By Chris Sharry on August 6th, 2026 in Disability Appeals, Disability Eligibility
Myasthenia gravis is a condition that occurs when communication between the nerves and muscles breaks down, causing muscles to become weak and tire quickly. The condition can affect any voluntary muscles, but certain muscle groups are more commonly affected, including those in the face, eyes, throat, arms, and legs.
Symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary from person to person and may become more pronounced with activity. Early symptoms can include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, and weakness of the muscles around the eyes, sometimes referred to as ocular myasthenia gravis. Weakness in the facial muscles may cause drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty controlling eye movements, reduced facial expressions, and problems speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
How Does Social Security Evaluate Myasthenia Gravis?
A person may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits due to myasthenia gravis when the condition and resulting limitations are severe enough to prevent substantial work activity. The Social Security Administration evaluates myasthenia gravis under Listing 11.12.
Under Listing 11.12, myasthenia gravis must be characterized by A, B, or C below, despite adherence to prescribed treatment for at least three months:
- 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.
OR
- Bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction resulting in:
- One myasthenic crisis requiring mechanical ventilation; or
- The need for supplemental enteral nutrition via a gastrostomy or parenteral nutrition via a central venous catheter.
OR
- Marked limitation in physical functioning and a marked limitation in one of the following areas:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information;
- Interacting with others;
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace; or
- Adapting or managing oneself.
What If You Do Not Meet the Myasthenia Gravis Listing?
Not meeting the specific requirements of Listing 11.12 does not necessarily mean that a person cannot qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Social Security may also consider whether the symptoms and functional limitations caused by myasthenia gravis prevent the individual from performing past work or adjusting to other work. This evaluation may take into account factors such as the person’s age, education, work history, and residual functional capacity.
Building a Strong Disability Claim for Myasthenia Gravis
Because myasthenia gravis symptoms can fluctuate and often become worse with continued activity, medical documentation can be especially important in a disability claim. Treatment records should help demonstrate the severity and frequency of muscle weakness, fatigue, vision problems, difficulty walking or using the arms, problems speaking or swallowing, and other limitations that interfere with sustained work activity. If myasthenia gravis is preventing you from working, Attorney Chris Sharry can help you understand how Social Security may evaluate your condition and assist with an initial disability application or appeal.
