Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the nervous system. Inflammation occurs that causes nerve damage to surrounding areas of the brain, spinal cord, and optic never. Due to the effect on the nervous system, there is a broad spectrum of symptoms. Loss of coordination, bowl/bladder control, vision, and coherence are just a few of the long list of symptoms that accompany multiple sclerosis.
The range of symptoms that multiple sclerosis causes will affect any aspect of work that is presented to an individual. The most detrimental symptom to a person in regards to work is the weakness and fatigue that comes along with the disease; this, in most cases, is the symptom that disables most individuals.
Multiple Sclerosis and Applying for SSD
If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing, a strong case may exist. The Listing is as follows.
- Disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B; or
- Visual or mental impairment as described under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, or 12.02; or
- 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 by the multiple sclerosis process
The fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, in most cases, is enough for a strong claim. The individual will be able to prove this through the help of a physician deeming them unfit to work based upon the weakness the sufferer encounters. Also, the argument can be made that the symptoms are so broad and unpredictable that work would be impossible.
