disability

[Guest guest]

,

Gosh, that's odd THEY sent you to the Congress office. I went to the Congress

office when THEY wouldn't do anything. I fought it for 4 years, 2 lawyers and

the Congress office. Good Luck. Gretchen said it......Get all the medical

reports you can get and a good

disability lawyer.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

Yes, Social Security sent me to see my Congressman. I haven't talked to a lawyer

yet. If this doesn't help that will be my next step. Did you ever get approved?

[Guest guest]

Yes ,

I was approved Feb. 2005 and received my first check June 1, 2005 and received

my back pay June 28, 2005. Don't get impatiet, it will eventually work out, you

just have to take the right steps. Good

Luck.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Thanks Debbie. It's hard when you don't have an income and the bills keep

coming.

[Guest guest]

,

I understand. Set yourself on a budget and keep your priorities straight. Some

days will be harder than others but it will all work out.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

My Congressman's office said they would get back with me sometime next week. If

I don't hear from them I am going to find a lawyer. I'm having surgery on June

5th, my health insurance is out at the end of next week unless I can pay the

full premium (impossible

right now), I've been paying for a disability insurance for over a year and they

are denying my claim (I can't afford an attorney to help me with it),my health

is worse lately and I'm really tired of

the run around. There has to be an easier way.

[Guest guest]

Congratulations Janet, Hey, did you mention that you live in California, if so

where?

I live in California and receive SS Disability along with Medi-Care, &

Medi-Care Part D.

I also get Medi-cal. So if you do live California and need some help figuring

it all out I will be glad to help you. Once again congratulations. Hugs

Janet <sungdss33@...> wrote:

Hello again. I am sorry I haven't posted for a while. I was the one

that was waiting for disability and medical cards for what seemed like

forever, when in fact is was for just over 2 years. Anyway, I am

happy to say that I finally got approved! I will soon be getting

disability, and with it, the help I need so much. Just the thought of

being able to see a doctor and get meds for my RA is almost too much.

I want to thank all of you for the advice and help. Just being able

to talk about this has made me feel like I am not the only one out

there dealing with this. Thank you everyone!

Janet

---------------------------------

Ring'em or ping'em. Make PC-to-phone calls as low as 1¢/min with

Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello again. I am sorry I haven't posted for a while. I was the one

> that was waiting for disability and medical cards for what seemed

like

> forever, when in fact is was for just over 2 years. Anyway, I am

> happy to say that I finally got approved! I will soon be getting

> disability, and with it, the help I need so much. Just the thought

of

> being able to see a doctor and get meds for my RA is almost too much.

> I want to thank all of you for the advice and help. Just being able

> to talk about this has made me feel like I am not the only one out

> there dealing with this. Thank you everyone!

> Janet

>

Hey sister Janet.. I to am on Disability.. what do you think about

that we are both in IL and ON Disability and Named Janet.. LOL.

congrats on getting your .

Janet IN IL

[Guest guest]

,

SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance, and besides being

unable to no longer work, one must have at least a 15 year solid work

history now that the requirements have changed. However, when one

applies for SSDI, one does not need to file for SSI too.

SSI is Supplemental Security Income, it is available for low-income

persons who meet the guidelines, and is not only available for

disabled persons, but also the elderly and others who qualify. You do

need to prove your 'low-income' eligibility, submit monthly bills,

etc.

If you believe for SSDI application was turned down and that you

still qualify for SSDI benefits, immediately file a Request for

Reconsideration, along with more medical records related to the

reasons you can no longer work, and copies of your W-2's for the past

15 years that proved you worked.

This is from the SSA website:

" If your application has recently been denied, the Appeal Disability

Report is a starting point to request a review of our decision about

your eligibility for disability benefits. "

http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/

More changes in SSDI and SSI applications start to roll out August 1,

also.

Hope this helps.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

,

I understand that you are applying for Disability or (SSI )let me just say that

applying for ( SSI ) is going to be a little stressfull not to mention tere will

be times when you will feel like just quitting the fight..( DON " T) thats what

they want!!! When you file for the ( SSI ) They will deny you.. They do

everyone I mean everyone almost right off the batt.. Don't get upset. Take it as

a hand shake and pat on the back.. You ask why??

That'swhen you take the papers from ( SSI ) where they denied you. To a lawyer

there are thousands and thousands of lawyers that take these cases.. At NO

charge unless they win the case for you... Let me tell you they get 99% of (

SSI) for people..

I wont inclose my name but I filed disability on my self and I have CMT I got

mine and sure didn't work that long. There are more

loop holes and things that will allow you to get the ( SSI) for you but a lawyer

is needed to conront these loop holes.

[Guest guest]

As was explained to me, you need 10 years of work paid into SS. With 5 of

those years being in the last 10. I believe your 15 year statment was too much.

Re: Disability

,

SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance, and besides being

unable to no longer work, one must have at least a 15 year solid work

history now that the requirements have changed. However, when one

applies for SSDI, one does not need to file for SSI too.

SSI is Supplemental Security Income, it is available for low-income

persons who meet the guidelines, and is not only available for

disabled persons, but also the elderly and others who qualify. You do

need to prove your 'low-income' eligibility, submit monthly bills,

etc.

If you believe for SSDI application was turned down and that you

still qualify for SSDI benefits, immediately file a Request for

Reconsideration, along with more medical records related to the

reasons you can no longer work, and copies of your W-2's for the past

15 years that proved you worked.

This is from the SSA website:

" If your application has recently been denied, the Appeal Disability

Report is a starting point to request a review of our decision about

your eligibility for disability benefits. "

http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/

More changes in SSDI and SSI applications start to roll out August 1,

also.

Hope this helps.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Ron,

I work as a Non-Attorney Representative for clients filing for

benefits. The most recent changes are in fact correct in stating a 15

year employment history is needed. Additional changes roll out next

week, August 1, and will begin on the East Coast in the New England

area and will gradually move their way West over the next decade.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Gretchen,

My son has just applied for disability,(Indiana) as he is severely affected with

CMT. He is only 23 yrs. old, and can barely walk. Obviously being only 23 yrs.

old he does not have a 15 yr. work history. What happens if you are that young

and are truely disabled?

belle

[Guest guest]

Donna (belle)

While you son would not qualify for SSDI, he would most likely be

awarded benefits under the SSI program. Call up your local Social

Security Office and request that he begins the SSI application process.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

I am not self employed, but the big question here is.....have you been

paying into it? If you haven't been paying into it....then I guess

not...unfortunately. State Disability is one of the wonderful things

about living in California that most other states don't have.

Any self-employed person on the site that lives in CA chime in here?

Carol V.

>

> Hi All,

>

> I will try to research this on the web site as well, but from

personal experience.. has anyone who is self employed been able to get

State Disability (I live in California)...

>

> Thank you. Ken.

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, All,

If you are in the USA and receiving disabilty for only your hearing

loss, despite having a CI, would you be willing to share privately with me how

you were able to do so? I would appreciate it, and would keep any information

you give me confidential. Thanks so much.

<smiles> Jackie

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

From what I understand he may have to get another dx besides lyme. It isn't

recognized w/dis. If this is incorrect folks pls correct me.

Does he have an LLMD? If not you need one, not a GP. Now, this IMHO but you

have to force yourself daily to do alittle more than the next. This is what

I did. He will have good days and bad. I personally don't believe he won't

get better w/o tx. It just takes time. The length of time you have had it

will be the length of time before you see a lot of difference.

Gradually he will have to build stamina and push oneself. Exercise/movement

kills the bugs. I use to force myself to take walks to strength myself and

kill bugs.

[ ] disability

my husband has been sick for years with lyme, he has done 5 months

of oral, 2 months of iv and is in the middle of another 2 months of

iv. he has been out of work for over 2 years now. he is in horrible

pain and has severe neuro problems, anyway my question is, we are

trying to get disability.. we have an appeal hearing coming up in a

couple months and wondering if anyone has any suggestions, or

literature that may help us. he is not a lazy person who doesnt want

to work, he was the kind of guy who wanted to work and have his wife

stay at home (didnt work out that way) but its killing him to not be

able to work, he used to be such a physically fit guy, 12 years of

martial arts and he cant do anything now, with how little people

seem to know about lyme i want as much info as possible so that we

have a chance, i dont know if he will ever be able to work again, i

hope! he could possibly work if he could do a job where it was

short hours, with no physical demands whatsoever and he doesnt have

to think at all., but he still has days where he has shakes that are

so severe and other days where he cant even get out of bed, and alot

of days where he cant even think, how are you supposed to work when

alot of days you cant even answer simple questions, or write or even

walk sometimes? anyway, i dont know if anyone has anything that

could help the judge understand the devastation of this illnes and

the way it dibilitates you so bad that you cant even function let

alone hold down a job. his docs say hes had it so long that they

dont know how much he will improve mentally and physically, all

because he went undiagnosed so long.

[Guest guest]

he tries to do as much as he can, but its not much, like i said hes not a lazy

guy, of course he tries to push himself, he was a 2nd degree blackbelt before

this hit him. yest he could barely walk. he slept on the couch alot because he

couldnt get up the steps, i know several people who are severely disabled by

this, and some that barely any symptoms at all, he tries his best to do things,

but most of the time it takes everything he has just to function. he has several

other things that are caused by the lyme, but i dont know if any of them are

severe enough of a diagnosis to be disabled. this is just great! yes he has a

llmd but we dont know how much he has been documenting. they think he had it for

like 10 years before diagnosis. that means it will be 10 years before he gets

better. how is one to survive?

fsmfarms <fsmfarms@...> wrote: From what I understand he may

have to get another dx besides lyme. It isn't

recognized w/dis. If this is incorrect folks pls correct me.

Does he have an LLMD? If not you need one, not a GP. Now, this IMHO but you

have to force yourself daily to do alittle more than the next. This is what

I did. He will have good days and bad. I personally don't believe he won't

get better w/o tx. It just takes time. The length of time you have had it

will be the length of time before you see a lot of difference.

Gradually he will have to build stamina and push oneself. Exercise/movement

kills the bugs. I use to force myself to take walks to strength myself and

kill bugs.

[ ] disability

my husband has been sick for years with lyme, he has done 5 months

of oral, 2 months of iv and is in the middle of another 2 months of

iv. he has been out of work for over 2 years now. he is in horrible

pain and has severe neuro problems, anyway my question is, we are

trying to get disability.. we have an appeal hearing coming up in a

couple months and wondering if anyone has any suggestions, or

literature that may help us. he is not a lazy person who doesnt want

to work, he was the kind of guy who wanted to work and have his wife

stay at home (didnt work out that way) but its killing him to not be

able to work, he used to be such a physically fit guy, 12 years of

martial arts and he cant do anything now, with how little people

seem to know about lyme i want as much info as possible so that we

have a chance, i dont know if he will ever be able to work again, i

hope! he could possibly work if he could do a job where it was

short hours, with no physical demands whatsoever and he doesnt have

to think at all., but he still has days where he has shakes that are

so severe and other days where he cant even get out of bed, and alot

of days where he cant even think, how are you supposed to work when

alot of days you cant even answer simple questions, or write or even

walk sometimes? anyway, i dont know if anyone has anything that

could help the judge understand the devastation of this illnes and

the way it dibilitates you so bad that you cant even function let

alone hold down a job. his docs say hes had it so long that they

dont know how much he will improve mentally and physically, all

because he went undiagnosed so long.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi all,

> I was just reading a magazine article (don't recall which magazine-

I read so much)-but it said the average time to receive SSDI was 40

months now because this generation is getting older and getting

closer to retiring, and the government is laying off more and more

people who deal with the determination as to who receives it or not.

I was lucky to get it quickly, not too many people live in Nevada

evidently. But I read some of these stories, and it breaks my heart

to know how people are suffering with the lack of income, or don't

have insurance, and can't get prescriptions. I'm not into politics,

but whenever I get something from AARP pertaining to our rights to

Medicare disabilty, I add my name to their petition. I don't know if

it ever helps, but I feel like I'm adding my opinion to something

that matters. If I hadn't received SSDI so quickly, we would have

been out on the street, as my husband just makes an average income.

Now I have to deal with

> choosing the supplemental plan and prescription plan for this year

coming up, it's a real pain, but it helped cover almost all my

hospital bills this year, as my husband has no insurance through

work, he uses VA for himself. Thanks for letting me put in my opinion

and get it out of my mind. It doesn't seem fair that each state has

different requirements to get benefits. I'm through venting now-just

had to get it off my chest, I go nuts this time of year trying to

decide on insurance, and trying to find someone to help explain them

to me.

> Take care

>

> Jeannie

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

,

I hope this conversation was not started because of the question I

was asking frankie. I work for social security and I take disability

claims and I have some knowledge of Medicare. I do agree with you

completely believe me I see it every day of my life.

>

> All, just because some people are on disability through work or

state after

> revision even for extend periods of time does not mean that they

don't need it.

> I was 19 months post op before I came off of long term disability

and

> went back to work

> full-time. Some people have complications, I for one have suffered

> nerve damage.

> I couldn't concentrate for beans but I could do tasks.

Unfortunately,

> my job requires

> a high degree of concentration for extended periods of time. For a

> long time I was

> just not ready. So, though it may appear to some as having taken

advantage of

> the systems, we, the revised, know best when it comes to our

bodies.

> I spent months

> saying to myself, I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY. I did not ask for scoli

and

> or the fact

> that I needed revision. How easy it is to be offended huh? Many

> people abuse the

> system, whether it be welfare, taxes, or disability and sure it is

> wrong but I for one

> get offended if someone hints at the fact that I took advantage of

> the system. Never

> mind the fact that that I have been paying into for years on end.

I

> am just sounding off

> and the comments are not directed at anyone in particular or any

> conversation in particular.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I, too, am very glad that I can receive this benefit. I've been working since I was 14 yrs. old and put in my part too. I don't feel guilty either. I think that anyone with scoliosis then the Harrington Rod problems should get special consideration when applying for Social Security Disability. I know you have to prove it with documentation and from what I've heard the only time you get approved for SSD the first time is if you're basically terminally ill. Maybe someday soon it will be more widely known and understood. In my case, when I applied, the neurosurgeons who were treating me didn't even put scoliosis down as a diagnosis - how crazy is that! So, I wait for a hearing date. Meanwhile I receive LTD from the insurance I had at work. Even if SSD always turns me down, the LTD will be there until I hit retirement age.

This hasn't stopped me from hitting financial woes either - we're trying to stop foreclosure on our house. With the extra medical bills, co-pays, less income, it has had its toll.

As far as abusing the system - I have a friend who got approved on disability. Any time I call her she's gone somewhere. Either to Walmart, over to do her grandmother's hair, babysitting her grandchildren, going on trips, she is very active. I don't resent her but it really baffles me that I'm like I am - I go somewhere about once a month and that does a number on me - can't seem to prove that I am disabled to some of the powers that be (SSD), no matter how much I hate to have to accept the fact.

G NC

[ ] Re: disability

,I hope this conversation was not started because of the question I was asking frankie. I work for social security and I take disability claims and I have some knowledge of Medicare. I do agree with you completely believe me I see it every day of my life. >> All, just because some people are on disability through work or state after> revision even for extend periods of time does not mean that they don't need it.> I was 19 months post op before I came off of long term disability and > went back to work> full-time. Some people have complications, I for one have suffered > nerve damage.> I couldn't concentrate for beans but I could do tasks. Unfortunately, > my job requires> a high degree of concentration for extended periods of time. For a > long time I was> just not ready. So, though it may appear to some as having taken advantage of> the systems, we, the revised, know best when it comes to our bodies. > I spent months> saying to myself, I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY. I did not ask for scoli and > or the fact> that I needed revision. How easy it is to be offended huh? Many > people abuse the> system, whether it be welfare, taxes, or disability and sure it is > wrong but I for one> get offended if someone hints at the fact that I took advantage of > the system. Never> mind the fact that that I have been paying into for years on end. I > am just sounding off> and the comments are not directed at anyone in particular or any > conversation in particular.> >

[Guest guest]

This is probably one of those sensitive topics so I am going to

respond carefully.

And I hope I don't offend nobody. It's very very hard to sit down

and take a claim for someone filing for disabilities that have back

issues, and I am sitting there almost in tears with pain. Its hard

subject and I try to tell people you have the right to file a claim

because you did pay into the system. I always tell myself maybe they

are worse off then me, who am I to question it. Yes a lot of people

get approved that may or may not be disabled but unfortunately there

is always good and bad. I have cried many tears at my job, when I

see people near death.

I am going to end this conversation by saying NEVER EVER EVER EVER

FEEL GUILTY BECAUSE YOU ARE ON DISABILITY.

> >

> > All, just because some people are on disability through work

or

> state after

> > revision even for extend periods of time does not mean that

they

> don't need it.

> > I was 19 months post op before I came off of long term

disability

> and

> > went back to work

> > full-time. Some people have complications, I for one have

suffered

> > nerve damage.

> > I couldn't concentrate for beans but I could do tasks.

> Unfortunately,

> > my job requires

> > a high degree of concentration for extended periods of time.

For a

> > long time I was

> > just not ready. So, though it may appear to some as having

taken

> advantage of

> > the systems, we, the revised, know best when it comes to our

> bodies.

> > I spent months

> > saying to myself, I WILL NOT FEEL GUILTY. I did not ask for

scoli

> and

> > or the fact

> > that I needed revision. How easy it is to be offended huh?

Many

> > people abuse the

> > system, whether it be welfare, taxes, or disability and sure

it is

> > wrong but I for one

> > get offended if someone hints at the fact that I took

advantage of

> > the system. Never

> > mind the fact that that I have been paying into for years on

end.

> I

> > am just sounding off

> > and the comments are not directed at anyone in particular or

any

> > conversation in particular.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Social Security has their own set of rules for determining

conditions that get approved. Unfortunately, I think (just my

opinion) that they probably group a ton of things into their vague

definition of " back problems. " And since everyone and their uncle

seems to have some varying degree of back problems, it probably puts

up a big red flag when someone files for disability with back

issues, even flatback. Sort of like how we get people who'll

say " well my friend so & so had back surgery 3 weeks ago and is

perfectly fine - why are you still at home? " People don't seem to

distinguish complex stuff from a simple spinal procedure, and social

security guidelines are quite similar.

It also really depends on HOW you fill out the forms. I was

approved on my first try with no lawyers (for MS, not for flatback,

but MS is not a terminal disease..) at the age of 29. I read a lot

online about important ways of saying things, things to NOT put in

the application, and other advice. The two most important things

that I remember (other than the obvious advice of being honest & not

exaggerating) were to be as detailed as you can be, and to

extensively show that you cannot to ANY job, not just your current

job.

Many people make the mistake of filing for disability because,

between the medication affecting the clarity or ability to think &

concentrate or their inability to do much physical work, they

explain in great details how they can't return to their job. Social

Security couldn't care less about that (even though it matters to

us!) - if you can't do your current job then they feel that you need

to get a different job, regardless of paycuts. That's one of their

most basic requirements. So for example, I used to do laboratory

research, but then switched to teaching college biology, then went

to part time teaching. I showed that I HAD tried to switch careers

to accomodate my physical limitations, but that it still wasn't

enough.

The other advice I mentioned - being as detailed as you can be - is

really important too. For example, don't just write down that it's

hard to sit for a long period of time. That's too vague and won't

mean a thing to the person reviewing your application. Instead, use

real numbers to explain the same thing with more exactness - " I

cannot sit for more than 20 minutes at a time without having to

stand up and take a short walk. " or " After sitting for more than

two hours at my office job, I must lay down flat for 20 minutes to

give my back a break - and this is not something that is acceptable

in my line of work. "

I filled out the application online and would highly recommend doing

it that way (versus over the phone or an in-person interview). It

took me a couple of weeks, but I could take my time and really THINK

about my answers before submitting them. Also, many of the

questions seemed redundant, and therefore I found myself repeating

my answers throughout the application, but I think it was helpful to

keep re-writing and reinforcing the points I was trying to make.

Also, specifically - you mentioned that you have LTD through

private insurance? I don't think you'll be eligible for social

security disability ever if you are collecting LTD. I might be

wrong, but LTD plans pay much better, and therefore put you over the

income limits for collecting government disability. I might be

totally wrong, but I THINK that's how it works.

And I completely agree about people abusing the system - quite a few

people from my MS discussion groups collect SS but are perfectly

fine. They had one really bad attack, got approved for disability,

*completely* recovered, and spend their new " free " time out driving,

shopping, running around doing errands, etc. And then other people

on those boards are homebound for the rest of their lives and SS

still won't approve them.

It's definately not a perfect system. And it also matters what

office and which reviewer actually ends up with your case.

>

> I, too, am very glad that I can receive this benefit. I've been

working since I was 14 yrs. old and put in my part too. I don't

feel guilty either. I think that anyone with scoliosis then the

Harrington Rod problems should get special consideration when

applying for Social Security Disability. I know you have to prove

it with documentation and from what I've heard the only time you get

approved for SSD the first time is if you're basically terminally

ill. Maybe someday soon it will be more widely known and

understood. In my case, when I applied, the neurosurgeons who were

treating me didn't even put scoliosis down as a diagnosis - how

crazy is that! So, I wait for a hearing date. Meanwhile I receive

LTD from

[Guest guest]

,

I work for Social Security, and some of the things you mentioned is

correct. That is great you got approved the first time around, I

always tell people when I am interviewing is (not matter what there

condition is) to explain as much as you can You have to prove your

disabled so don't be vague.

I have never ever in my career every looked down on somebody for

filing for disablitity no matter what there condition is, its a very

hard job.

I do want to let anybody know I will be happy to answer questions

about Social Security via email or here that is the one thing I am

proud of is I know my job and I do it well Not to brag but I have

been giving the highest award one can get here. I will tell you up

front I will not disclose any information, meaning I will not look

you up on the system. But I will provide you a good phone number to

use if you need detail information about your case.

Okay I am done, it kind of feels good to start giving into this

group.

NEVER EVER FEEL BAD FOR FILING OR GETTING SOCIAL SECURITY..

> >

> > I, too, am very glad that I can receive this benefit. I've been

> working since I was 14 yrs. old and put in my part too. I don't

> feel guilty either. I think that anyone with scoliosis then the

> Harrington Rod problems should get special consideration when

> applying for Social Security Disability. I know you have to prove

> it with documentation and from what I've heard the only time you

get

> approved for SSD the first time is if you're basically terminally

> ill. Maybe someday soon it will be more widely known and

> understood. In my case, when I applied, the neurosurgeons who

were

> treating me didn't even put scoliosis down as a diagnosis - how

> crazy is that! So, I wait for a hearing date. Meanwhile I

receive

> LTD from

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sometimes, we all need a little validation. You have no reason to feel guilty, now or then.

Bonnie