A wide-ranging form of disability, muscular dystrophy can be a very serious condition—affecting both children and adults across the country. Muscular dystrophy, or MD, can be at an extremely low level, only minorly affecting motor function, or very severe, affecting every major life function that there is. Depending on the severity of your MD, you may find it hard to work for extended period of time, if your condition allows you to work at all.
In order to better support themselves, many people with muscular dystrophy decide to apply for social security benefits. Find out important information about Social Security disability and muscular dystrophy, and learn how you can apply for and receive your needed benefits.
Qualifying for the Social Security Muscular Dystrophy Listing
Whether you are an adult with muscular dystrophy applying for benefits, or you’re a parent applying on behalf of your minor child, there are a few factors that you need to consider.
First, for your muscular dystrophy to qualify for disability benefits, two or more of your limbs will need to be limited in their functioning. Understand, however, that this doesn’t mean your limbs must be completely immobile; only your MD has to affect them enough that it interferes with your everyday functioning.
Also, for minor children applying for disability based on muscular dystrophy, Social Security will examine their age and determine if their MD is delaying or preventing typical development.
Evidence You’ll Need
During the course of applying for your disability benefits, you will need to gather the right types of medical evidence needed for approval. Without the correct medical documentation, you will not be able to receive the social security disability benefits for muscular dystrophy that you so sorely need.
If you’ve already received a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, you will need to provide Social Security with evidence of this diagnosis, which can include the results of blood testing and biopsies. Another helpful form of medical evidence is a description from your doctor about the extent of your condition or the symptoms that your form of muscular dystrophy causes.
Receiving Social Security Disability Payments Early
For children applying for muscular dystrophy disability benefits, there is something known as presumptive disability. If your child is clearly disabled and has trouble walking on their own or performing everyday tasks, presumptive disability will allow them to receive benefits for a period of six months while a diagnosis is being concluded.
Fortunately, even if the final diagnosis states that your child does not suffer from muscular dystrophy, you will not be required to reimburse Social Security for the presumptive disability benefits your child has received.
Learn About Your Legal Rights
Applying for disability benefits is one of the best ways to support yourself if you’re struggling to work as a result of your muscular dystrophy. However, if you’re feeling a little daunted by the application process for Social Security disability for muscular dystrophy, a good idea is to get some guidance from one of the dedicated attorneys that you’ll find at the Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour.
We’ve been helping disabled individuals in the Greater Los Angeles area, the Inland Empire, and Orange County get the disability benefits they need for years. Call Dr. Bill LaTour and his team today at 800-803-5090 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
