Get Social Security Disability & SSI: Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Winning Your MS Case

Two criteria must be met for Social Security to conclude you are eligible for multiple sclerosis SSDI or SSI disability benefits:

1. Non-Medical Criteria, and
2. Disability Criteria.

Meeting the disability criteria necessitates –

1. You are aware of Social Security’s multiple sclerosis evaluation (discussed on this page); and
2. You satisfy the Social Security Multiple Sclerosis Listing (also discussed on this page) or you have disabling Functional Limitations (discussed on the next page); and
3. You Submit Winning Evidence (discussed on the next, next page).

Medical Evidence, Multiple Sclerosis, And Disability

Multiple sclerosis is both a demyelinating disease and an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own nervous system by destroying the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerves. The cause is unknown. There is no cure. Social Security recognizes that multiple sclerosis can be a very significant medical condition that can result in a finding of disability. Properly documented cases are usually allowed at the initial determination level.

Your diagnosis and treatment for multiple sclerosis is the primary factor in whether you are found disabled by Social Security. Diagnosis is often difficult because there is no specific diagnostic test for multiple sclerosis. A diagnosis is very often done with a clinical evaluation by a neurologist. But, doctors do perform a cerebrospinal fluid analysis, a brain MRI, and sometimes an evoked potential test (determines how well your nervous system is functioning). Because multiple sclerosis affects so many different muscles and nerves of the body, treatment and medications vary and there are many options available. But generally, treatment involves physical therapy, plasma exchange, oral medications, injectable medications, and infusion treatments. Social Security will always obtain and review your diagnostic and treatment records.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are usually either progressive (symptoms get worse over time) or they are relapsing-remitting wherein symptoms come and go over the course of days to even years at a time. When reviewing your treatment records, Social Security expects to see the usual multiple sclerosis symptoms that include the following:

1. Muscle weakness, rigidity, and spasms;
2. Numbness;
3. Pain;
4. Paralysis;
5. Fatigue;
6. Vision problems;
7. Cognitive impairment; and
8. Mood changes.

Multiple Sclerosis Social Security & SSI Listings

Adult Listing 11.09 and Child Listing 111.21. An adult must satisfy point 1 or 2. A child must only satisfy point 1.

1. Extreme restriction in both legs (stand/balance) or an extreme restriction in both arms; or
2. Marked restriction in both general physical functions and also one of –
   1. Data processing,
   2. Other persons,
   3. Mental functioning, or
   4. Maintaining your own ongoing well-being.