Myasthenia Gravis – Overview
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Myasthenia gravis is characterized by weakness and fast tiredness of any muscle controlled by the conscious mind. It is caused by a breakdown in normal nerve-muscle connection.
Myasthenia gravis has no cure, however treatment can help alleviate signs and symptoms such as muscle weakness in the arm or leg, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties speaking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
Even though this condition can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in women that are under the age of 40 and men over the age of 60.
Symptoms
Myasthenia gravis-related muscular weakness worsens as the afflicted muscle is engaged. Muscle weakness can come and go due to the fact that symptoms typically improve with rest. However, the symptoms normally worsen within a few years of the disease’s onset.
While myasthenia gravis can impair any muscle group that you can control voluntarily, some muscle groups are more frequently impacted.
Muscles of the eyes
More than half of persons who develop myasthenia gravis experience ocular difficulties, such as:
One or both eyelids droop (ptosis)
Diplopia is a condition that occurs when one eye is closed and improves or disappears when the other eye is closed.
Muscles of the face and throat
Around 15% of persons with myasthenia gravis experience initial symptoms involving the face and throat muscles, which can include the following:
Impairment of speech – Depending on which muscles are affected, your speech may sound soft or nasal.
Result in swallowing difficulties – You may choke easily, making eating, drinking, and taking medicines difficult. In rare instances, liquids that you are attempting to swallow escape through your nose.
Affect the chewing process – The chewing muscles may fatigue midway through a meal, especially if you’ve been eating something difficult to chew, such as steak.
Alternate your facial expressions – For instance, your grin may resemble a snarl.
Muscles of the neck and limbs
Myasthenia gravis can also induce neck, arm, and limb weakness. Leg weakness might have an effect on how you walk. Neck muscles that are weak make it difficult to hold your head up.
Disability Application with a Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis
Section 11.12 in the Bluebook contains information on how to qualify for Social Security disability benefits if you have Myasthenia Gravis. Section 11.00 contains more information about how neurological illnesses are adjudicated in general.
According to the Blue Book, you must meet one or both of the following criterion to qualify for disability benefits if you have myasthenia gravis:
- Significant difficulties swallowing, breathing, or speaking while being under medical supervision and utilizing all suggested therapies.
- Despite adherence to all prescribed therapies, marked muscle weakness and impairment of motor function in the arms or legs.
When filing for disability, you should include any medical paperwork supporting your diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, including all blood and medical imaging tests. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that your medical file details the extent to which your debilitating condition impairs your ability to utilize your arms, legs, or body functions.
Your Disability Case for Myasthenia Gravis
Even though the requirements for Social Security disability benefits for myasthenia gravis are rather basic, it can be beneficial to have a Social Security disability lawyer assist you in putting your claim together. Lots of people who qualify for disability miss out on payments due to relatively minor errors and omissions that would not have occurred if the case was handled by a skilled disability attorney.
Additionally, if you have myasthenia gravis but your symptoms do not match the listing criteria, your Social Security disability lawyer may be able to propose tactics to assist you in obtaining benefits. This is accomplished by demonstrating to the SSA that the sum of your symptoms from all of the diseases for which you are currently receiving treatment is similar to a qualifying listing.
It’s simple and completely free to consult with an experienced Social Security disability lawyer about the specifics of your claim. Simply complete the enclosed request for a free evaluation form to initiate the process.