SSDI Lawyers for Multiple Sclerosis

At Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys, we are SSDI lawyers for multiple sclerosis. We’ve helped those with medical impairments listed under the SSD Blue Book seek benefits. If you cannot work because you have multiple sclerosis, our law firm can represent you to claim benefits. Contact us today to talk about your case.

Lawyers for Multiple Sclerosis SSDI Claims

The Pekas Smith’s Arizona SSDI lawyers understand what’s needed for Social Security disability claims.

Here are some of the ways we can help you:

• Determining if you qualify for benefits because of multiple sclerosis or a combination of medical conditions
• Understanding the details of how multiple sclerosis is medically evaluated in an application for benefits
• Gathering the medical information needed to explain your medical condition and how it interferes with your ability to work
• Knowing the process to begin and complete an application for benefits. Guiding you through the application process, completing it for you, and with you
• Explaining the process of applying for benefits
• Filing your application, representing you throughout the process, including at hearings and appeals, if necessary
• Answering your questions, tailoring your application to your specific needs
• Advocating for you throughout the case

When multiple sclerosis prevents you from working, disability benefits can be a welcome help. SSDI benefits are benefits that you have earned based on your work history. At Pekas Smith, we are committed to our clients and their interests. We work hard to secure your benefits.

To see how our SSDI lawyers for multiple sclerosis can help you, contact us today. We are available in our offices, by phone or by a video chat.

Understanding SSDI and Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disorder in which the myelin protecting nerve fibers degrades, forming scar tissue. Damaged nerves cannot function normally, leaving the individual with symptoms that may include communication difficulties, cognitive problems, muscle weakness, and disruption of other bodily functions.

Can you receive SSDI for multiple sclerosis?

Yes. You can receive SSDI for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis may interfere with a person’s ability to work. A person with multiple sclerosis who has limitations as described in the Listing of Impairments and who meets other requirements should be approved for SSDI benefits.

Is multiple sclerosis in the Social Security Disability Listing of Impairments?

Yes. Multiple sclerosis is included in Section 11.09 of the Listing of Impairments. It falls under Section 11, which discusses neurological disorders.

How Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability for Multiple Sclerosis?

To qualify for Social Security disability based on multiple sclerosis, you must prove one of the following:

Disorganization in two extremities

The person must have disorganization of motor function in two extremities. The disorganization must cause an extreme limitation in the ability to stand from a seated position, balance on two feet, or use the arms.

Marked limitation

The person must have a marketed limitation in physical function and one of the following:

• Processing information, including understanding, remembering, or using information
• Social interaction
• Maintaining a working pace, including the ability to concentrate
• Personal management

The Listing of Impairments further defines these criteria. For example, they explain what disorganization of motor function means as it relates to interference in bodily function. They clarify that limitations may exist in fingers, wrists, hands, arms, and shoulders in the upper extremities.

Here are the detailed explanations and discussions that may be critical to a multiple sclerosis determination:

• Disorganization of motor function
• Extreme limitation
• Marked limitation
• Physical functioning
• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
• Adapting or managing oneself

For example, a person may show that they are impacted by multiple sclerosis because they can’t maintain a consistent pace at work. A worker must sustain their rate of productivity. Section 11.00G3b(iii) explains what may be important to maintaining pace, including:

• Initiating and performing known tasks
• Working at an appropriate and consistent pace
• Completing tasks on time
• Ignoring or avoiding distractions
• Changing activities and settings without being disruptive
• Working with others without being an interruption or distraction
• Regular attendance
• Taking normal and allotted rest periods without needing more

These are just some examples, but other examples may be offered too. Each explanatory section goes in depth, so an applicant knows exactly what claims examiners are looking for when they evaluate an application.

A Social Security publication called the Program Operations Manual System (POMS), DI 34131.013 Neurological Listings, provides further insights on evaluating neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. The publication acknowledges that multiple sclerosis is episodic. It may be mild sometimes and severe sometimes. An evaluation should take the frequency and duration of episodes, remissions, and permanent residuals into account.

How does multiple sclerosis interfere with the ability to work?

Multiple sclerosis may prevent a person from performing the physical and mental tasks that a job demands. They may not have control over their extremities or the ability to stand up and walk as needed to work. Multiple sclerosis can also interfere with the mental aspects of employment. Symptoms vary, but multiple sclerosis can be physically and mentally limiting, ultimately preventing a person from being able to work.

Is it hard to get SSDI for multiple sclerosis?

Not everyone with multiple sclerosis qualifies for SSDI. The person’s medical condition must be severe enough to prevent them from working, typically in a way that is explained in the Listing of Impairments. A person may also qualify for benefits based on a combination of medical conditions that are equivalent to the Listings of Impairments.

What if you have MS and you are denied disability?

If you have MS and you are denied disability, you can appeal. You have a limited time frame to appeal. A significant number of appeals are approved, but it’s important to understand what additional information to provide to make your claim a success.

Talk to an SSDI Lawyer for Multiple Sclerosis

Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys are committed to helping people with multiple sclerosis get Social Security disability benefits. When you’re suffering from a debilitating medical condition, you can have legal representation through every step of the process to receive benefits. To learn more about how we can help and start today, call or message our team to begin.