Is It Hard To Get Disability For MS?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you have been diagnosed with MS, you may suffer from symptoms that make it difficult to work . MS comes under the SSA's “list of Impairments” which means certain criteria for MS need to be met in order to qualify that you as disabled. The qualifications for MS are found described under the Blue Book listing 11.09.

Do MS patients qualify for disability?

If you have Multiple Sclerosis, often known as MS, you may qualify for Social Security if your condition has limited your ability to work . To qualify and be approved for benefits with MS, you will need to meet the SSA's Blue Book listing 11.09.

How bad does MS have to be to get disability?

To qualify for disability, Social Security requires that your disability has lasted or is expected to last 12 months . This can be an issue for patients with MS, since most forms of MS are episodic, meaning there are periods when it makes you sick and periods when you have little to no symptoms.

What percentage of MS patients become disabled?

The truth is that 15 years after the onset of MS, only about 20% of patients are bedridden or institutionalized. Another 20% may require a wheelchair, or use crutches, or a cane to ambulate, but fully 60% will be ambulatory without assistance and some will have little deficit at all.

What disqualifies you from get disability benefits?

For SSDI, which is the benefit program for workers who have paid into the Social Security system over multiple years, one of the most basic reasons you could be denied benefits is that, when you apply, you are working above the limit where it is considered “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) .

Do I have to tell my employer I have MS?

You are not required to say that you have MS . However, if the information you provide is not sufficient to determine that you have a qualified disability under the ADA, your employer has the right to ask for more detailed information — which may lead to disclosure of your diagnosis.

What are the four stages of MS?

  • Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) This is the first episode of symptoms caused by inflammation and damage to the myelin covering on nerves in the brain or spinal cord. ...
  • Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) ...
  • Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) ...
  • Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)

Can MS be stopped if caught early?

Starting treatment early generally provides the best chance at slowing the progression of MS . It reduces the inflammation and damage to the nerve cells that cause your disease to worsen. Early treatment with DMTs and other therapies for symptom management may also reduce pain and help you better manage your condition.

What is the average lifespan of someone with MS?

The study found that people with MS lived to be 75.9 years old , on average, compared to 83.4 years old for those without.

Do MS patients end up in a wheelchair?

Only 25 percent of people with MS use a wheelchair or stay in bed because they are unable to walk, according to a survey completed before the new disease-modifying drugs became available.

What are 4 hidden disabilities?

  • Mental Health Conditions. ...
  • Autoimmune Diseases. ...
  • Chronic Pain and Fatigue Disorders. ...
  • Neurological Disorders.

What is the most approved disability?

According to one survey, multiple sclerosis and any type of cancer have the highest rate of approval at the initial stages of a disability application, hovering between 64-68%. Respiratory disorders and joint disease are second highest, at between 40-47%.

Does everyone get denied disability first time?

No, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not deny everyone the first time they apply . However, it does initially deny about nearly two-thirds of all Social Security disability applications. ... There are several reasons the SSA denies applications, many of which are avoidable.

Can you live a full life with MS?

MS isn't a fatal condition in most cases, and most people with MS have a close-to-normal life expectancy . But since the disease varies so much from person to person, it can be difficult for doctors to predict whether their condition will worsen or improve.

Can you work full time with MS?

You can work with MS . Many people who have it stay in their job for years after they're diagnosed. It varies greatly from person to person. In time, you may need to ask for accommodations so you can continue there.

Can stress trigger MS?

Here, the most common triggers of an MS flare-up: Stress . Emotional stress is part of having a chronic disease like MS and can lead to the common MS symptom of depression. Stress can also lead to other MS symptoms, such as fatigue and confusion.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.