disability

[Guest guest]

,

I feel exactly like you. I worked in severe pain for 10 years and had

to give up my job last February. I am pretty much housebound due to

my pain levels and the pain medication I take. The only time I ever

go anywhere is to the doctors office. I only found out about flatback

in July and I will be having my surgery next week.

I had worked full time since I was 16 and am currently 54. I am not

receiving any disability since I had to just quit work since I could

no longer do my job. I did apply for Social Security and they have

turned me down twice. I did go ahead and get an attorney after the

first denial letter.

I wish you all the best and good luck.

Debbie J

> >

> > 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]

Hi ,

No, it wasn't because of that. I didn't even see that post.

Somebody made a wise guy comment when I said I was

going on 40 hours on Nov first. Something like " about time "

I was furious.

[Guest guest]

Hi All,

I do NOT feel guilty for collecting disability. I am just amazed at the

audacity of others.

[Guest guest]

DebbieJ,

Thanks! I hope everything goes well for you. I guess you know that if/when you get approved you'll get "back pay" starting from the last day you worked. But then the attorney gets some of that - but that's ok by me personally since there's no money that has to come out of my empty pockets.

If I may, I'd like to respond here to a post from someone else regarding LTD and SSD - in my case I am receiving, say 1800.00 per month (that's not the real amount but I'll use that as an example). The amount I would receive from SSD would be, say 1400.00 per month (again a bogus number). If/when I started receiving that, the LTD would decrease to 400.00 per month. I'm glad I signed up for that insurance. Another benefit of SSD is that after a waiting period I can get on Medicare. I'm not going to be able to afford COBRA so I don't know what I'm going to do in the meantime.

G NC

[ ] Re: disability

,I feel exactly like you. I worked in severe pain for 10 years and had to give up my job last February. I am pretty much housebound due to my pain levels and the pain medication I take. The only time I ever go anywhere is to the doctors office. I only found out about flatback in July and I will be having my surgery next week. I had worked full time since I was 16 and am currently 54. I am not receiving any disability since I had to just quit work since I could no longer do my job. I did apply for Social Security and they have turned me down twice. I did go ahead and get an attorney after the first denial letter.I wish you all the best and good luck.Debbie J> >> > 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]

Look carefully at your denial. Does it give you any specific reason for the

denial? I may be vague, but somewhere in the language they should give an

indication of why they turned you down, which may in turn help in your appeal.

There are ways to preserve your appeal w/o having to find a lawyer to get that

part in (in case you do not find someone as quickly as you would hope). So much

depends on the state, the reviewer(s), etc. as to how long it may take to get to

the hearing stage, let alone wait for the written opinion if that does not

happen at the hearing (which is pretty rare in most areas)....

Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Cheryl M.

[Guest guest]

does anyone know how long an appeal should take??? I filed an appeal back in

may, and still have yet to hear anything. I had 2 people call me leave

messages on voice mail (which I kept) and when I tried returning their calls

they said " who are you and why are you calling me " so that leaves me to

believe i have to start all over again right? This time I'm getting an atty

I think....all because I didn't get the release of info forms back to SSI in

time... I am kicking myself....

[Guest guest]

HI THERE.I AM ALSO APPEALING BUT I AM GOING TO GO SEE A DISABILITY

ATTY. ON MONDAY AND HE IS GOING TO DO ALL THAT FOR ME. I TRIED

CALLING ALSO AND THEY HAVE IGNORED ME. BUT MY ATTY. WILL TAKE CARE OF

IT,I HOPE. GET YOU AN ATTY THAT SPECIALIZES IN DISABILITY THEN

HE/SHE WILL TAKE CARE OF IT.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/07 3:30:18 PM, mommytojared@... writes:

<<I tried to find out how long an appeal " should " take to try to judge on when

to really hit it hard... but never got any answers and was ignored!!>>

======================

You might try contacting your congressional representatives. For some

reason, federal agencies often respond to their inquiries while regular citizens

are ignored.

BeingIrish

[Guest guest]

I'm almost willing to bet it's too late. I tried to find out how long an

appeal " should " take to try to judge on when to really hit it hard... but

never got any answers and was ignored!! I am assuming at this point I must

start over.

[Guest guest]

IN MOST CASES IF YOU WOULD PLEASE CALL AN attorney THEY WILL TALK TO YOU

FOR NOTHING. IF THEY APPEAL FOR YOU THEY WILL GET PAID A CERTAIN AMOUNT

WHEN YOU GET YOUR SETTLEMENT. TALK TO ONE PLEASE.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/24/07 3:30:18 PM, mommytojared@... writes:

<<I tried to find out how long an appeal " should " take to try to judge on when

to really hit it hard... but never got any answers and was ignored!!>>

=======================

Here's the story of what one women went through to get disability and how the

problem was solved:

" Lori Still of Port Huron, Mich.—a double amputee—applied for disability

last year and was denied. A former compensation analyst, Still worked for 20

years, each day walking on her artificial legs. 'It's like walking on stilts,

and

eventually that takes its toll on your body,' says Still, 48, who lost her

legs to a genetic vascular disease.

" Still recently developed lupus, which causes painful swelling in her joints.

'I don't ask for favors,' she says. 'I went back to work after my first

amputation in 1987 in a snowstorm walking on one leg with a crutch.' In constant

pain, Still eventually stopped working.

" For close to a year, she waited for a disability hearing date, maxing out

her credit cards and borrowing against her 401(k) account to pay her utility

bills. Her 82-year-old mother cashed out a retirement CD early to help her.

About

to lose her little ranch house, Still contacted Sen. Debbie Stabenow,

D-Mich., who contacted Social Security. 'Within a week, my file was reviewed,

and 10

days later my claim was approved,' says Still. 'I cried, I was so grateful.

But what people have to go through to get these claims—it's an outrage.' "

From the AARP Bulletin: Disability Profiles November 2007

http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/socialsec/sick_of_waiting_sb.html

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am getting scared because my long term

disability thru my employment ends in june, I can only draw for 2 yrs =(

[Guest guest]

now that's a thought...... thanks for sharing =)

> From the AARP Bulletin: Disability Profiles November 2007

> http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/socialsec/sick_of_waiting_sb.html

[Guest guest]

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/Disability%20Coverage%20Overview.html

lonestarlady562000 <no_reply > wrote: has anyone been

able to get on disability due to hep c? i'm thinking

about giving it a try. i honestly don't think i can work any more.

i'vegot hep c and cirrhosis stage 4.my energy level is almost nothing,

i itch to high heaven i can't remember anything. my legs and feet stay

swollen all the time. any suggestions? deb

Tim Parsons

knoxville,tn 37931

865-588-2465 x107 work

www.knoxville1.com

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

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Yes, I'm on 100% Social Security, and Medicare next May. I'm 61 and had no

problem, though most people often get rejected the first time. I used an

attorney (only charged me $750, as I did all the work). A couple of things to

remember: Your Doctor will be contacted, so I'd see if he agrees first. Then,

when applying for disability, make ABSOLUTEY sure that you note all the mental

sides: depression, inability to sleep properly, feeling useless, etc. The HCV

and it's sides is often not enough to convince them, but adding the mental state

will really add to your claim. Remember, the sooner you apply, the better, as

they'll only pay from the date of disability, and they'll only go back 1 year.

When I settled, I got a check for over $17,000 for back pay and now get $1083.

each month. Please ask more questions and report how your case goes. And, DO IT

NOW! Best of Luck, Rick

disability

has anyone been able to get on disability due to hep c? i'm thinking

about giving it a try. i honestly don't think i can work any more.

i'vegot hep c and cirrhosis stage 4.my energy level is almost nothing,

i itch to high heaven i can't remember anything. my legs and feet stay

swollen all the time. any suggestions? deb

[Guest guest]

A friend sent me this link just a few days ago. It'll take you to the

blue book which lists digestive illnesses you can get SS disability

for.

Maybe this will help with some of your questions.

Gayle

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/5.00-Digestive-

Adult.htm#5.05%20Chronic%20Liver%20Disease%20(e.g.,%20portal,%

20postnecrotic,%20or%20biliary%20cirrhosis;%20chronic%20active%

20hepatitis;%20's%20disease)

Copy and past it if you can't get there from here.

Yep...that whole thing. lol

>

> has anyone been able to get on disability due to hep c? i'm

thinking

> about giving it a try. i honestly don't think i can work any more.

> i'vegot hep c and cirrhosis stage 4.my energy level is almost

nothing,

> i itch to high heaven i can't remember anything. my legs and feet

stay

> swollen all the time. any suggestions? deb

>

[Guest guest]

I got CPP disability for Hep C 15 years ago. The important thing is to

get the application in right away. If you are accepted its all retro-

active to the date of your first submission.

The two words your Dr. needs to stress on his forms are, Severe, and

prolonged.

They most likely will refuse you the first and sometimes the second

time, but keep applying, you'll eventually get it.

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

I got CPP disability for Hep C 15 years ago. The important thing is to

get the application in right away. If you are accepted its all retro-

active to the date of your first submission.

The two words your Dr. needs to stress on his forms are, Severe, and

prolonged.

They most likely will refuse you the first and sometimes the second

time, but keep applying, you'll eventually get it.

Good luck,

[Guest guest]

Hi. Karla,

You are correct that as an adult I should not have to put up with coercsion; however when on is embroiled in these so-called "helpful" governmental programs that are really more of a hindrance, coercsion is the norm. I know--I've been dealing with it for better than two decades. What it basically comes down to is that after over two decades of "fighting the good fight;" one up-hill battle after another, I'm tired out. I need the help of one or more attorneys who are willing and capable of standing up to "Big Brother." So far, I have found that no one handles this part of disability litigation. My belief is that they are simply too scared of the Feds to even try.

I am already on Social Security Disability and Medicare, but I cannot find an attorney who is willing or capable of going up against the Feds, let alone on a pro bono basis. One would think that there would be someone in a large metropolitan area like the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. , MN), but the bushes I've beaten so far have not turned up anyone.

Thank goodness I have had the foresight to put into place an Advanced Medical Care Directive and Living Will which specifies all the items mentioned--including the fact that I am a "No Coder" and am not to be transported to any hospital via ambulance.Don't worry! There is no way the powers that be will get their needles into me!

Thank you so very much for your support and affirmations. I send mine to you, as well.

We are "neighbors" in the sense that you live in Illinois and I live in the TwinCities Metro Area in Minnesota.

Blessings and Peace.

In Solidarity,

~~Ruth

disability

Hullo Ruth. As an adult, you shouldnt have anyone pressuring you for any kind of vaccine. I dont know who they are, but they shouldnt be coersing you.

With the SS and Medicare. Where your disorder my be an automatic exemption with SS, you still have to meet Medicare criteria. And that basically comes down to a few things. You have to prove an inability to work, and cite other reasons of special needs or inabilities in self-care. Having more than one qualifying disorder or complications of one, would only boost your case, So if you have applied and been turned down, use their appeal process. If that is not working, get a lawyer to fight for you. Disability can be a long adventure, with a ton of red tape. Government loves red tape. Play their game, and fudge some things if you have to, to get it. Many people are denied the first time they try. They want to know you are serious. Good Luck. And stay away from those Needles!

Having muscular dystrophy and West Nile, my immune system is shot, and I would never ever have another vaccine, just on that basic alone. But I know better now, that no one should have them. Hang in their and fight for your disability rights - and all our other supposed human rights. It's horrible to have to fight for them, if they are our rights and freedoms in the first place. What a shamble.

Glad Day ~ Karla in IL

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Hi. Karla,

You are correct that as an adult I should not have to put up with coercsion; however when on is embroiled in these so-called "helpful" governmental programs that are really more of a hindrance, coercsion is the norm. I know--I've been dealing with it for better than two decades. What it basically comes down to is that after over two decades of "fighting the good fight;" one up-hill battle after another, I'm tired out. I need the help of one or more attorneys who are willing and capable of standing up to "Big Brother." So far, I have found that no one handles this part of disability litigation. My belief is that they are simply too scared of the Feds to even try.

I am already on Social Security Disability and Medicare, but I cannot find an attorney who is willing or capable of going up against the Feds, let alone on a pro bono basis. One would think that there would be someone in a large metropolitan area like the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. , MN), but the bushes I've beaten so far have not turned up anyone.

Thank goodness I have had the foresight to put into place an Advanced Medical Care Directive and Living Will which specifies all the items mentioned--including the fact that I am a "No Coder" and am not to be transported to any hospital via ambulance.Don't worry! There is no way the powers that be will get their needles into me!

Thank you so very much for your support and affirmations. I send mine to you, as well.

We are "neighbors" in the sense that you live in Illinois and I live in the TwinCities Metro Area in Minnesota.

Blessings and Peace.

In Solidarity,

~~Ruth

disability

Hullo Ruth. As an adult, you shouldnt have anyone pressuring you for any kind of vaccine. I dont know who they are, but they shouldnt be coersing you.

With the SS and Medicare. Where your disorder my be an automatic exemption with SS, you still have to meet Medicare criteria. And that basically comes down to a few things. You have to prove an inability to work, and cite other reasons of special needs or inabilities in self-care. Having more than one qualifying disorder or complications of one, would only boost your case, So if you have applied and been turned down, use their appeal process. If that is not working, get a lawyer to fight for you. Disability can be a long adventure, with a ton of red tape. Government loves red tape. Play their game, and fudge some things if you have to, to get it. Many people are denied the first time they try. They want to know you are serious. Good Luck. And stay away from those Needles!

Having muscular dystrophy and West Nile, my immune system is shot, and I would never ever have another vaccine, just on that basic alone. But I know better now, that no one should have them. Hang in their and fight for your disability rights - and all our other supposed human rights. It's horrible to have to fight for them, if they are our rights and freedoms in the first place. What a shamble.

Glad Day ~ Karla in IL

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

I am Sorry this is happening to you. I would find another Rheumatologist

who is more understanding. Sounds like the one you are seeing has his

brain mixed up with his butt. Maybe people from this list can recommend a

Rheumatologist in your area if you say what state you are in. I am in NJ I

can recommend one here and also I know a good one in the San Francisco Bay

Area.

Barb

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

It depends on what state you are in. In Washington state the social security

laws require that you meet a certain criteria (working or not) to qualify.

Considering your current age, and the nature of your disability if you have lots

of documentation and can prove that you can or could no longer do your present

position or any work reliably and without pain I think your chances would be

very good of being approved. Go to the social security web site for your state

and view their list of qualifying diseases and the criteria that has to be met.

Good luck

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am getting social security disibility for Ra. The best advise I can give is

to get an attorney who specilizes in ssd. They can get you through it the

fastest. They don't charge unless you win and then that isn't even that much.

It is taken out of the first check. It took me a long time, since ssd lost all

myu paper work. That will not happen to you. It can be a long process but go

for it. RA is one of the reasons for giving ssd.

-------------- Original message --------------

From: Petry <mapetry0177@...>

is anyone getting social security due to ra ? i was wondering what you did - how

long it took to hear- how long before you got a ck- if you get ssi too- and how

that works together- if you get one can you get the other- medicare- medicade-

if you are denied then what- back pay- and how much back pay if any-

just would like some feed back to understand how it works. are there any web

sites that are about this?

thanks to all

[Guest guest]

Everything about Social Security is at :

www.ssa.gov

" il faut d'abord durer " Hemingway

[ ] Disability

> is anyone getting social security due to ra ? i was wondering what you

> did - how long it took to hear- how long before you got a ck- if you get

> ssi too- and how that works together- if you get one can you get the

> other- medicare- medicade- if you are denied then what- back pay- and how

> much back pay if any-

> just would like some feed back to understand how it works. are there any

> web sites that are about this?

> thanks to all

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

yes. I originally applied for disability in Houston, Texas, but being

on a 10 month waiting list, I came back to Illinois. Texas was not

caring for me. My claim was approved first time round, 4 mos after

coming back to IL (still with in the 6 mos promised). My Doctor in IL

had it very well documented that I had severe RA. IL Medicaid goes

through Dept of Human Svcs and actually acts different than Soc. Sec.

office. I was approved for medicaid because of my income. After 2

years of medicaid, you are invited automatically to have medicare.

You don't get both ssi & ssd, only one, depending on how many quarters

you've worked, what you've earned..

The web site to apply & get more answers to your questions:

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

>

> is anyone getting social security due to ra ? i was wondering what

you did - how long it took to hear- how long before you got a ck- if

you get ssi too- and how that works together- if you get one can you

get the other- medicare- medicade- if you are denied then what- back

pay- and how much back pay if any-

> just would like some feed back to understand how it works. are

there any web sites that are about this?

> thanks to all

>

>

>