[Early retirement and occupational rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis]

Statistical data are set out describing the situation of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) relative to early pensioning and vocational rehabilitation. Findings show that MS gives rise to extraordinarily early pensioning, also when compared to other conditions. From 1980-1990, a total of 14,811 persons with MS were pensioned prematurely; average age at the time, in 1990, was 44.2 years for men and 41.1 years for women with MS. The number of temporary disability pensions has been decreasing since 1985. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services are relatively rarely provided in MS; in 1990, a total of 626 rehabilitees with MS were registered at the Federal Employment Institute. The majority of VR benefits provided to persons with MS concentrated on mobility allowances to facilitate placement or continued employment. Concluding, the findings are discussed, also touching on the possibilities for persons with MS being paid greater attention concerning VR service provision.