Multiple Sclerosis

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis ("MS") Society, MS is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Disabling symptoms include overwhelming fatigue, numbness, and poor coordination. Since MS attacks the central nervous system, it is typically treated by a neurologist. Therefore, when applying for disability benefits, objective, clinical, and functional evidence should be sought from the treating neurologist.

I represent a 45 year old former computer consultant whose disability application was approved less than two months after I was retained. I secured a report from the treating neurologist, who specializes in MS, that summarized his clinical and functional findings. I also obtained a copy of the claimant’s brain MRI, which revealed moderate cerebral atrophy.

The decision approving disability benefits gave greater weight to the findings and opinions of the neurologist than the other doctors, not only because he was a neurologist, but also because of his long standing treating relationship.