You know that Lou Gehrig's is a fatal disease. Your doctors at Alegent Creighton Clinic in Omaha told you, all of the literature you were given confirms it, and your regular doctor visits are focused on controlling your symptoms rather than treating the condition. So, if all of these people agree that your time is limited, why did the Social Security Administration deny your application for benefits?

It Can Be Difficult to Prove to Social Security That You Have Lou Gehrig's Disease

Lou Gehrig's disease, now called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurological disease that prevents voluntary muscle control, causing paralysis of the limbs and eventually an inability to breathe. Although ALS is invariably fatal, there is no single conclusive test to establish a diagnosis, making it more difficult to prove the existence of your condition to the Social Security Administration.

While it may be difficult to get approved for disability benefits, it’s not impossible. Here are a few key pieces of medical evidence that you should send to Social Security as soon as possible:

  • Physician evaluation. Your doctor should provide you with a comprehensive overview of your diagnosis, including a detailed medical history, neurological findings consistent with an ALS diagnosis, and treatment that you require to maintain or improve your quality of life.
  • Neuro-imaging testing. These tests may not confirm the presence of ALS, but are used to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
  • Electrophysiological studies. Electromyography, or nerve conduction studies, can support an ALS diagnosis. However, some ALS patients may have negative results.

Not only are ALS patients entitled to disability benefits, they also qualify for immediate payment for the costs of a terminal illness. Click the link on this page to find out how you can get benefits now for the medical treatment that’s keeping you alive.

Have you been denied Social Security disability benefits for ALS? Leave us a comment below to tell us why you were denied or what you learned after you sent in your application. Your experience can benefit others!

Sean D. Cuddigan
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SSA and VA Disability Attorney in Omaha, Nebraska
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