If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you may be considering the consequences of what would happen if you told your employer about your condition. Making this decision is a personal matter and certainly requires forethought.
On one hand, telling your employer about your condition can be helpful in the event you have medical issues while on the job. This allows the employer to take necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Many employers will make the necessary accommodations to ensure you can continue to work for as long as possible. However, some job positions and duties may not allow you to continue working with an MS diagnosis.
If you need to take time off from the job to deal with your condition but plan to return to work, you can request time off for a medical condition without having to disclose the exact nature of your condition under the protection of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Many with MS will offer a full disclosure to their employer and co-workers for the emotional support others can offer. It can be very stressful to receive an MS diagnosis and not be able to share it with those you interact with daily.
In cases where you are new to the company, it can be a more complex concern to reveal your diagnosis. There is the potential where to company may consider you a liability knowing about your condition. This can ultimately cost you a promotion or can limit your other growth potential on the job. As only you know the situation for how it is, you’ll need to make the decision that is in your best interest.
If you find you are no longer able to go to work due to the symptoms of MS, you may be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits while you focus on your treatments and medical care. It is wise to have an attorney to help you with the initial benefits claim filing because MS presents several complexities when it comes to benefits.