Many multiple sclerosis cases include handwritten notes from either a primary care physician or a neurologist. The medical factors listed in the social security administrations impairment criteria handbook, or blue book, that are used by disability determination services to decide whether to award social security disability benefits to individuals with multiple sclerosis include. Applying for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis ms. The ssa lists all of the qualifying medical conditions in a medical guide known as the blue book. To be considered for social security disability benefits for ms, you should make sure your condition matches the standards put forth by the ssa in their blue book. Qualifying for disability benefits for a listed impairment. Social security disability benefits for people living with multiple. Some people have relapsing forms of the disease, while others continually suffer with symptoms that progressively worsen. Disability evaluation under social security blue book. Winning tips for ssdi applicants with multiple sclerosis. Disability evaluation under social security the blue book. Getting social security disability for multiple sclerosis in. Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that is listed in section 11.
Qualifying for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis. To meet or equal this impairment listing, an individual must, of course, first have a diagnosis of ms. How the social security blue book of impairments can affect your disability claim understanding how the system works can make a world of difference when it comes to getting a social security disability insurance ssdi. Qualifying for disability benefits ssdi with multiple sclerosis in pennsylvania multiple sclerosis is a debilitating illness which can lead to medical symptoms like vision loss, chronic fatigue, lack of. Ms comes under the ssas list of impairments which means certain criteria for ms need to be met in order to qualify that you as disabled. With such a wide variation of disorders and conditions, the social security administration created a guide for their own representatives and other physicians to determine if an applicant potentially qualifies for disability benefits. Compassionate allowances complete list of conditions.
Social security administration disability and multiple. The application and related forms ask for a description of the claimants impairment s, treatment sources, and other information that relates to the alleged disability. The same medical criteria see appendix b apply whether a person is applying for social security disability insurance ssdi. Eligibility for social security disability ssdi benefits for multiple sclerosis if you have been diagnosed with ms, you may suffer from symptoms that make it difficult to work. Paragraph a provides criteria for evaluating disorganization of motor. Applying for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis. Meeting the official listing for multiple sclerosis the social security administrations listing of. Social securitys blue book contains hundreds of serious medical conditions that, if the stated criteria are met, will automatically qualify a person for benefits. The social security administration considers multiple sclerosis ms a qualifying condition.
The social security administration recognizes multiple sclerosis as an impairment in its blue book under 11. Medical criteria needed to qualify with multiple sclerosis. Listed under neurological conditions in the ssas blue book, multiple sclerosis is defined by the social security administration as a disease causing disorganization of motor functioning, neuromuscular dysfunction and communication impairment. For many who suffer from multiple sclerosis, work requiring any degree of physical activity is simply impossible. How to get social security disability for multiple sclerosis. Social security recognizes the potential debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis.
The importance of the blue book the ssa lists all of the qualifying medical conditions in a medical guide known as the blue book. Essentially, this means that your immune system attacks your spinal cord, brain, and even the optic nerves. In general, to qualify for social security disability benefits due to ms, youll need to fit one of two criteria. Multiple sclerosis ms is a chronic, inflammatory, degenerative disorder that damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. It damages the insulation around the nerves, and will eventuall. Disability benefits for multiple sclerosis apply for ssi. How to apply for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis.
If you have multiple sclerosis ms and, in spite of all necessary accommodations and shortterm leave options, youre still unable to perform your essential job functions, its time to look at the alternatives. The social security administration ssa uses the guidelines set forth in the blue book to help determine whether a persons disabilities are severe enough to qualify them for social security disability benefits. Filing for social security disability or ssi with multiple sclerosis. The qualifications for ms are found described under the blue book listing 11. Multiple sclerosis and social security disability multiple. The social security listing book referred to as the blue book. The social security listing of impairments blue book or disability evaluation under social security is a long list of disorders and illnesses that the social security administration ssa uses when determining whether someone has a disability for purposes of social security disability insurance ssdi and supplemental security income ssi. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities see 11. How the social security blue book of impairments can affect. Summary of ssa criteria for evaluating impairments caused by. Multiple sclerosis is considered to be a disability by social security.
Multiple sclerosis and applying for can do multiple sclerosis. Social security disability ssi for traumatic brain injury tbi. Whenever an applicant makes a claim, a representative of the social security administration will evaluate your case by using the guidelines set in the document called the blue book. Multiple sclerosis social security disability winning. Currently there are sixteen neurological abnormalities or conditions listed in the blue book under section eleven. Summary of ssa criteria for evaluating impairments caused. To determine multiple sclerosis disability, the ssa enlists medicalvocational rules, which vary according to age. The social security disability handbook has a specific neurological impairment listing for ms. If your medical condition is in the blue book, your condition will qualify as a disability, as long as you meet all the criteria listed. How the social security blue book of impairments can. Note that there are two versions of the blue book one for adult applicants, and one for disabled children and that the information below pertains to adult disability applicants. Multiple sclerosis requirements for ssdi benefits in illinois.
How to apply for disability with multiple sclerosis ms. The medical factors listed in the social security administration s impairment criteria handbook, or blue book, that are used by disability determination services to decide whether to award social security disability benefits to individuals with multiple sclerosis include. Our immune system is designed to protect us from illness and disease, but when it fails to work as expected, a disabling impairment can result. The numbers in parentheses refer to specific sections in the ssa criteria for evaluating disability blue book. Ssi claims are approved on a medicalvocational basis, not on the basis of satisfying the criteria of a listing in the blue book. Multiple sclerosis is expensive to manage and can be a debilitating. If you are applying for disability benefits with the social security administration ssa, you may qualify on the basis of medical evidence alone if you are not working and you have an impairment that is as medically severe as an impairment listed in the ssas listing of impairments also known as the blue book. When you apply for disability benefits, the ssa determines whether or not you qualify by consulting the blue book, its official guidebook of recognized disabilities and the criteria for each one. Malignant multiple sclerosis and social security disability.
The same medical criteria see appendix b apply whether a person is applying for social security disability insurance ssdi for individuals who have. The social security administration ssa maintains a listing of medical impairments known as the blue book that automatically qualify you for social security disability insurance ssdi. Combined effects of multiple disabilities and the blue book social securitys blue book is a list of impairments that qualify for disability when the requirements for an impairment detailed in the listing are met. Within the blue book there are specific sections, with each section identifying a particular body part and system. While social security has a specific impairment listing, 11. Disability benefits for multiple sclerosis ms lawmed.
Multiple sclerosis and your ability to perform physical work. Despite the fact that lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in the country, reaching epidemic proportions in the united states with cases by far outnumbering those of aids, west nile virus, swine and avian flu combined, you refuse to recognize lyme disease in your official list of impairments known hereafter as blue book. This blue book contains a listing of all of the conditions that could qualify an individual for social security disability benefits. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities. Having a condition that is listed in the blue book, however, is not enough to qualify you for benefits from the ssa. A person with multiple sclerosis ms who is unable to work eight hours a day, five days a week due to msrelated impairments andor other conditions may qualify as disabled. This means that a person who is diagnosed with ms will be automatically approved for ssdi if she meets certain criteria that are listed in the social security blue book. As noted above, some people who have had multiple sclerosis will not qualify for ssdi benefits through the blue book neurological listing. National multiple sclerosis society ssdi guidebook for. Multiple sclerosis has a specific listing in social securitys blue book the listing of.
Multiple sclerosis social security disability income ssdi. This book is a listing of all the conditions the ssa recognizes as automatically disabling. Multiple sclerosis and social security disability benefits by susan kelley on october 03, 2015 in conditions multiple sclerosis ms is an illness that causes your immune system to attack the myelin. Hypophosphatasia perinatal lethal and infantile onset types. Under age 50 and, as a result of the symptoms of an ms disability. Multiple sclerosis and social security disability benefits by susan kelley on october 03, 2015 in conditions multiple sclerosis ms is an illness that causes your immune system to attack the myelin, the protective sheath, covering your nerves, and unfortunately, there is currently no cure. When you apply for disability benefits, the ssa evaluates your claim using its official list of impairments, the blue book.
The damage disrupts the normal transmission of nerve impulses within the brain and between the brain and other parts of the body, causing impairment in muscle coordination, strength, balance, sensation, and vision. Each listing in the blue book includes the major criteria for. Disability evaluation under social security part iii listing of impairments the listing of impairments describes, for each major body system, impairments considered severe enough to prevent an. Disability benefits for multiple sclerosis ms nolo. Sep 12, 2015 beginning a life on social security disability income ssdi is another big chapter in your ongoing saga of living with multiple sclerosis. Having a condition that is listed in the blue book.
The damage disrupts the normal transmission of nerve impulses within the brain and between the brain and other parts of the body, causing impairment in muscle coordination, strength. Multiple sclerosis and social security disability benefits. Multiple sclerosis determine if an individual is working engaging in substantial gainful activity according to the ssa definition. Neurological diseases social security disability resource. Multiple sclerosis ms is a disease that involves an immune system attack against the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Within each system there are also disabling symptoms which are listed. If the ssa says your impairments are equally as severe as those in the blue book listings, assuming you meet all other requirements, you will be granted ssdi benefits. Social security representatives in the field offices usually obtain applications for disability benefits in person, by telephone, by mail, or by filing online. The national multiple sclerosis society has an abundance of information that is of great assistance if the time to apply for ssdi arises. This guide, called the blue book, separates disabling conditions into different categories and lists the specifications needed for each condition to qualify for disability benefits. Meeting the ssa listing of impairments for multiple sclerosis the social security administration does have a listing for multiple sclerosis. Applying for social security disability benefits with. Feb 26, 2017 jan 11, 2017 social security disability attorney, lisa gonzalez, goetz, pa provides needed information for many seeking to learn more of ssdi. If your medical condition, or its equivalent, is on ssas listing of impairments. Disability evaluation under social security listing of impairments adult listings part a the following sections contain medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments in adults age 18 and over. The ssa considers the condition disabling if you suffer from a disorganization in motor function that limits your ability to stand up, balance, or use. Social security disability insurance ssdiprovides financial assistance to disabled. Each listing in the blue book includes the major criteria for evaluating impairments.
Applying for disability benefits with autoimmune diseases. Applying for social security disability benefits with multiple sclerosis. Individuals with multiple sclerosis who use walkers or wheelchairs, cant see well enough to drive, or have two or more severe exacerbations a year generally have no problem being approved medically for social security disability insurance ssdi or supplemental security income ssi disability. Multiple sclerosis has a specific listing in social securitys blue book the listing of impairments that automatically qualify for disability under the section for neurological disorders. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in an extreme limitation in the. Having multiple impairments usually doesnt affect whether you meet a listing. If you have multiple sclerosis and it has affected your work life, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits.
How to get disability for multiple sclerosis social. Listed under neurological conditions in the ssas blue book, multiple sclerosis is defined by the social security. Neurological disorders and social security disability. Unfortunately, multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease for which there is no known cure. It affects more woman than men and most commonly occurs in those ages 20 through 40, although it can happen at any age. Listing of impairments adult listings part a the following sections contain medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments in adults age 18 and over and that may apply to the evaluation of impairments in children under age 18 if the disease processes have a similar effect on adults and younger children. How hard is it to receive social security disability for multiple sclerosis. Ssdi and multiple sclerosis multiple sclerosis or ms is a chronic autoimmune disorder that targets the central nervous system. Qualifying for disability benefits with multiple sclerosis in.
Social security disability insurance national multiple. In the disability evaluation under social security manual also known as the blue book, the social security administration classifies multiple sclerosis as a neurological disorder. Ssa listings or blue book descriptions of multiple sclerosis can be found here see 11. If you live with multiple sclerosis and are unable to work due to an msrelated disability andor other conditions, you might be entitled to social security disability insurance ssdi or supplemental security income ssi benefits. March is multiple sclerosis awareness month, and a good time to raise awareness of the debilitating impact the disease can have on individuals, families and society as a whole. The major criteria for evaluating impairment caused by multiple sclerosis are discussed in listing 11. Thoughts on coping with disability retirement, i examined the razing and rebuilding of our individual identities, priorities, and sense of personal value in a world designed for the ablebodied majority. Dozens of autoimmune diseases can seriously affect our ability to work and even prevent us from maintaining employment. Multiple sclerosis ms is an autoimmune disease that causes changes to the nervous system that can make it difficult to work.
Eligibility for social security disability ssdi benefits for multiple sclerosis. How much does disability pay with multiple sclerosis ms. The social security administration ssa will evaluate an american filing a claim for disability benefits for his or her multiple sclerosis under the listing 11. While the exact cause of ms remains unknown, many scientists understand multiple sclerosis to be an immunemediated disease that may be triggered or exacerbated by environmental factors. Neurological abnormalities and qualifying for ssdi. Medically qualifying for benefits with the blue book. Social security disability benefits for multiple sclerosis. According to the ssa listing of impairments, or blue book, the following conditions must be met in order to qualify as disabled because of malignant multiple sclerosis. Qualifying for disability benefits ssdi with multiple sclerosis in pennsylvania multiple sclerosis is a debilitating illness which can lead to medical symptoms like vision loss, chronic fatigue, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, loss of balance, urinary problems, difficulty concentrating, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. This blue book contains a listing of all of the conditions that could qualify.
Qualifying for disability benefits ssdi with multiple. A person with a confirmed and documented diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who meets the criteria in any of the following four areas motor function, visual. Disability evaluation checklist for patients with multiple. Some individuals with multiple sclerosis have no, or very minimal, functional limitations, meaning that some individuals with ms are able to continue. In general, anyone seeking disability benefits has to match a blue book. Ssdi is a social insurance program, and benefits are only granted after a lengthy determination process, whereby the applicant must prove that they are disabled.
Getting social security disability for multiple sclerosis in raleigh multiple sclerosis ms is a disabling condition that has a very unpredictable course. How to get social security disability for moderate. Mar 27, 2019 the social security administration ssa maintains a listing of medical impairments known as the blue book that automatically qualify you for social security disability insurance ssdi or supplemental security income ssi, provided certain conditions are met. Disability evaluation under social security listing of impairments adult listings part a the following sections contain medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments in adults age 18 and over and that may apply to the evaluation of impairments in children under age 18 if the disease processes have a similar effect on adults. Use this checklist to facilitate doctorpatient discussion of msspecific disability criteria and the ssdi application process. How social security considers multiple impairments when.
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