MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

UNDERSTANDING MALIGNANT MULTPLE SCLEROSIS

Malignant Multiple Sclerosis (Malignant MS) is a rare and severe form of MS. This condition causes intense inflammation and serious damage to myelin, the protective layer that surrounds your nerves. As myelin breaks down, more lesions and plaque form in the brain and spinal cord. This damage makes it harder for the brain to send messages to the body, leading to a decline in nerve function.

As malignant MS progresses, lesions can affect the parts of the brain that control thinking and memory. This causes problems with focus, attention, language, and judgment. In some cases, the disease may also damage brain areas that control behavior and emotions. If these areas of the brain are damaged, then it can lead to serious mental health issues like paranoia or manic depression.

Malignant MS is very rare. It affects only a small number of people in the United States. While exact numbers are unclear, experts estimate that less than 5% of those  with MS have this severe form of the disease. Because malignant MS is so aggressive, early diagnosis and treatment are important to help manage symptoms. It is also important to file an application for disability as soon as you know you can’t work.

HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?

There is no single test to detect malignant MS. However, doctors usually start with a medical exam to check your symptoms and rule out other diseases. Testing the fluid around the brain and spine can also help with the diagnosis. Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans are used to find brain lesions. These same tests check for myelin damage, white matter disease, and other changes in the brain linked to malignant MS.

Your doctor will also do a physical exam to check your balance and strength. Blood tests can also help rule out other illnesses. Additionally, doctors may test spinal fluid to look for signs of inflammation or immune system activity that point to malignant MS.

THE PHYSICAL FINDINGS OF MALIGNANT MS

People with malignant MS experience a rapid decline in their ability to function. Within five years from the onset of the disease, they usually require assistance with walking. This occurs because of damage to the nerve cells that transmit impulses to muscles which control your motor function. Because of this damage, most people also require assistance with their activities of daily living.

The physical findings and symptoms you will see from malignant MS are as follows:

• Weakness in the arms and legs;
• Difficulties with balance;
• Spasticity;
• Abnormal sensory feelings;
• Speech impediments;
• Tremors;
• Dizziness;
• Hearing loss;
• Vision loss; and
• Bowel and bladder problems.

TREATMENT FOR MALIGNANT MS

There is currently no cure for malignant MS. However, there are treatments, but they mostly focus on management of symptoms. Therapy can help you perform your daily activities such as writing and using utensils. Additionally, aides such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs can help with gait and muscle weakness.

Medications are also an important part of managing malignant MS. Steroids can shorten severe attacks. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) may also slow the disease. DMTs can be used for patients with malignant MS, but these medications require careful monitoring due to potential side effects.

Symptom management is another key aspect of treatment. Muscle relaxants can help reduce painful muscle spasms, while medications for fatigue, bladder issues, or depression may improve quality of life. Pain management strategies, including physical therapy and certain prescription drugs, can also be beneficial.

For some patients with malignant MS, aggressive treatments may be considered. Hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) have shown promise in slowing the disease by essentially recharging the immune system. While this procedure carries risks, it may offer hope for those with this form of MS.

Lastly, mental health support is essential for individuals with malignant MS. Counseling and support groups care can help you cope with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness. Combining medical treatments with emotional and social support can improve your overall health.

TO WIN DISABILITY BENEFITS YOU MUST FIRST APPLY 

If you have Malignant MS, then there are two types of benefits you can file for under the Social Security program:  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In order to receive benefits, you must first file an application. You can do this on Social Security’s website. Below you will find an explanation as to each type of benefit for which you can apply:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):  

SSDI benefits are for those who have worked in the recent past and can no longer work at any job due to a medical condition. The amount of money you will receive from SSDI benefits every month is based on how much Social Security tax you have paid during your work history. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough “work credits” to qualify.

A work credit is an amount of taxable income. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year. The amount of work credits you will need will depend on how old you are when you apply. If you haven’t earned enough work credits for your age at the time you apply, then you will only qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits. Learn about work credits and SSD benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):  

SSI is a needs based benefit and it is for those people with little to no income, such as children and the elderly. Anyone who makes more than a certain amount of money per month cannot receive SSI benefits. The SSA counts the income of those in your house, not just your income.

If you have a spouse who earns more than $5000 a month, then that income will keep you from getting SSI benefits. You cannot qualify for SSI benefits, no matter how severe your MS, if you do not meet the income and asset rules for SSI.

HOW TO PROVE YOUR MALIGNANT MS MEETS LISTING 11.09

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits under Listing 11.09, you must provide strong medical evidence of your malignant MS to the SSA. One of the most important forms of proof are records from your medical providers. These records should clearly outline your symptoms. For example, the records should show evidence of cognitive decline, muscle weakness, and loss of balance. The SSA will carefully examine your records to decide whether your MS meets listing 11.09 under step three of the disability review process.

In addition to medical records, statements from family or friends can provide insights in your case. A written statement from someone who observes you regularly can describe how your condition affects your ability to manage daily tasks. This may include details about your struggles with dressing, cooking, cleaning, or similar activities. Such evidence offers a personal perspective on the impact of malignant MS.

Neuroimaging tests are also critical in proving your condition meets Listing 11.09. Tests such as MRI scans can reveal central nervous system lesions, myelin loss, and white matter disease. These findings are strong indicators of the physical damage MS causes to the brain and spinal cord. Providing these results helps establish the medical basis for your limitations and demonstrates that your condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability benefits.

Medical records and objective imaging results can prove your malignant MS prevents you from working.

MALIGNANT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IS A COMPASSIONATE ALLOWANCE

The SSA has a Compassionate Allowances list that allows them to quickly identify severe medical conditions that meet the criteria for SSD benefits. Malignant Multiple Sclerosis is on that list. Because the disease gets worse rapidly, the SSA wants to pay benefits as soon as possible.

When you submit your application for SSD benefits, you should tell the SSA you have malignant MS on their list. An attorney can make sure the SSA understands that your case should be granted quickly. To understand how the SSA examines malignant MS, review the list.

Our SSD law firm has won many cases using SSA’s compassionate allowance list. Additionally, new conditions are added to the list every year. In the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSD cases for our clients. If you want to learn about our lawyers, then review our About Us page. For instance, Andria Summers can help you choose your Medicare advantage plan.  Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win SSDI and SSI benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people win their benefits.

WHAT WILL BE THE AMOUNT OF YOUR MONTHLY BENEFIT ?

HIRE OUR LEGAL TEAM BECAUSE WE ARE DISABILITY LAW EXPERTS

It isn’t easy to get Social Security benefits. That is why you should hire an SSD law firm. Having an attorney to prove your malignant MSA meets a listing can relieve your stress. When you have a law firm handling your SSD case, the SSA follows their own procedures. If we can get the SSA to make a decision quickly, then we will. But know that most people are in for a long wait. Learn tips on how to survive the wait for SSD benefits.

There is evidence that hiring an expert SSD attorney triples your chances of winning SSD benefits. To learn what it costs to hire an SSD attorney, review attorneys fees in disability cases. It is smart to hire an attorney to represent you at your hearing. After all, you are the star witness at your hearing. If you hire an attorney with experience, then they can prepare you to testify. Find out how to prepare for your hearing.

We have the legal experience to win your case. Additionally, we are the best legal team you can hire to help you with your disability claim. It is free to call and talk to us about your case. Hire the best law firm to help you apply for SSD benefits. Contact us today. We can help win your case for malignant MS benefits.