MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY & SSD BENEFITS

UNDERSTANDING MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY (MSA)?

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare and serious neurological disorder that affects the body’s automatic functions. For example, MSA can affect your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control. It also impacts movement and coordination.

Multiple System Atrophy has had different names. For instance, past names include Striatonigral Degeneration, Sporadic Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy, and Shy-Drager Syndrome. While MSA shares some physical symptoms with Parkinson’s disease, it tends to progress faster. It also causes more extensive damage to the nervous system. People with MSA may also experience problems with vision, speech, and voice control.

The condition is linked to the buildup of an abnormal protein called alpha-synuclein in certain brain cells. But doctors don’t yet know what causes it. MSA affects men more often than women. Symptoms often appear in the late 50s or early 60s. There are 25,000 to 75,000 Americans that have the disease. Almost 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the USA. Throughout the world, for every 5 million people there are 200 people who have MSA.

Sadly, MSA is irreversible and ultimately fatal.

THE TWO FORMS OF MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY

There are two primary types of MSA. First, there is MSA-P, where the P stands for Parkinson’s disease. In this form of MSA, the person has stiff muscles, tremors, and slowed movement.

Second, there is MSA-C or cerebellar type. MSA-C is characterized by issues with balance, coordination, and speech. In addition to these motor symptoms, individuals with MSA-C often experience problems with their autonomic nervous system. For example, they have low blood pressure which makes them feel dizzy or faint. Also, they could have bladder control issues and erectile dysfunction.

Speech and swallowing problems are also common. Some people develop slurred speech and a weak voice. They may also have trouble eating and drinking. Sleep problems, including sleep apnea and REM sleep behavior disorder, may also occur.

Early identification of the correct type of MSA ensures better management. For example, MSA-P might initially respond to Parkinson’s medications. However, MSA-C often does not. Additionally, therapies may differ depending on the dominant symptoms. For example, a person may need assistive devices for balance if they have MSA-C. But, if a person has MSA-P, then they may need medications for tremors.

Nevertheless, both forms of MSA are terminal. But, the symptoms and rate of decline varies.

HOW DO DOCTORS DIAGNOSE MSA?

Diagnosing MSA can be challenging because the early symptoms often mimic other conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Neurologists rely on a combination of symptom evaluation, exams, and tests. MRI scans are used to detect changes in the brain. Autonomic testing can assess blood pressure regulation, heart rate control, and sweating patterns. Unfortunately, there is no single test that confirms Multiple System Atrophy. Diagnosis is often resolved as the disease progresses.

Your diagnosis should be made by a neurologist. The doctor will evaluate the signs and symptoms of the disease and rule out other causes of your symptoms. There is no specific test to confirm Multiple System Atrophy. However, an MRI of the brain showing abnormalities in the striatum, pons, and cerebellum can point to MSA.

The physical symptoms that your doctor will look for include:

• Diminished facial expression
• Trouble chewing
• Disruptions in sleep patterns
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Loss of balance, gait changes, and frequent falls
• Incontinence and impotence
• Loss of fine motor skills
• Loss of ability to sweat
• Tremors

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY?

While there is no cure for MSA, treatments can manage some symptoms. Medications such as Levodopa, which is also used for Parkinson’s disease, may offer some relief for movement issues. Blood pressure medications can address dizziness caused by low blood pressure. Physical therapy can improve your balance and muscle strength.

Likewise, speech therapy can support communication. Counseling can help you with your daily living activities. Lifestyle adjustments, like eating smaller, frequent meals and wearing compression garments can help your symptoms. Additionally, elevating your head while sleeping can improve your comfort.

Life expectancy is generally seven to ten years after symptoms begin. Despite the current lack of a cure, research continues to advance. Scientists are designing treatments that target the buildup of protein in the brain. Additionally, clinical trials are investigating medications that may slow the progress of MSA.

INFORMATION ABOUT CLINIC TRIALS FOR MSA

Several clinical trials are investigating potential treatments to manage and ease the symptoms of Multiple System Atrophy. These include:

MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL THERAPY

The Mayo Clinic is doing an MSA study to evaluate the dosing frequency and safety of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells. The stem cells are delivered into the spinal fluid of patients with MSA. This research aims to determine whether stem cell therapy can delay the progress of the disease.

GENE THERAPY

AskBio is sponsoring a Phase 1 clinical trial (MSA-101) to assess the safety and potential effects of AB-1005, a GDNF gene therapy. They are studying this in patients with MSA Parkinsonian type (MSA-P). This study explores the potential of gene therapy to improve outcomes for MSA patients.

ONO-2808 EVALUATION

The University of California Health system is doing a Phase 2 MSA study. The study is a double blind, placebo controlled study to assess the safety of multiple doses of ONO-2808 in patients with MSA. This trial explores new avenues for managing MSA symptoms.

AMPRELOXETINE TO ADDRESS AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is doing a Phase 3 randomized withdrawal study to evaluate the durability of Ampreloxetine in those with MSA. The goal of the study is to address neurogenic orthostatic hypotension after 20 weeks of treatment.

THE TWO FORMS OF DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

SSA benefits for depression are available if you have Multiple System Atrophy. Your symptoms are going to prevent you from working for over 12 months. Therefore, you should submit an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) & SSI benefits as soon as you stop working. Learn how to file an application for SSD benefits.

There are two types of SSA benefits:  Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security income benefits (SSI). If you are unable to work due to your mental health symptoms, then the SSA should pay you benefits. The SSA pays a monthly payment that replaces your income from work.  Your monthly SSDI payment amount is based on your past income. SSDI benefits come with Medicare. Learn about Medicare benefits.

Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits are different than SSDI benefits. SSI benefits are an addition to SSDI benefits. The SSA pays them if your monthly SSDI benefit is a low amount of money.

It is also a benefit you can receive if you have never had a job or even if you have only worked for a short period of time. In order to be paid SSI benefits you must meet SSA’s income and asset rules. SSI benefits come with Medicaid benefits which provides health insurance. However, you must also meet your state’s Medicaid income and asset rules. Read information about Medicaid benefits.

WORK CREDITS AND QUALIFYING FOR SSD BENEFITS

To win SSDI benefits, you must qualify for them by paying into the disability system. To qualify you must have held a job in the past ten years where you paid taxes into the Social Security system. Earnings give you work credits. The number of work credits you need to qualify is based on your annual wages and your age.

The amount of income required to earn a work credit changes every year. However, it is not very high. Every year of work earns a maximum of 4 credits per year. One for each quarter of work.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on the age you are when you file for benefits. You can review your work history to find out how many work credits you have. In order to review your work history, just create a MySSA account on Social Security’s website. It only takes about five minutes to create an account. Then you have access to your personal work information.

You already know that MSA will impact your ability to work. Likewise, physical symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate. Tremors can impact your ability to use your hands. The symptoms can interfere with your ability to be on time. Also, they can force you to call in sick to work. You may have even already been fired from your job.

To get SSD benefits, you will need ongoing treatment from an expert in the disease. Ongoing medical treatment is the evidence that will prove your case to the Social Security Administration. Remember, the burden to prove you should be paid benefits is on you. Therefore, make sure you submit all of your medical records to the SSA.

WHAT EVIDENCE PROVES DISABILITY FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY?

It is up to you to make sure that the SSA gets all of your medical records. You will need test results and progress notes from your doctor that state you have MSA. MSA is a disease that your doctor can only diagnose after ruling out other diseases. Therefore, you will need to submit proof that your doctor has ruled out other causes of your symptoms.

If you have taking medication to control your symptoms, then you doctor should document your response to treatment. The SSA will want to know if your medications make you feel tired or groggy. Needing to lie down during the day makes it impossible to work. Likewise, being unable to focus on tasks prevents you from finishing projects at work. MSA will impact you physically. Therefore, make sure that your doctor writes about your symptoms.

Multiple System Atrophy will also impact you mentally. There is no question that the symptoms of this disease are hard to face. Additionally, the fact that MSA reduces your life span is another emotional blow. Dealing with the impact of MSA can bring on feelings of depression. If you have depression or anxiety, then you should seek treatment from a therapist. We have a list of free and low cost therapists in your state.

Finally, during the five step disability review process, you will need to complete forms. For example, you will need to fill out a Work History form  and an Activities of Daily Living form. Make sure that you describe how your symptoms prevent you from working. But also, make sure you discuss how your MSA symptoms impact your ability to care for yourself at home.

MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY 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. Multiple System Atrophy is on that list. Because the disease is so severe, the SSA wants to pay benefits as soon as possible.

When you submit your application for SSD benefits, you should tell the SSA that you have MSA and it is on their list. An attorney can make sure the SSA understands that MSA cases should be granted quickly. To understand how the SSA examines MSA, review MSA on the SSA’s 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.

HOW DO YOU PAY FOR THE SSD LAW FIRM?

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 Multiple System Atrophy 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.

Additionally, when you have an attorney with legal experience, they will have access to Social Security’s decisions throughout the process. They can also submit medical evidence that may be missing from your case. Also, they can help you decide whether or not it is wise to appeal a technical denial from the SSA.

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.

OUR LEGAL TEAM CAN HELP YOU WIN SSD BENEFITS  

If you have Multiple System Atrophy, then you should hire a lawyer to represent you at the outset of your claim. Most importantly, you need to hire a lawyer with the legal experience to improve your chances of winning benefits. In over 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due SSD benefits for our clients. Hire us.

We know how to prove to the SSA that you deserve SSD benefits for MSA. Our legal team prepares you for success. During your case, we collect your medical records. All you have to do is get treatment from your doctor. Medical records from your treating sources prove the case. They can also show whether or not you have a physical or mental conditions beyond MSA that prevent you from working. Your attorney will collect all of your medical records and submit them to the SSA.

We know you need benefits to replace your income. Over the past 30 years, we have won over 20,000 SSDI and SSI cases. We want to win your case too. Contact us today for your free review of your case. Let us help you win SSDI and SSI benefits for Multiple System Atrophy.