Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause severe muscle weakness and fatigue, making it difficult to work consistently or keep a regular schedule.
We recently helped a 50-year-old Portfolio Management Specialist from Brooklyn who has Myasthenia Gravis obtain Social Security Disability benefits. Her claim was approved just over three months after filing.
When Social Security evaluates a disability claim, it considers the severity of the claimant’s impairments. Its Listing of Impairments sets out the criteria a condition must meet or equal in severity for the claimant to be presumed disabled and entitled to SSD benefits.
In this case, we knew that a “Listing” letter from our client’s neurologist could help secure a quick approval. We sent the neurologist the criteria for Social Security’s Listing 11.12 for Myasthenia Gravis and explained that his letter needed to state clearly that our client met Listing 11.12 and why she met the criteria. This specificity was essential to prevent Social Security from misinterpreting the letter. After we submitted the doctor’s Listing letter, the State Agency (“DDS”) asked our client to attend a Consultative Exam (“CE”) with one of its doctors. We immediately contacted the analyst assigned to the case and explained that a CE was unnecessary because we had already submitted the Listing letter, medical records, and a Medical Findings Summary. DDS agreed, and the claim was approved.
Every Social Security Disability case is different, and approval is never guaranteed within a specific timeframe. Some cases move quickly; others take much longer. This case shows why it is important to be proactive from the start and provide Social Security with the medical evidence needed to evaluate the claim. It also highlights the important role treating physicians can play in a disability claim. A detailed letter from a specialist who understands the patient’s condition can strengthen the claim and help Social Security assess the severity of the impairment.
Our goal is to fully develop the record and give each client the strongest possible opportunity for a favorable decision. If you are unable to work because of a serious medical condition, having an experienced disability attorney who knows what evidence to look for and how to develop your medical record can make an important difference.
