When Does ALS Qualify for Compassionate Allowance?

When Does ALS Qualify for Compassionate Allowance?

Have you been diagnosed with ALS are you wondering whether you may now qualify for Social Security disability benefits?

My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. 

In this video, we’re going to discuss when ALS can qualify for the Social Security Disability compassionate allowance program. ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – is a rapidly progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (or neurons) that are responsible for controlling our voluntary muscles. There is no one test or one procedure that can establish the diagnosis of ALS, therefore the diagnosis of ALS is typically based on history and neurological findings that are consistent with the diagnosis of ALS. Potential electrophysiological and neuroimaging testing can also be used to help rule out other impairments that may cause similar signs and symptoms. Even if an individual has been diagnosed with ALS, electrophysiological studies, such as EMGs and nerve conduction study tests, may be negative or only suggestive of the ALS diagnosis.

Social Security considers ALS under Listing 11.10, which requires that the ALS be established by clinical and laboratory findings. Social Security suggests the following medical records be reviewed in cases involving an ALS diagnosis: clinical history and examinations that describe the diagnostic features of the ALS diagnosis, neurological findings that are consistent with the diagnosis, and results of any electrophysiological and neuroimaging testing. 

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