Social Security Disability for Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles over time. As this disease advances, it can severely impact mobility, strength, and the ability to perform routine daily activities or work tasks. 

If you or a loved one suffers from muscular dystrophy (MD) and the condition prevents gainful employment, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. However, dealing with the process while managing this disease can be extremely difficult. 

Partnering with an experienced Greenville Social Security Disability Lawyer from the start can provide vital guidance to help prove your eligibility. Let’s take a look at some challenges gaining approval for Social Security Disability benefits for Muscular Dystrophy and what you can do to improve your chances.

Challenges in a Social Security Disability Claim for Muscular Dystrophy

While musculoskeletal disorders like MD are some of the top disabilities that qualify for SSDI,   Securing Social Security disability benefits with muscular dystrophy can be an uphill battle. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict criteria for approving claims based on this progressive disease. 

Two of the biggest challenges are proving your functional limitations and providing comprehensive medical documentation.

Proving Functional Limitations from Muscular Dystrophy

To qualify for benefits under Social Security Disability for muscular dystrophy, you must show that your muscular dystrophy prevents you from working and earning over the substantial gainful activity limit.

The SSA will look at how your specific type of muscular dystrophy impacts basic work activities like lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and using your hands.

Qualifying for Disability With MD

To qualify for SSDI benefits with muscular dystrophy, your condition must cause significant functional limitations meeting one of two criteria sets outlined by the Social Security Administration:

Disorganized motor function in two extremities, such as your arms or legs. This involves severe difficulty using two limbs – extreme trouble standing from a seated position, maintaining balance while standing or walking, or using your arms/hands. 

Typically, muscular dystrophy resulting in this level of impairment would prevent you from performing basic activities like standing up, walking, lifting, reaching, typing, getting dressed, cooking, cleaning, or shopping independently.

OR

Marked limitations (more than moderate impairment) in physical functioning along with marked limitations in one of the following areas:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information
• Interacting with others
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining a reasonable pace to complete tasks
• Adapting or managing yourself – handling self-care, emotions, and changes

Essentially, you must provide evidence that muscular dystrophy has severely compromised your physical capabilities and ability to use your extremities. Or it has greatly impacted both your physical functioning and one key mental area required for gainful employment.

Documenting Your Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms

Muscular dystrophy can cause a wide range of symptoms that worsen over time. To meet the SSA’s criteria for disability benefits, you must provide extensive documentation of your condition and how it affects you. Key evidence includes:

• Results from clinical muscle tests, electromyography, and muscle enzyme studies
• Detailed records from your neurologist and primary care physician
• Reports on mobility limitations from physical and occupational therapists
• Imaging scans highlighting muscular abnormalities or deterioration
• Daily activity logs or journal entries describing your symptoms and struggles

Don’t assume the SSA will interpret test results accurately. An experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer can ensure your records clearly demonstrate how muscular dystrophy prevents you from sustaining gainful employment.

Working With Your Doctor on Disability Evidence

Your treating physician’s support is invaluable when filing for muscular dystrophy disability benefits. First, inform your doctor you are pursuing a disability claim early on

Request your doctor provide a comprehensive report detailing:

• Your muscular dystrophy diagnosis and prognosis
• All symptoms you experience
• Prescribed treatments and medications
• Opinion on your functional capacity for work activities
• Ensure your doctor cites specific medical evidence backing their opinions

Having an open line of communication with your doctor significantly strengthens your disability case. They understand your condition best and can be your strongest advocate.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?

A qualified Social Security Disability Lawyer is highly beneficial when filing a claim based on muscular dystrophy. An attorney can work to:

• Ensure you meet all technical eligibility requirements
• Collect and organize persuasive medical evidence
• Request expert opinions and functional testing
• Prepare you for consultative exams or disability hearings
• Determine the best disability listing to file under
• Submit an appeals request if benefits are initially denied
• Represent you at appeals hearings to plead your case

Contact a Social Security Disability Law Firm for a Free Consultation

Living with the debilitating effects of muscular dystrophy is an immense challenge – don’t face a denied disability claim alone. For over 30 years, the legal team at Pilzer Klein has provided compassionate guidance to help those with muscular dystrophy and other disabling conditions secure the Social Security benefits they deserve.

Our attorneys understand the complex requirements for qualifying Social Security Disability for muscular dystrophy. We will work to ensure you have the strongest evidentiary package demonstrating your functional limitations.

Contact us today for a free consultation.