Living with Multiple Sclerosis Disability

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS for short, is a disabling disease that causes those afflicted with it to lose muscle control, become unstable while walking, become fatigued, have vision problems, experience muscle weakness, and other cognitive problems. MS sufferers may also experience mood disorders, muscle spasms, partial or total paralysis, widespread pain, tremors, uncontrollable muscle movements, difficulty swallowing, inability to control bladder and bowels, and breathing problems.

MS never affects two people the same way. Everyone will have varying abilities to function, work, and take care of themselves. Therefore, not everyone with MS will qualify for long-term disability benefits. However, long-term disability insurance companies are notorious for denying long-term disability benefits for people with MS even when they are completely disabled. Disability insurance carriers will examine the medical records of the MS patient and make a determination as to their level of disability without actually meeting the MS patient. Therefore, it is vital that all disability claims include a complete and comprehensive medical record as well as any vocational or occupational testing that has occurred in the treatment history of the MS patient.

Disability insurance carriers will often deny claims for benefits by multiple sclerosis patients. The reason for this is often that the claim itself was deemed deficient or did not find or support a claim for disability. If you have been denied disability benefits, call us. We will take on the insurance company for you and fight until you get the benefits you deserve.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a part aggressive disease that attacks the central nervous system of those afflicted with it. The central nervous system includes the major nervous system components such as the brain and spinal cord. In MS patients, a substance called myelin, which serves as an insulator for nerve tissue, deteriorates and is destroyed by a certain type of white blood cell. It is a little like scraping the insulation off from wires that are touching each other which results in short-circuits. Nerve tracts or what is called white matter makes up the central nervous system and therefore it’s common to see white matter lesion growth in MS patients.

Cause of Multiple Sclerosis

At this time, medical science offers no explanation as to the cause of multiple sclerosis. We do know that the number of incidents of multiple sclerosis is less in tropical climates then it is in more temperate areas. Aside from geographic risk factors, age also seems to be a risk factor in MS cases. Recent studies indicate that there may be a genetic predisposition for MS. Some theories also attribute MS to things like brain injuries, viruses, and immune disorders. The cause of MS is unknown. MS is more common in temperate than tropical areas and moving between geographic regions at certain ages can affect the risk developing the disorder. Theories as to cause have considered a virus, brain trauma, or a problem in the immune system, but these are little more than speculation. Close relatives of people with multiple sclerosis have a higher incidence of the disorder, and this supports the possibility of a genetic contribution.

Diagnostic Categories of Multiple Sclerosis

Women are more frequently afflicted with MS than men. MS usually presents itself between the ages of 20 and 40 and rarely before the age of 10 or after the age of 55. While laboratory tests may be used as an indicator to diagnose multiple sclerosis, it is typically diagnosed by a physician with knowledge of the patient and the patient’s medical history and the doctor’s personal observations and interactions with the MS patient. However, insurance companies often deny MS claims for disability benefits based on a review of the patient’s medical records alone. This frequently results in the multiple sclerosis patient being denied disability benefits improperly.

If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and you have been denied disability benefits by your insurance company, call us. We fight for people like you.

Treatment of MS

Treatment for multiple sclerosis will vary based on the patient and their symptoms and may include everything from antiepileptic medications, to muscle relaxants and erectile dysfunction medications. Your treatment may include the use of certain types of steroids, interferon, and other drugs designed to slow the progression of your disease. Your doctor is best suited to discuss your specific treatment plan with you. However, it is important that you follow your treatment plan exactly as recommended by your doctor. Your doctor is an expert in mitigating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in people like you.

When Insurance Providers Deny Multiple Sclerosis Disability Claims

Retaining an experienced disability insurance attorney may be the best thing you can do to ensure you receive the disability benefits you deserve. Disability insurance companies will deny multiple sclerosis claims based solely on an evaluation of your medical records. The doctors who evaluate these claims do so looking for a way to deny you the disability benefits you deserve.

If you have been denied disability benefits for MS, call us. We fight to get our clients paid.

Ask Experienced Multiple Sclerosis Disability Attorneys to Review Your Case

Because multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease, it is critical that you keep all documentation and medical evaluations organized and available. For example, you should obtain and file your medical results that relate to each symptom as it appears and progresses, such as visual complications, loss of use of one or more extremities, and pain.

We are prepared to fight for your right to the long term disability insurance benefits you deserve. Call Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers without delay, for a free evaluation of your claim: 800-249-3731.