Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control and the disease gets worse over time. ALS is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it. The exact cause of the disease is still not known, though a small number of cases are inherited. ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually, ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is currently no cure for this fatal disease. To learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines this disability, visit Section 11.00 of the Blue Book.
Does Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Qualify for Disability?
Having a diagnosis of ALS makes you automatically eligible for Social Security disability benefits because ALS is included in the SSA’s list of Compassionate Allowance diseases.
To qualify for automatic benefits with ALS, you must provide the following medical evidence:
- A formal diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by a neurologist (not your primary care provider or general practitioner).
- Reports from neurological exams consistent with ALS, including tests of reflexes and motor function.
- Electromyography (EMG) – a recording technique that detects electrical activity of muscle fibers.
- Nerve conduction studies which detect the ability of nerves to send electrical impulses.
Note, the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 eliminated the 5-month waiting period for people with ALS who were approved for Social Security disability benefits on or after July 23, 2020. After applying, you do not have to do anything for expedited processing and should receive a determination within a couple of weeks.
How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?
To apply for disability benefits, it’s important to understand the disability application process. If you’ve been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and believe you may qualify, contact us today for a free disability case evaluation.
