Can I Get Disability for ALS?
If you have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and are unable to work in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Social Security Listing 11.10
Social Security has included ALS in its Blue Book of disability listings under Listing 11.10. This listing can be easily met if you have the proper medical documentation. All it requires is that you have been diagnosed with ALS, as established by clinical and laboratory findings.
Under this listing, as long as you have medical documentation that diagnoses you with ALS based on “generally accepted methods consistent with the prevailing state of medical knowledge and clinical practice,” you should be approved. If you do not have clinical findings of upper and lower motor neuron disease in three or more regions, Social Security will require laboratory testing to establish the diagnosis of ALS.
I Don’t Meet the Listing!
If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits. To prove that you are disabled and unable to work, you will need medical evidence that shows the severity of your impairment. Social Security will need reliable medical evidence from your doctors to show them that your condition limits you and prevents you from working.
Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for a denial is not enough medical evidence. It is important that you keep a log of all doctors, hospitals, and clinics you have seen for your condition, including any inpatient stays or hospitalizations. It is also important that your doctors are supportive of your claim for benefits and properly document your condition in your medical records.
If you do not meet the listing, Social Security will consider your residual functional capacity (RFC). Your RFC outlines your job restrictions and will be used to determine if you can go back to your past work. Your RFC is also used to determine whether there is other work available for you.
Jacksonville Social Security Disability Attorney
If you have been diagnosed with ALS and are unable to work in any capacity due to your physical condition, contact a local attorney today. An attorney can help answer your questions or help you apply for disability.