Is Muscular Dystrophy Considered a Disability? Learn More
Yes, muscular dystrophy is often considered a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
When the condition limits your ability to move, stand, or work, you may qualify for disability benefits through either SSDI or SSI. But as with most claims, proving your eligibility can be difficult without strong medical evidence and legal guidance.
If muscular dystrophy is making it impossible for you to work, here’s what you need to know to build a strong case and access the benefits you deserve.
What Is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of diseases that gradually weaken your muscles. It happens when abnormal genes or gene mutations interfere with the production of proteins needed to build and maintain muscle. Because muscular dystrophy involves the nervous system and muscle tissue, symptoms can affect both movement and overall coordination.
The most common types include:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy – Appears early in life and worsens quickly.
Becker muscular dystrophy – Progresses more slowly than Duchenne, often developing in the teen or adult years.
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy – Affects the hips, thighs, and shoulders.
Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy – Weakens facial and upper body muscles.
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy – A rare type that can cause joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and serious heart problems.
Myotonic dystrophy – The most common adult form, causing prolonged muscle contractions (myotonia), muscle weakness, and sometimes issues with the heart, eyes, or endocrine system.
Doctors often diagnose muscular dystrophy using a combination of family history, physical exams, and specialized tests such as genetic testing, EMG, muscle biopsy, and blood enzyme tests to check for elevated creatine kinase levels that signal muscle damage.
No matter the form of muscular dystrophy, the result is a progressive loss of physical functioning that can interfere with your ability to work, move freely, or live independently.
Common Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy affects everyone differently, but most people experience a gradual worsening of symptoms that interfere with day-to-day tasks.
Symptoms may include:
Difficulty standing up from a seated position
Muscle weakness in the arms, legs, or face
Frequent falls or poor balance
Muscle cramps or stiffness
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Fatigue that worsens with activity
Weak heart muscles (cardiomyopathy)
These challenges often make it hard to hold a steady job, especially if the condition limits your ability to walk, lift, or stay on task for long periods.
Treatment Options for Muscular Dystrophy
While there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, certain treatments can help manage symptoms and slow its progression.
Your doctor may recommend:
Physical therapy to stretch muscles and preserve range of motion
Medications, including corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and delay muscle loss
Respiratory and cardiac care, especially in advanced stages
Mobility aids, such as walkers or wheelchairs
Gene-based or exon-skipping therapies, for specific types
Even with treatment, many people with muscular dystrophy experience declining motor function and increasing reliance on assistance or adaptive and assistive devices.
Is Muscular Dystrophy Considered a Disability?
Yes. The SSA recognizes muscular dystrophy as a qualifying condition under its Blue Book Listing 11.13. This listing includes neurological disorders that significantly affect muscle coordination and strength.
To qualify automatically under this listing, you must show:
“Disorganization of motor function in two extremities... resulting in an extreme limitation in the ability to stand up from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or use the upper extremities.”
This means your condition must limit either your ability to move around or perform fine motor tasks like grasping, typing, or lifting. The SSA also considers how long your symptoms have lasted and whether they’re expected to continue.
If you don’t meet the exact criteria in the Blue Book, you may still qualify based on a marked limitation in your physical functioning. In these cases, it’s essential to submit detailed medical records and documentation of how your condition impacts your ability to work.
Can You Get Disability Benefits for Muscular Dystrophy?
Yes, if your muscular dystrophy prevents you from working full time, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits can provide financial support when your condition interferes with daily activities and job duties.
There are two main types of benefits available:
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) – For people who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – For individuals with limited income and assets who may not have a long work history.
While these programs are designed to help, more than half of all initial disability claims are denied. Common reasons include missing medical records, unclear diagnosis, or failure to show how symptoms limit your daily activities.
Criteria for Getting Disability Benefits With Muscular Dystrophy
To approve your claim, the SSA must see that your condition is severe enough to keep you from performing any kind ofsubstantial gainful activity, not just your old job.
They may consider:
Whether your symptoms limit your ability to stand, walk, lift, or use your hands
How often you require rest or assistance throughout the day
Whether you can remain in a seated position for long periods
How consistently your symptoms interfere with daily functioning
Medical evidence plays a key role here. You’ll need to submit:
A confirmed diagnosis of muscular dystrophy (including genetic testing if available)
Test results like EMGs, blood enzyme tests, or muscle biopsies
Physical therapy records and reports showing functional decline
Statements from your doctors that clearly describe your limitations
Any hospitalizations, falls, or complications related to your condition
The SSA also uses something called a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This evaluates your ability to perform specific tasks like lifting, standing, or reaching, and determines whether you could do a less demanding job than the one you previously held.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits
You can apply for Social Security benefits in one of three ways:
Online at SSA.gov
By phone at 1-800-772-1213
In person at your local Social Security office
Before you apply, gather the following:
Your work history and income information
A list of all doctors, clinics, and hospitals involved in your care
A summary of medications, treatments, and therapy
Documentation of how your symptoms affect your ability to work
Keep in mind, the SSA may take several months to review your case. If your application is denied, don’t panic. You can appeal, and many people are approved after reconsideration or a hearing.
Why Legal Help Can Make All the Difference
Muscular dystrophy is a serious condition, but that doesn’t mean getting benefits is a sure thing. Many people find the process confusing, stressful, and filled with paperwork.
Here’s how a disability lawyer can help:
Review your claim before you submit it to reduce the chance of denial
Coordinate with your doctors to make sure medical documentation and records match SSA criteria
Gather evidence showing how your condition affects your daily life
Represent you during appeals or at a disability hearing
Handle the legal details so you can focus on your health
The best part? Disability lawyers only get paid if you win your case. You won’t owe anything upfront.
Let Us Help You Take the Next Step
You’ve worked hard and done your best. But now, muscular dystrophy is keeping you from earning a living. You deserve support, and we’re here to help you get it.
At Impact Disability Law, we’ve helped many individuals just like you get the Social Security Disability benefits they need. Whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we’ll walk you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s fight for the financial relief you deserve.