Muscular dystrophy is a genetic muscle disease that can affect any muscle in your body. It can cause serious, irreversible damage, often causing limbs to curl inward. In addition to major muscle groups like your arms and legs, muscular dystrophy can also affect your heart, lungs, eyes and more.
If you can no longer work because of complications from the disease, and if you expect you won’t be able to work in the next 12 months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
Social Security Disability and muscular dystrophy often go hand-in-hand, but benefits are not guaranteed. Even if you can’t currently work, you will not automatically qualify for disability benefits.
You will need to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are not able to work in any occupation for which you are otherwise qualified based on your education and past experience because of your muscular dystrophy and any other physical or mental conditions.
You will also need to provide medical evidence that documents your claim. This evidence can come in the form of reports from your visits to your medical providers, X-rays, CT scan results, blood work results, MRI test results, muscle biopsies, a list of your medications and related side effects, and any other information that could reasonably help the SSA evaluate your claim.
In evaluating your claim, the SSA will try to determine whether you have “disorganization” of your motor functions in two of your extremities because of your muscular dystrophy. The SSA will check whether it is difficult for you to stand up from a seated position, or balance while you are standing or walking.
If your case is not considered extreme, you may still qualify for benefits if the SSA determines you have a “marked limitation” in your physical functioning. Other factors include restrictions in your interactions with others, in your ability to use information, in your ability to concentrate or maintain pace, or in the way you adapt or manage yourself.
WHY WORK WITH A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEY?
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex undertaking. For those unfamiliar with the application and common follow-up requests, going it alone can also be a frustrating and time-consuming process. If you misunderstand what the SSA is asking for, your application may be denied because of incorrect or incomplete answers.
Statistically speaking, people who have representation in the SSD benefits application process are more likely to win benefits. So an experienced attorney can make a difference in whether your claim is approved or denied.
At Levine Benjamin, we understand it can be stressful when you can’t work anymore because of your muscular dystrophy. The process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits doesn’t need to add more stress to the mix.
If you are unable to work because of your muscular dystrophy, contact an experienced, knowledgeable Social Security Disability attorney at Levine Benjamin today. We have been helping people just like you win Social Security benefits for all kinds of physical and mental disabilities for more than 50 years. While nobody can guarantee you will be successful in your claim for benefits, we can guarantee we will advocate vigorously on your behalf.
Sources:
Social Security Administration Blue Book Listings
Quest MDA Article: Speedier Social Security Benefits for Four Muscle Diseases
