Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is a condition of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the protective sheath around nerve fibers are attacked by a person’s immune system. When this happens, there is a communication breakdown between the brain and the body.
MS can cause a wide variety of symptoms in various areas of the body. Not everyone suffers from the same symptoms because it depends on which part of their body is being attacked.
Symptoms of MS can include:
- Numbness in limbs
- Weakness in the body
- Vision issues
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Bladder dysfunction
- Cognitive impairment
- Pain in various parts of the body
Sadly, this is a progressive disease with no cure. Most people with MS experience relapsing symptoms or new symptoms over time.
LTD Claims for MS Are Often Denied
Disability insurance companies tend to deny MS claims initially because the disabling effect of MS can be hard to prove. Most symptoms of MS are subjective and don’t show up on test results or imaging. So it is hard to establish how the pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and other symptoms impact a person's ability to work.
Insurance companies often use doctors who will acknowledge MS is present but will deny it causes any impairments. They then rely on those doctors' opinions to find the claimant can work despite suffering from MS.
We have successfully obtained LTD benefits for clients with MS
Using what we know about insurance companies, we have developed a strategy for claims involving MS. In order to prove MS is disabling we rely on various pieces of evidence including:
- Independent Physical tests
- Independent Cognitive tests
- Statements from friends and family
- Treating provider statements
We have successfully used this type of evidence to demonstrate the disabling effect of MS and how it prevents a person from working.
MS can be a difficult condition to prove but it is not impossible. If you or someone you know is suffering from MS, contact one of our disability insurance attorneys to learn more about how we can help you get the long-term disability benefits you are entitled to.
