4.2 Google RatedIf multiple sclerosis has impacted your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. At Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys, we help individuals living with MS navigate the SSDI claims process—from filing to appeals.
Our experienced legal team understands the challenges of living with a chronic neurological disorder and is committed to securing the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a multiple sclerosis SSDI lawyer in AZ.
Understanding SSDI and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system that occurs when the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, deteriorates. This damage creates scar tissue that disrupts communication between the brain and body.
Common MS symptoms include muscle weakness, spinal cord damage, visual impairment, coordination problems, fatigue, cognitive impairments, and difficulty with speech and mobility.
These symptoms pose a significant risk to your health and work performance, especially if they limit your mobility, coordination, or ability to perform tasks that require vision or physical stability. They may even interfere with your ability to maintain employment.
Multiple Sclerosis as a Disability
Individuals with MS may qualify for SSDI if their symptoms prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Multiple sclerosis is included in the Social Security Disability Listing of Impairments underSection 11.09 – Neurological Disorders in the Social Security Administration (SSA)Blue Book. The listing outlines the functional limitations and medical documentation needed to demonstrate how MS interferes with your daily functioning and work capacity.
For approval, you must meet the medical criteria listed and satisfy the work and income eligibility requirements for SSDI.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability for Multiple Sclerosis
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance based on multiple sclerosis, you must meet the medical criteria outlined in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments. A multiple sclerosis SSDI lawyer in AZ can help you prove your disability. There are two primary ways to qualify:
1. Disorganization of Motor Function in Two Extremities
You may qualify if MS causes significant interference with movement in both arms or both legs, resulting in an extreme limitation in one or more of the following:
- Standing up from a seated position
- Maintaining balance while standing or walking
- Effectively using the upper limbs (e.g., hands, wrists, arms) for tasks
This type of impairment reflects severe motor dysfunction that impacts your ability to perform basic physical activities.
2. Marked Physical Limitation Plus Cognitive or Behavioral Impairments
Alternatively, you may qualify if you have a marked limitation in physical functioning and one of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others (e.g., social interaction or communication)
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself (e.g., personal hygiene, regulating emotions, or handling changes in routine)
For example, an applicant may struggle to maintain consistent work performance due to difficulties with:
- Starting and completing familiar tasks
- Staying focused and avoiding distractions
- Managing time and meeting deadlines
- Cooperating with coworkers and supervisors
- Attending work regularly without unscheduled breaks
Understanding the Episodic Nature of MS
The SSA recognizes that multiple sclerosis can be episodic, with periods of remission and flare-ups. Disability determinations will consider the frequency, duration, and residual effects of these episodes, not just the symptoms observed on a single date.
The SSA’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS), particularlyDI 34131.013 – Neurological Listings, offers detailed guidance on evaluating neurological conditions like MS. It emphasizes that each applicant’s condition must be considered in context, including medical history, variability in symptoms, and long-term progression.
Lawyers for Multiple Sclerosis SSD Claims
If MS is preventing you from working, SSDI benefits may provide the financial support you need. AtPekas Smith Disability Attorneys, a multiple sclerosis SSDI lawyer in AZ can help you qualify for benefitss and guide you through every step.
Here’s how we can help with your claim:
- Determine Eligibility
We evaluate whether your symptoms from multiple sclerosis or a combination of medical conditions qualify you for SSDI benefits under SSA guidelines.
- Navigate the Medical Criteria
We help you understand how MS is medically reviewed by the SSA and how to meet the requirements under Listing 11.09 for neurological disorders.
- Build Strong Medical Evidence
We assist in gathering medical records, test results, and physician documentation that clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work.
- Complete and File Your Application
Our team will prepare your application, ensuring every detail is accurate and tailored to your unique situation. We guide you through the process or handle it for you.
- Handle Hearings and Appeals
If your initial application is denied, we can represent you through reconsideration, hearings before an administrative law judge, and appeals, including to the United States District Court if needed.
- Provide Personalized Support
We answer your questions, explain your options, and advocate for you at every stage of the process.
At Pekas Smith, we understand that SSDI benefits are not just assistance—they’re something you’ve earned through years of work. Let our experienced lawyers help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Talk to a Multiple Sclerosis SSDI Lawyer
Whether you’re just starting the application or dealing with a denial, our legal team is ready to help.Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a multiple sclerosis SSDI lawyer in AZ.
FAQs About SSDI for Multiple Sclerosis
Can I get Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income for multiple sclerosis?
Yes. Both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are available for individuals with multiple sclerosis if the condition significantly limits their ability to perform substantial gainful activity.
To qualify, you must submit thorough medical records, including your medical history, test results, and documentation from your primary care physician, neurologist, or other health care providers. Strong evidence includes MRI scans of the brain, physical examinations, records of relapse frequency, and symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, cognitive issues, and back pain. The Social Security Administration will also consider your ability to concentrate, pay attention, remember tasks, and respond to reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
What happens if my MS disability claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If that decision is also unfavorable, you can appeal further, even filing a lawsuit in the United States District Court.
At each stage, our attorneys will help present the necessary medical evidence, expert opinions, and testimony to support your case. We also examine whether any policy misapplication affected the outcome of your claim.
How does the SSA evaluate the impact of MS symptoms like memory problems, eye issues, and bladder dysfunction?
The Social Security Administration evaluates both physical and mental symptoms related to the disease. This includes memory loss, eye coordination problems, and bladder symptoms that may interfere with daily function. They’ll review your medication regimen, results from physical therapy, and any limitations noted by your doctors.
Additionally, issues involving bone pain, health decline, or reduced cognition are considered. Your ability to complete basic work tasks will be assessed based on how these symptoms impact your functional capacity and day-to-day living.
Do I need an SSDI lawyer to apply for disability benefits?
Working with a Multiple Sclerosis SSDI lawyer in AZ can greatly improve your chances of receiving benefits. An experienced attorney understands how to present medical evidence, communicate with the Social Security Administration, and navigate complex rules specific to neurological disorders like MS. Legal representation ensures your claim is as strong and thorough as possible.
