Here is a question I received from a multiple sclerosis patient who is preparing to apply for Social Security disability and is hoping to win her case early.
Jonathan,
First, I want to thank you for putting valuable information about the SSDI process online. I was diagnosed with MS in 1993. I recently left work on an early disability retirement after a 24 year career with the State of ABC. My question is this – if I have MS and my medical records document cognitive dysfunction, isn’t it feasible that I would be approved with my initial application to SS? Although I did very well in the beginning of the journey, as I have gotten older, (I’m only 44), my disease has started progressing over the last few years. Will the fact that I have taken an early disability retirement from the state weigh favorably towards my case?
Here are my thoughts: the first question I would ask is “are you insured for Title II Social Security disability?” In some states, employees do not contribute into the Social Security system- instead, they contribute to a state disability program. I would advise you to contact your human resources office to confirm that you have been making payments into the Social Security system. You can also call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to inquire as to whether you have been earning credits. You can also request an earnings and benefit statement (Form 7004) from Social Security directly.
If you are not insured for Title II SSDI, then you might still be eligible for SSI, but that will depend on household income and the value of assets that you own. Read more on How Can an MS Patient Win Social Security Disability Benefits Early?…
Filed under MS Case Strategies by on Mar 19th, 2011. Comment. 
It is no question, Multiple Sclerosis is considered to be a debilitating disease. The symptoms of this disease include cognitive impairment, staggering, blurred vision, poor balance, and altered sensations (such as electric shock or the feeling of pins and needles).
Read more on General Tips for Winning a Multiple Sclerosis Disability Case…
Filed under MS Case Strategies by on May 4th, 2010. Comment.
As you probably know, filing a Social Security disability claim is just the first step in what can be a long process. Whether you are filing on your own or have representation, it is pretty unlikely that your personal and financial situation or even your medical condition will look exactly the same at the beginning, middle, and end of this process. Some changes are inevitable, and some are the intended or unintended product of decisions made over time. Since it is not always obvious that a particular change or decision could impact your claim, I make sure that clients understand their claim, the arguments and evidence we are presenting, and the importance of keeping each other up to date on any changes that might affect our chances of success.
Read more on Changes and Choices Impacting Your MS Disability Claim…
Filed under MS Case Strategies by on Nov 11th, 2009. Comment.
There are 2 main ways in which you can be approved for Social Security disability benefits if you suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. The first way is to meet Social Security’s listing, which is described in further detail here.
Filed under MS Case Strategies by on Oct 5th, 2009. 1 Comment.
MS has special issues in a Social Security case. One of the largest problems we often see has to do with the onset of new symptoms. Keep in mind, the first 2 levels of appeal (the initial application and the reconsideration) may take a year to work through the system. By the time you get to Court, you may have been waiting eighteen months. As you know, MS is a disease that can produce new and different symptoms with each flare-up.
Filed under MS Case Strategies by on Sep 2nd, 2009. Comment.
