Can I Get Social Security Disability for Myasthenia Gravis?

A person suffering Myasthenia gravis may qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits. Myasthenia gravis is nervous disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. Myasthenia gravis is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles. There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms, such as weakness of arm or leg muscles, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.  Though myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, it’s more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60.

If the person’s condition is severe enough and well documented, the Social Security Administration may approve the claim without even considering one’s ability to do past work or other work in the economy. The requirements are set out in section 11 of the Listings. Appendix 1 to Subpart P of Part 404 of the Code of Federal Regulations states:

11.12 Myasthenia gravis. With:

A. Significant difficulty with speaking, swallowing, or breathing while on prescribed therapy;

OR

B. Significant motor weakness of muscles of extremities on repetitive activity against resistance while on prescribed therapy.

If a person does not qualify for benefits based on this Listing, the impairments can still be considered when determining whether he can return to past employment or whether jobs exist in the local and national economy. For instance, if lifting, standing, walking, sitting, or pushing/pulling are significantly limited, these factors might eliminate jobs existing in the local or national economy to the point someone is found disabled.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, and Deer Lodge.