Applying for disability benefits for multiple sclerosis (MS) can be challenging, especially for younger applicants. Claimants should work with social security disability lawyers and medical experts to review their medical records and demonstrate the severity of their condition, including limitations on daily functioning and the persistence of symptoms. To improve their chances of approval, applicants should provide updated MRIs, consider light job options, track sick leave, and adhere to prescribed medications.

1. Applying for Disability Benefits for a
Multiple Sclerosis Patient
MOS Medical Record Reviews

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Getting SSA’s approval for a disability benefits claim for multiple sclerosis can be
really tough especially if the applicant is young. It is very important to understand the
application and appeals process before the application is sent. Social security disability
lawyers determine the feasibility of the case through a comprehensive review of the
claimant’s medical records, in which they are often assisted by a competent medical
review company with experience in the field. Claimants working with a qualified social
security disability attorney and medical experts stand more of a chance to obtain their
rightful benefits.
The first step on the part of the applicant is to verify that he/she has multiple sclerosis
or MS, which can be done in consultation with a neurologist. This is a chronic
autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system including the brain, spinal
cord and optic nerves. The disease is progressive with the symptoms worsening and
becoming more debilitating over time and resulting in loss of functions.
Though it may be difficult to establish a clear link in many cases, symptoms include:
 Fatigue
 Tremor
 Dizziness
 Chronic pain
 Cognitive problems
Reviewing Medical Documentation to Establish Disability
The diagnosis is established on the basis of medical records and neurological tests, MRI
imaging, lumbar/spinal taps punctures, blood analysis and so on. Diagnosing this

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condition is made difficult because the progression of symptoms may be significantly
slowed down by treatment. The claimant has to demonstrate that his/her capacity to
perform gainful work activity has been severely limited by this condition. Disability
Determination Services (DDS), the state-run agency would be looking for detailed
information regarding the symptoms, and the limitations imposed on the claimant’s
day-to-day functioning.
Let us look at some of the disabilities that would qualify for MS disability benefits.
 Impairment of vision
 Mental impairment signified by behavioral and psychological abnormalities
 Paralysis, ataxia, tremor and sensory disturbances that signify persistent motor
function disorganization
 Considerable muscle weakness when performing repetitive activities and
notable motor function fatigue.
The disability must have lasted for or is expected to last for 12 months to qualify for
disability allowance. Most MS forms are episodic with sick periods as well as symptom-
free periods or remissions. SS recognizes this episodic nature of the disease and will
therefore evaluate the frequency and length of the episodes, the period between the
episodes and the existence of permanent disabilities even during the remission period,
when determining disability.
Tips to Increase the Chances of Obtaining Disability Allowance for MS
Given that obtaining disability benefits for MS can be challenging, here are a few steps
claimants can take so thatthe claim processing is made easier and successful.

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 Provide the SSA with the latest MRIs so that the chances of getting the benefits
are improved. If the MRIs prove that the person has new lesion growth or loss of
volume in the brain, he/she stands a better chance of obtaining benefits.
 An applicant under 50 must consider doing a lighter job like that in an office in
case he/she has never worked in that capacity earlier. If they haven’t tried
sedentary work, SS may say that there are many such jobs they can perform.
Disability benefits are given only when the symptoms are really bad and
applicants have tried sedentary work and failed.
 The applicant must keep track of the sick leave and the time off they take on
account of the MS symptoms. This will help prove the decline in functioning and
increase the chance of receiving disability benefits.
 It is also important for the claimant to take all medications as prescribed. The
SSA should not feel that the condition may improve with proper intake of
medicines.