Disability

[Bigb1967]

Is there anybody who knows of anyone with RLS that's qualified for disability?

[Joolsg]

Sorry you haven't had any replies. As you're in the USA, the disability laws will be different to those here in the UK.RLS isn't treated as a disability in the UK, mainly because it's not considered serious enough to be taught at any point during medical training.

It's disgraceful.

I know from bitter experience that it's a far more serious, disabling disease than Multiple Sclerosis. I have advanced, highly aggressive RRMS and it is NOTHING compared to RLS. Here in the UK, an MS diagnosis means you are covered by all disability legislation and eligible for disability benefits.

I suspect it's the same in the USA.

We do have US members on this site but you may gain better info from the US foundation-

rls.org

[DicCarlson]

Here is a great website authored by a former Social Security examiner. You will need a good physician to advocate for your disability and probably a good lawyer that specializes in Social Security Disability claims. It seems silly that it could NOT be labeled as a disability especially at the severe level. Good luck!

ssdrc.com/ssd-restless-leg....

[Elffindoe]

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe DicCarlson is on the right track.

I believe whether somebody is considered to be disabled or not is carried out on an individual assessment rather than a "list" of "approved disabilities".

This applies, I believe, also to whether you're considered fit for work.

If that were so, then people who are genuinely disabled, but not due to an "approved" disability would get no benefit.

There are obviously conditions that are known to be disabling at some - point, but even then it isn't necessarily automatic that you can claim any benefits simply because you're diagnosed.

Disabling is where you are unable yo carry our Daily Activities because of either physical limitations or mental incapacity.

The only case I know wher you can claim benefits and they are given autonatically is when you have been issued with a DS1500 certificate, which states you have only six months to live.

Having (only) RLS does not therefore exclude somebody from claiming benefits but you do have to be disabled to get them.

If you live in the UK get some advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

citizensadvice.org.uk/about...

[BAK524]

Hi Bigb, I am in the US and have wondered the same thing. My guess is that disability may vary from State to State, I'm not sure. I also suspect that you would need to show that your RLS is hardcore refractory, and that a neurologist has determined that you have tried every option to control your symptoms: DAs, gabapentoids, opiods, combinations of all these, and that you are unable to hold down steady employment. Everything would have to be carefully documented. (My brother has bipolar and is on disability, I can ask him for details). It seems like a tough path, and I see you're several years away from medicare options.

[Bigb1967]

Thanks for your reply