Social Security’s system for determining whether a claimant is entitled to benefits includes a determination of whether the claimant’s condition meets a “Listing of Impairment.” The “Listing of Impairments” is broken down by body system and defines the medical criteria necessary to prove disability.
If the claimant’s condition is found to “meet or equal” the Listing, the claimant is automatically entitled to benefits. If the condition is not found to meet or equal the Listing, the claim is not automatically denied; rather, a deeper analysis is required.
List of Impairments for a Multiple Sclerosis Disability
For those suffering from neurological conditions (including muscular dystrophy and epilepsy), Listing 11 describes the required criteria for disability benefits. For those individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis, specifically, Listing 11.09 is detailed below:
- Disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B;
- Visual or mental impairment as described under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, or 12.02;
- 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 in the multiple sclerosis process.
If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and your condition meets the criteria described above, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.
The experienced disability attorneys at Andalman & Flynn can provide you with the legal representation you need as you seek out these benefits, as well as other disability insurance and/or retirement benefits. If we can be of assistance to you, please call us at (301) 244-4525 or toll-free at (888) 558-7871. Please complete an online contact form on our website and we’ll contact you for a consultation concerning your situation.
We have significant experience representing clients seeking disability benefits. For more information and how you may be impacted, contact one of our Disability Benefits attorneys, Elliott Andalman and Peter Casciano.