSDI and SSI is intended to allow claimants to handle their own claims, especially as they relate to listed impairments such as multiple sclerosis, only 35 percent of all SSDI and SSI applications are approved at their initial filing. As experienced Social Security Disability lawyers, we understand the application process, what medical information needs to be presented, and how to appropriately fill out application forms for multiple sclerosis.
