Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.

Over 2.5 million people worldwide suffer from MS or Multiple Sclerosis, a disease in which a person’s immune system attacks their nervous system. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of MS, but scientists know that both genetics and environment play a role in developing the disease.

MS can cause a host of issues, from fatigue, blurred vision and loss of balance, to speech problems, depression and paralysis. No two cases of MS are alike and the symptoms can be highly different, depending upon the area of the brain that is affected by the disease. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can help to determine the extent of multiple sclerosis.

Although there is no cure of the disease, there are many treatments available that aim at reducing symptoms and reducing the frequency of attacks to the nervous system. Medications and therapy can help keep the disease under control. New studies have also shown that there may be a link to multiple sclerosis and a genetic defect in chromosome 6. Tests are ongoing.

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Individual Questions and Answers

Winning a Social Security Disability Appeal or SSI Appeal

What do you do after a Disability Claim is Denied?

What is the process for approving a Social Security disability claim ?

Social Security Attorneys and What they do for you

What Are the Chances of Winning an SSA Disability Appeal?

The Qualification Criteria for Social Security Disability and SSI

Social Security Disability Income

Medical Evidence Used on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim

If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?

How Important is the Treating Physician to a Social Security Disability or SSI case?

What happens if a reconsideration for Social Security Disability or SSI is denied?

What is the maximum back pay you can get for Social Security disability ?

Qualifying for Disability - What is Social Security Looking for?

Is there a trick to qualifying for disability benefits with social security?

How do I check the status of my Social Security disability claim ?

Why Is It So Hard For People To Get Social Security Disability?

How long does it take to get a social security disability hearing decision?

Social Security Disability and Medication

What Will a Disability Lawyer Do to Win a Social Security Case?

Filing for SSI Disability

The Cost and Expenses of a Disability Attorney or a Disability Representative

What happens when you go to a Social Security disability hearing ?

How does a Social Security attorney get paid ?

Is it hard to qualify for Social Security benefits if you have depression ?

How Often Does Social Security Approve Disability The First Time You Apply?

For Social Security Disability, What Does It Mean When Your Case Gets Sent Out For Review?

Do you get disability back payments from social security?

SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

Special Section: Tips and Advice for Social Security Disability and SSI Claims