Multiple Sclerosis, Social Security & Long Term Disability Claims
The Long Island, New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has invited me to speak with their members on Thursday, August 4, 2005 on Social Security and Long Term Disability claims as part of their "Attorney One-on One" program. Located in Hauppauge, Suffolk County, this is a fantastic organization which really provides some much needed services for its members.
Over the past 15 years, I've handled over 60 multiple sclerosis disability claims before Social Security or long term disability insurance carriers, such as UNUMProvident. Although one might think that a diagnosis of a progressive illness like multiple sclerosis was all a claimant needed to win a disability claim, in fact both Social Security and long term disability carriers (including Disability Management Services - DMS) give MS claimants a particularly hard time in approving claims. However, I have found that by educating the claimant's treating neurologist about the legal standard for disability, we can win these claims in almost 100% of the cases. Winning the disability claim often reduces the claimant's stress, which then results in less serious exacerbations. I look forward to sharing some helpful tips with the membership.
My sister was diagonosed with multiple sclerosis years ago.She never wanted this disability to get in her way.She never wanted to be labeled "disabled" so she went back to school and was certified in teacher's aide.She worked for the school system for a few years.The school let her go because of her disability.Forgetfulness,off balance,being slow, and cognative problems have got her down.Her doctor has disabled her but she cannot collect social security because she did not pay s.s. as she worked for the stste.S.S.I. says her husband makes too much money for her to collect.The bills they have occured when she was working now money is getting tight.Would like to know if she has any other options.Thank You.
My husband was diagnosed with MS at 18 years old and has worked full time since then. Over the past 5 years he has been fired from 2 jobs. Of course, his disability was not the blame, but for errors that he had made. Such errors are overlooked by management for other healthier staff members.
He has applied twice in the past year for SSD. However, he has been denied because he makes over $940 a month. We have a mortgage and 2 small children. It was unofficially recommended by the SSD counselor that my husband drop to part time or stop working. This is unrealistic..unfortunately, I feel my husbands stress levels because of his decline in cognition and his need to provide income for our family is becoming detrimental to his help. What can be done??