What this listing covers
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that attacks the nerve cells controlling your voluntary muscles. As these motor neurons die, your brain loses the ability to initiate and control your muscle movement.
This condition leads to increasing muscle weakness, eventually affecting your ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe. Over time, this physical decline makes it impossible to perform basic work-related tasks like lifting, standing, or maintaining the fine motor control required for your job.
How SSA evaluates a claim under this listing
Under Listing 11.10, the SSA evaluates your ALS based on a confirmed diagnosis supported by clinical and laboratory findings. Because ALS is a progressive condition, your medical documentation must clearly establish that the disease process is present and consistent with your clinical presentation.
Listing 11.10 focuses on the medical establishment of your ALS diagnosis. The SSA requires evidence that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months, which is inherent in the nature of an ALS diagnosis, to satisfy the duration requirement for your disability benefits. An attorney can help you ensure your medical records meet these specific documentation standards.
Evidence that strengthens a claim
The most critical evidence is a comprehensive report from your neurologist confirming your diagnosis through clinical examination and diagnostic testing. This includes electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and imaging like an MRI to rule out other conditions, alongside a detailed medical history documenting the progression of your symptoms.
Statements from your treating physician regarding the severity of your symptoms and your response to prescribed treatments are essential. Non-medical evidence, such as function reports detailing your daily struggles with mobility and self-care, helps the SSA understand the real-world impact of your diagnosis on your ability to sustain employment. An attorney can help you gather this evidence to build a strong case.
How an attorney helps
A disability attorney helps by ensuring your medical records are complete and clearly mapped to the requirements of Listing 11.10. They coordinate with your medical team to obtain necessary functional capacity statements and ensure that your application highlights the severity of your condition. By managing the procedural aspects of your claim, they allow you to focus on your health while they work to present a strong, evidence-based case to the SSA.
Frequently asked questions
While ALS is a recognized condition under Listing 11.10, you must still provide the required clinical and laboratory evidence to the SSA to receive benefits. A disability attorney can review your medical records to ensure they meet the specific documentation standards required for approval.
The SSA requires objective medical evidence, including a formal diagnosis from a neurologist, results from electrodiagnostic testing, and imaging studies. These records must demonstrate the presence of the disease, and an attorney can help ensure your file contains all the necessary documentation.
The timeline for approval varies based on the completeness of your medical records and the speed of the review process. Because ALS is a severe condition, the SSA may expedite certain claims, and an attorney can help you navigate the process to ensure your application is processed as efficiently as possible.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration and, if necessary, a hearing before an ALJ. You must file your appeal within the specific deadlines set by the SSA. An attorney can help you identify why the claim was denied and prepare the necessary evidence for your appeal.
