MS Cognitive Impairment and SSD:
Multiple Sclerosis is widely known for the physical debilitation that it causes people with MS. However, many patients experience even more than physical debilitation. They also suffer from cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment occurs in up to 65 percent of people with MS and substantially impacts the lives of patients with MS and their families.
These are the cognitive functions most likely to be affected by MS:
- Short Term Memory
- Attention and Concentration
- Information processing (using 5 senses)
- Executive functions (planning and prioritizing)
- Visuospatial functions (visual perception and constructional abilities)
- Verbal fluency (word-finding)
Half to three-quarters of people with MS are unemployed within 10 years of diagnosis. Many apply for Social Security Disability.
When an MS sufferer applies for Social Security Disability, this is the standard used by the Social Security Administration to determine eligibility:
11.09 Multiple sclerosis. With:
- Disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B; or
- Visual or mental impairment as described under the criteria in 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, or 12.02; or
- Significant, reproducible fatigue of motor function with substantial muscle weakness on repetitive activity, demonstrated on physical examination, resulting from neurological dysfunction in areas of the central nervous system known to be pathologically involved by the multiple sclerosis process.
MS sufferers should contact a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment, and a Social Security Disability attorney for assistance with the process of applying for Social Security Disability.
If your patient would like assistance with his or her Social Security Disability Appeal in Arkansas, please refer your patient to Attorney Deborah L. Hardin at The Hardin Law Firm, PLC.
ATTORNEY: Learn more about attorney Deborah L. Hardin.
SERVING: The Hardin Law Firm serves Cabot, Beebe, Ward, Searcy, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Lonoke County, White County, Faulkner County, Pulaski County, and other central Arkansas areas.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this web site is intended to convey general information. It should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. It is not an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create an attorney-client relationship.
Originally published: February 12, 2014.
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