ERISA & Social Security Disability: Southern California Lawyers

Disability Benefits for Multiple Sclerosis

The symptoms that an MS patient experiences may vary from person to person and from time to time. They include muscle spasms, numbness, balance problems, lack of coordination, difficulty with motor function of the arms and legs, unsteady gait, trouble walking, muscle weakness, tremor of the extremities, vision problems (including double vision (diplopia), blurring, or blindness), numbness and tingling, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, balance problems, dizziness, bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, brain fog, difficulty thinking, and depression. Some of these symptoms may be severely disabling (e.g., fatigue, lack of coordination, cognitive dysfunction), and some are not (e.g., sexual dysfunction).

Diagnosis of MS

Of course, when applying for disability benefits for MS, you must first have a firmly established diagnosis of MS by a neurologist. Imaging studies (such as MRI brain scan) and a spinal tap may be required.

Documenting your limitations:  

How does your condition affect you? Be specific to articulate to your physician details of your physical limitations and how they impact you on a daily basis with regard to your daily living activities, your ability to stand/walk, lift/carry, and even sit for extended periods of time and need for breaks or rest from pain or fatigue. These are important factors and details regarding your functional capacity and important in evaluating whether you can perform your work or any work.

Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269
 
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Multiple-Sclerosis-Information-Page
 
UCLA Medical Center
https://www.uclahealth.org/neurology/