MS

The disabling effects of MS when it attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves is well known. Nonetheless, while the overwhelming fatigue, pain, numbness, and poor coordination that results from MS have not changed, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) made it near impossible to meet the listing for MS. Therefore, obtaining Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits for MS depends on demonstrating that its functional limitations preclude being able to work, just as is true for most medical impairments.

I represent a 38 year old from Whitestone with MS who worked as a food service manager. The MS diagnosis was never questioned. However, the State agency denied her SSD application because it refused to believe that the claimant’s symptoms were severe enough to preclude her from working on a full time basis.

We obtained a report from the treating physical therapist detailing the claimant’s functional limitations. But the State agency denied the claim. We then submitted a report from the treating neurologist that corroborated the claimant’s functional limitations, yet the claim still was denied. Only after filing a report from the surgeon treating the claimant’s cervical and lumbar spine disorders, which concurred with the limitations assessed by the physical therapist and neurologist, were SSD benefits approved.

With the elimination of a meaningful listing, it took 11 months to get SSD benefits approved. While that may seem quick since it takes many SSD applicants years to secure approval, the application justified approval much sooner.

It is always in your best interest to retain an experienced disability attorney if you plan on applying for SSD. Please call our Melville office for a free phone consultation.