Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be a devastating experience because as most people already know, no full cure exists yet. The effects of MS can vary by the person, progression of the disease, and how well treatments are working. This can impact social relationships, education attainment, and job performance. Job performance is particularly important because not being able to work could lead to lost wages or a complete loss of income. 

This is when submitting a claim for disability benefits may be able to help you. Talk to a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance lawyer if you have concerns about how MS may affect your ability to work. 

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Understanding the symptoms of MS can help you recognize whether you may have this disorder if you have not yet been diagnosed and can help you explain how MS affects your work performance in your disability claim. Symptoms can vary depending on what stage of MS you are in, how soon you received treatment to slow the progression of MS, and how well you are able to adjust to sudden changes. 

Unfortunately, no definite cure exists for MS, but there are treatments that can slow the progression and manage certain symptoms. The difficulty in MS is predicting what symptoms will show up at any particular time because this largely depends on what nerves are attacked by the disease first. MS involves an attack by your immune system on the protective myelin that covers your nerves. This greatly disrupts the communication that normally occurs between different nerve fibers. 

Movement can be affected by numbness in certain body parts, tremors, poor coordination, and difficulty with walking. Speech can become slurred and many people may encounter fatigue, dizziness, and blurry vision. If you have not yet been diagnosed, look for these symptoms along with any kind of unexplainable tingling sensation or pain. 

Applying for Disability Benefits

Disability benefits for MS are usually warranted when the disease has progressed to a level that significantly impacts your ability to hold a steady job and earn an income. At this point, many people are struggling with regular fatigue, chronic pain, tremors, cognitive problems, and dizziness. 

Your disability claim will be submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA will expect you to submit basic information about yourself and your work history. They will also require evidence that supports your condition. This involves submitting copies of medical records that demonstrate demyelination of your nerves from an MRI, spinal tap with increased myelin basic proteins, and slowed nerve impulses. 

Coordinating this information with your doctor about what the SSA needs as proof can help you collect and submit the evidence you need to receive disability benefits. 

Disability Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Filling out a disability benefits application in your current condition can be a difficult and confusing process. Consider consulting with a Pennsylvania disability lawyer if you have questions about the application process or have been wrongfully denied benefits. Call Edelstein & Nelson at 1-800-300-0909 today for a consultation. We will work with you to help you submit the right information to increase your chances of receiving the benefits you need.