Criteria to Determine Disability Related to Multiple Sclerosis. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 100

摘要

The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes more than 3.5 million claims for disability benefits each year. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the third most common neurological diagnosis cited as the cause for disability. SSA requested evidence on whether current medical knowledge supports its MS disability policies. Our first major objective was to identify, review, and evaluate the medical literature on five major topics: reliability of MS diagnostic criteria; predictors of physical and mental impairment; effect of treatment and symptom management therapies; association of clinical findings with work ability; and impact of environmental factors on work capacity. Our second objective was to describe information needed to address any data insufficiencies, if any, in these five areas.