The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued a press release about interim results of a study of autologous hematopoietic (blood cell-producing) stem cell transplantation– or HSCT, for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. The therapy seeks to "re-boot" the immune system to stop the auto-immune attack on the brain and spinal cord. In a study of 24 people, 74% showed no progress in the disease after the treatment. There were some serious side effects from the study,so it will be a long time before the treatment is generally approved.
When HSCT is approved, whether to try the treatment can be in an issue in initial benefits claim, or an administrative appeal of a denial of long-term disability benefits. As I discussed in a prior post, if you ever decline a treatment suggested by your doctor, make sure you discuss that decision with your doctor, that your doctor agrees that your decision is reasonable, and that the discussion, and your doctor's approval of the decision, is reflected in your medical records. As a long-term disability insurance lawyer, I've learned that Connecticut has some great MS specialists who have been a great help in appealing denials of long-term disability claims based on MS. By working with them, you can make sure your treatment decisions don't harm your long-term disability insurance claim.
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