Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause symptoms like pain, fatigue, and vision loss that makes it impossible to hold down a job. If you suffer from MS and it has caused you to miss work for 12 consecutive months, you should file a disability benefits claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although the SSA denies a majority of Social Security disability benefits claims, you may get your claim for disability benefits approved for multiple sclerosis if you follow a few time-tested tips.
Let’s review the five signs you may be approved for disability with MS.
Sign #1: Earn Enough Work Credits
Most applicants for disability benefits are not aware of the work credits standard that is established by the SSA. The first of the five signs that you will be approved for disability is to confirm that you meet the minimum number of work credits established by the SSA. The SSA awards one work credit for every specified amount of money earned in wages or by self-employment income.
For every $1,410 in 2020, an American worker gains one work credit. Another $1,410 earned gets the same worker another work credit. The number of work credits required by the SSA to become eligible for Social Security disability benefits is based on the age of an applicant when the applicant received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Sign #2: Submit Proper Medical Documentation
The team of medical examiners at the SSA wants to see convincing medical evidence that multiple sclerosis has prevented you from working. Not only do you have to submit the proper paperwork, but you also have to submit medical documents that come from SSA-approved medical sources.
Here’s a short list of the most important medical documents for Multiple Sclerosis:
- Results of blood tests
- Result of an MRI
- Result of a spinal tap
- Results of evoked patient tests (records electrical signals in the nervous system)
- Description of every treatment
- The prognosis for recovery from multiple sclerosis symptoms
Your doctor should also file a document with the SSA that explains your capability to engage in physical activities while at work.
Sign #3: Meet the Minimum Amount of Time Missed from Work
One section of the Social Security disability benefits application requires applicants to submit evidence that they have missed work for 12 consecutive months. The SSA does not approve claims that do not meet the standard for the minimum amount of time missed from work. Your employer should submit paperwork that confirms you missed 12 consecutive months, and you can do your part by filing copies of bank statements and your most recent W2 form with the SSA.
Sign #4: Meet the Blue Book Listing
Multiple sclerosis is listed in Section 11.09 of the Blue Book, which represents the guidelines the agency uses to determine eligibility for disability benefits. The Blue Book also presents the symptoms of multiple sclerosis that qualify applicants for financial assistance. If you do not meet the Blue Book listing for MS, you should consider participating in a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. An RFC assessment gives the team of medical examiners at the SSA information about your capability to work in a different occupation with MS.
Sign #5: Work with an Experienced Lawyer
Working with a Social Security attorney may boost your chances of having your disability benefits claim approved. Your lawyer can review your claim to ensure you have enough convincing evidence to win a claim. Most Social Security disability benefits attorneys schedule a free initial consultation with new clients.
