Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Receiving Social Security Disability
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is the name that has been given by some to a condition in which various symptoms reportedly occur after a person has been exposed to any of a wide range of chemicals. The exposure may happen during a major event like a chemical spill or from long-term exposure to low-levels of chemicals, such as in an office with poor ventilation. As a result of exposure, people with multiple chemical sensitivity have reactions and develop sensitivity to the chemicals even at levels most other people can tolerate.
There are other names for this condition. Environmental illness and sick building syndrome are other names for this condition.
There is disagreement over whether or not multiple chemical sensitivity is really a distinct physical disorder. The American Medical Association (AMA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology do not consider multiple chemical sensitivity a distinct physical disorder.
There are three reasons why these groups do not consider multiple chemical sensitivity to be a distinct physical disorder. First, clinical evidence is lacking that supports a physical cause for the signs and symptoms people with this condition experience. Second, people with multiple chemical sensitivity do not develop antibodies in response to this chemical exposure, as is the case with allergic or immune system reaction. Third, people with this condition also have high rates of mental health disorders. These include anxiety, depression and somatoform disorders. Somatoform disorders are mental disorders that are shown through physical signs and symptoms.
People with multiple chemical sensitivity have expressed a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Some of these are:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Fatigue
Gas or bloating
Headache
Confusion
Irritability
Hives or skin rash
Itching
Sneezing
Sore throat
Mood changes
Problems concentrating
Memory problems
Chest pain
Problems breathing
Changes in heart rhythm
Muscle stiffness and/or pain.
You may be one of those with multiple chemical sensitivity. It may have become such a problem for you that it is the reason for your disability.
You may need financial help if you are unable to work. You may have tried to get this help from the Social Security Administration by applying for Social Security disability benefits or disability benefits because of the disability caused by multiple chemical sensitivity.
If you did this, you were probably denied and told by the Social Security Administration that multiple chemical sensitivity is not a recognized and covered disability. What options do you have now?
If you have other disabling conditions in addition to multiple chemical sensitivity there is a distinct possibility that you could be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or disability benefits. The reliable disability attorney at Disability Case Review is the one who can help you make the decision on whether to reapply or appeal the denial by the Social Security Administration.
