Re: Disability in PA

[Guest guest]

Teri,

I'm not in PA, but just so you know SSDI is a Federal Program. That

means the 'rules' are the same in all 50 states. Benefits are

directly related to your inability to work any longer due to a

severe disability. Applications must include information about your

medical, work, and education history. Go to these links for clear

information.

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify5.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify6.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-

impairments.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-

Neurological-Adult.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-

Neurological-Adult.htm#11.14%20Peripheral%20neuropathies

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Hi Teri,

Just curious, you said you have no outward signs of CMT. What

signs DO you have?

Anyway, when applying for disability you need to have medical

documentation that supports the fact that you are no longer able to

work. You might check out the social security blue book for disabling

conditions and sections pertaining to CMT

1:00©Persistent Disorganization of Motor Function and subparts;

11.14 peripheral neuropathies with disorganization of motor function

as described in 11.04B;

and

11.17 Degenerative Disease not listed elsewhere, With: Part A.

Disorganization of motor functionas described in 11.04B;

also check out 1.00B(2)©

and 1.00 Musculoskeletal System (all parts).

I think Gretchen has posted the web address before for Social Security Blue Book

of Disabling Conditions. It doesn't matter that you have a disabling condition,

you have to prove that you are not able to work anymore due to yourlimitations.

I am sure you already know this. You can e-mail me with any questions. I was

approved for SSDI in Dec. and know how frustrating the process can be.

Holly

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

I know we spoke before, but I will give you a run down of what I

experience and test results.

I had neuropthy for about two years, idiology at that time was

unknown. 4 EMG's showed the neuropathy.

Chronic Lyme Disease, 5 Weatern Blots postitive

Recently, in December of Last year, DNA test came back positive for

CMT, abnormality in the MPZ gene.

My symptoms are leg weakness, worse after any physical activity.

Burning sensations in legs, muscle twitching, muscle cramps, right

foot pain, bottom of feel hurt and burn. Muscle waekness, legs give

out sometimes. Fatigue, lack of stamina. Migraines (diagnosed with

them and an on meds). etc, etc.

Had to quit my job due to the muscle weakness. Really had a hard

time since my job was very physical. I applied for Disability before the CMT

diagnosis, turned down. Hired a lawyer who wasted 8 months of my time. In the

process of gathering what I can (again) with a few new things and am going to be

applying very soon again.

I had to pick up a part time job to help with expenses. I work as a

Chiropratic Assistant/Office manager. The office is only open three

days a week and I work about 12 hours. I contacted disability the

first time to ask if it would hurt me to work, and I was told since

it was minimun hours that it should not affect anything.

My biggest fear is getting turned down because you cannot " SEE " that

I have problems. Just like when I was first diagnosed with Lyme, I

looked fine, so people assumed that I was fine.

I am scared that if I have to get another job that I will eventually

have to quit or be fired because I tire out so easily.

I still have the letters that you sent to me that you wrote to the

Judge and to Disability. They have been a great format for me.

OK, sorry it was so long, just wanted to make sure you had all the

background.

Teri