Guest guest Posted March 9, 2003 Report Share Posted March 9, 2003 In a message dated 3/9/2003 11:05:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, nc_carolinagirl1@... writes: > signed up for disability in Jan, yesterday i received anotice that > an appointment had been made for me to go to a psychiatrist. The > letter states I will be given a special medical Exam. or test. I am so > nerverse I can't quite shaking.Does anyone know if this is routine? I > kinda expected a medical eval. but not this. Could it be they have > enough medical proof of the 3rd stage lymn, fribromyagia, and CFS.? I > am so scarred. Any Dr. makes me that way now. I am tempted to give up. > Anyone else had this happen? > EVERYONE goes for both medical and psychological exams when applying for SSD. Unless you have something like cancer etc etc..The exams are a piece of cake.. The physical they take blood may do a chest xray and EKG.. The psychological they ask you questions like what year is it, who's president blah blah.....Nothing to be concerned about at all......Not too worry YRobyn in SouthCarolinaY <A HREF= " http://chronicillness.proboards14.com/index.cgi " >My Chronic Illness Message Board</A> <A HREF= " http://hometown.aol.com/suthrnprincess70/ " >SuthrnPrincess</A> <A HREF= " http://hometown.aol.com/suthrnprincess70/page1.html " >Our Furbabies</A> YAngels are just Lhasa Apso's with WingsY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2003 Report Share Posted March 9, 2003 Hi, Is it social security disability? Yes they had the dr examine me - a typical part of the process. I would not give up. They usually turn everyone down for the disability the first time. Most people have to get a lawyer and appeal. All they have to show is that you meet one of the criteria listed for the acceptable disabilities for ss. I think they have a book that lists the different disabilities. I know someone in a wheelchair and brain damaged from a car accident and they turned him down the first time. It is a crazy process but dont let it scare u. I wish you much luck, hugs, noez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2003 Report Share Posted March 9, 2003 Hi, Yes. Two rounds of having to see psychologists in addition to a medical doctor. The questions that are asked have to do with subtracting things in your head, remembering what order you saw some pictures. If you work well with others, or get angered quickly. Something like that. Really crazy because a lot of cognitive and emotional states are due to being ill with Lyme or any illness really. The medications we take sometimes limit us on a lot of mental problems. But without some of the meds we might not be able to function at all. I wouldn't worry about it so much. Don't try to prove you are not physically and emotionally exhausted. And depressed at times. We don't have to lie. Just say, I can't do it. I remember asking for a pencil and paper and the doctor said just take your time and do the subtraction in your head. I think I told him I used to but can't keep the numbers there. I think I was worried about really finding out I was bad mentally. But that was silly for this type of evaluation when you know you couldn't function effectively in any job setting. I knew I was putting others at risk or not giving what I used to be able to contribute. Not my own fault. Makes you feel guilty though. But I felt more guilty trying to pretend I was doing a good job with work. I could have really caused others harm. Myself included. One of the first questions the doctor asked was if I had any trouble finding the place. Of course I did. And told him. But it would have been better to have someone drive me. (I really should not have been driving.) So go in with your slow body and brain and be slow. Barb -----Original Message----- From: nc_carolinagirl1 [mailto:nc_carolinagirl1@...] I signed up for disability in Jan, yesterday i received anotice that an appointment had been made for me to go to a psychiatrist. The letter states I will be given a special medical Exam. or test. I am so nerverse I can't quite shaking.Does anyone know if this is routine? I kinda expected a medical eval. but not this. Could it be they have enough medical proof of the 3rd stage lymn, fribromyagia, and CFS.? I am so scarred. Any Dr. makes me that way now. I am tempted to give up. Anyone else had this happen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 i had insurance when my rheumi helped me get disability. i was denied the first round, but approved as soon as i aquired an atty that only collects if they win for you. it only took me six mos. i was 42. check with the state or county clinic. they might have a long wait time. good luck kathy in il Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 When I was trying to get disability, I went to an attorney that specializes in that field. At the end of my interview, I asked her, " What can you do for me that I can't do for myself? " She said that she knew what papers to fill out when I'm denied. I already knew that, so I left her to rip off the next poor uninformed. As far as I know, there's nothing a lawyer can do that you can't do for yourself, but they still get a large portion of your badly needed money for doing essentially nothing! The basic steps are: Apply for disability- If you're not dying within a year, you're denied in most cases. Apply for reconsideration- At this point they actually look at your appliction and medical info. Apply for a judicial decision- This is your only time to really convince them on a personal level. If these steps don't work, you start over again.... Dennis Re: [ ] disability? > > i had insurance when my rheumi helped me get disability. i was denied the > first round, but approved as soon as i aquired an atty that only collects > if they > win for you. it only took me six mos. i was 42. check with the state or > county clinic. they might have a long wait time. good luck kathy in il > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 I've been on Social Security Disability since 1991, and it took 2 years to get it. The process has changed since then. All we had at the judicial appeal were a federal judge, his assistant, and me, my wife, and daughter. Now, as I understand it, there is a judge, an employment specialist, and a physical therapist (I think). They do have all bases covered, and you'll have to have your doctor's favor on your side. It takes persistance. The only thing that saved us was that we built our house out of our pockets and didn't have a mortgage. As for medical care, it depends on your assets and income. If you can prove you're living below the poverty level, you can be taken care of by using state medicade while waiting for medicare. If you need to see a doctor, go to the emergency room. A doctor (of some kind) will examine you free through the indigent care program, but you still have to pay for all prescriptions. That's what I know it to be, your mileage may vary. Dennis [ ] disability? > > > > Is anyone in here on disability? Since I don't have insurance at the > moment, I can't afford to go to a rheumatologist and get on > medication. So, I'm getting by on ibuprofen which may not even be > helping much, but I'm afraid to stop taking it to find out! There is > no way I could hold a job right now...I have so much pain and some > days can hardly walk! I was just wondering if there is any help out > there for people in my situation...and how difficult is it to get on > disability? > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2004 Report Share Posted October 8, 2004 Im not quite sure what all of the circumstances of you situation are. But, I can definately relate to getting sick with RA at a time i didnt have healthcare insurance, which now makes me medically unisurable. I saught out medical care at a teaching hospital. Almost any institution that trains medical doctors has a " residents clinic. Usually, they will only charge you a percentage of the cost, depending on your income. They may aslo have " sample " drugs to help decrease the cost. The quality of care I have gotten has been exceptional. One of the first things they told me to do was to apply for SS Disability. You can do all of it online, if your comfortable with that, I think it is www.socialsecurity.gov , All that said, I submitted my application and was turned down 4 months later. I was told by many people you dont have to hire a lawyer to file an appeal, but the chances of winning the appeal are better with a lawyer. It took me a year and a half to finally get an appeals hearing, then 120 days to get the judges descision. I got a favorable decision and it is retroactive back to Feb of 2002, so Medicare should also be in effect for me. However, I have not seen or heard anything from SS yet, and its another 100 days after the apeals decision. So nearly three years into this im still waiting. But, now that I have gotten the motivation to type tonihgt, I think the next letter will be to my senator. I hope at least a little bit of this helps Larry SUPPORT , " " <Havenwood86@c...> wrote: > > > Is anyone in here on disability? Since I don't have insurance at the > moment, I can't afford to go to a rheumatologist and get on > medication. So, I'm getting by on ibuprofen which may not even be > helping much, but I'm afraid to stop taking it to find out! There is > no way I could hold a job right now...I have so much pain and some > days can hardly walk! I was just wondering if there is any help out > there for people in my situation...and how difficult is it to get on > disability? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2004 Report Share Posted October 9, 2004 Can you get on Medicaid? That would give you the medicine or money needed for RXs. and for Doctor bills. Meanwhile submit to social security disability, that takes a while. Good luck. Colletti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2004 Report Share Posted October 10, 2004 Age makes a difference, too. I was close to 50 and got it first time. I was told if two or more weight bearing joints (bilaterally) are affected it's easier and your vocation. I was a nurse so it was deemed unsafe for me to work anymore. Though I really couldn't work anymore I almost felt guilty because I knew so many people that had to appeal (and usually got it then). Most people will tell you to plan on getting turned down the first time. JaninIowa > When I was trying to get disability, I went to an attorney that specializes > in that field. At the end of my interview, I asked her, " What can you do for > me that I can't do for myself? " She said that she knew what papers to fill > out when I'm denied. I already knew that, so I left her to rip off the next > poor uninformed. As far as I know, there's nothing a lawyer can do that you > can't do for yourself, but they still get a large portion of your badly > needed money for doing essentially nothing! > > The basic steps are: > Apply for disability- If you're not dying within a year, you're denied in > most cases. > Apply for reconsideration- At this point they actually look at your > appliction and medical info. > Apply for a judicial decision- This is your only time to really convince > them on a personal level. > If these steps don't work, you start over again.... > > Dennis > > Re: [ ] disability? > > > > > > i had insurance when my rheumi helped me get disability. i was denied the > > first round, but approved as soon as i aquired an atty that only collects > > if they > > win for you. it only took me six mos. i was 42. check with the state or > > county clinic. they might have a long wait time. good luck kathy in il > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 Thanks Jan and everyone who replied to my question about disability! I am in the process of filling out the forms now...keeping my fingers crossed! > > When I was trying to get disability, I went to an attorney that specializes > > in that field. At the end of my interview, I asked her, " What can you do for > > me that I can't do for myself? " She said that she knew what papers to fill > > out when I'm denied. I already knew that, so I left her to rip off the next > > poor uninformed. As far as I know, there's nothing a lawyer can do that you > > can't do for yourself, but they still get a large portion of your badly > > needed money for doing essentially nothing! > > > > The basic steps are: > > Apply for disability- If you're not dying within a year, you're denied in > > most cases. > > Apply for reconsideration- At this point they actually look at your > > appliction and medical info. > > Apply for a judicial decision- This is your only time to really convince > > them on a personal level. > > If these steps don't work, you start over again.... > > > > Dennis > > > > Re: [ ] disability? > > > > > > > > > > i had insurance when my rheumi helped me get disability. i was denied the > > > first round, but approved as soon as i aquired an atty that only collects > > > if they > > > win for you. it only took me six mos. i was 42. check with the state or > > > county clinic. they might have a long wait time. good luck kathy in il > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 Good luck ! I am 41 years old, and I am on disability. I applied, and received it the first time, but it took a year. You just have to have faith, and don't give up. Big hugs, and prayers, T > > > > > > Age makes a difference, too. I was close to 50 and got it first > time. I was told if two or > > more weight bearing joints (bilaterally) are affected it's easier > and your vocation. I was > > a nurse so it was deemed unsafe for me to work anymore. Though I > really couldn't > > work anymore I almost felt guilty because I knew so many people that > had to appeal > > (and usually got it then). Most people will tell you to plan on > getting turned down the > > first time. > > JaninIowa > > --- In , " Dennis W " <betnden@a...> wrote: > > > When I was trying to get disability, I went to an attorney that > specializes > > > in that field. At the end of my interview, I asked her, " What can > you do for > > > me that I can't do for myself? " She said that she knew what papers > to fill > > > out when I'm denied. I already knew that, so I left her to rip off > the next > > > poor uninformed. As far as I know, there's nothing a lawyer can do > that you > > > can't do for yourself, but they still get a large portion of your > badly > > > needed money for doing essentially nothing! > > > > > > The basic steps are: > > > Apply for disability- If you're not dying within a year, you're > denied in > > > most cases. > > > Apply for reconsideration- At this point they actually look at your > > > appliction and medical info. > > > Apply for a judicial decision- This is your only time to really > convince > > > them on a personal level. > > > If these steps don't work, you start over again.... > > > > > > Dennis > > > > > > Re: [ ] disability? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > i had insurance when my rheumi helped me get disability. i was > denied the > > > > first round, but approved as soon as i aquired an atty that only > collects > > > > if they > > > > win for you. it only took me six mos. i was 42. check with the > state or > > > > county clinic. they might have a long wait time. good luck kathy > in il > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 My understanding is that attorney's who specialize in disability can get the job done lots quicker. They know the system. Some will take their money from your award... On Thu, Dec 31, 2009 at 11:55 AM, bridget <blueyes7648@...> wrote: > > > Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security > disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function > in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have > talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. I truly need > it right now, and was wondering if anyone has any tips or is on it? > Thank you > Bridget > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 31, 2009 Report Share Posted December 31, 2009 Bridget Join the group - DISINSSUES - at least I'm pretty sure that is the name. They have a wealth of info. Please don't panic about what I say below, but try to figure out a way to survive the for next 12-18 months or more (i.e. moving in with family, friends, etc.. Yes, a lawyer is a good idea, but not absolutely necessary until the 3rd stage - appeal before an ALJ judge. Almost everybody gets turned down at stage 1, just automatically file for an appeal. Don't even worry about getting turned down. Unfortunately, the process can take a long time. Go to the SSA.gov website and you can find the offical deadlines - they only have 90 days (I think) to approve or deny you when you initially apply. You can being the process online and even do the initial interview on the phone I believe. Search the news, there are reports of backlogs of milllions of cases in some states (and that was a few years ago). With the economy being worse I would expect it to be even worse now. I'm not trying to be negative, I just want you to be aware so you can prepare and plan for the worse case scenario even while hoping for the best. With all due respect to other's, IMO not all doctor's *know what to do* (i.e. write in your medical record). In fact, I've had doctor's that I thought were on my side write terrible things about me. The notes a doctor keeps for his own use in your medical record aren't necessarily the same info that the SSA needs to prove your disability. But at the least the medical records should document your reports of pain, fatigue and other symptoms. Then it is up to you to explain how the pain, fatigue, etc limit your ability to perform the activities of daily living. If you join DISINSSUES you will find all kinds of detailed information. hth...good luck.. Kendra On Thu, Dec 31, 2009 at 1:55 PM, bridget <blueyes7648@...> wrote: > Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. I truly need it right now, and was wondering if anyone has any tips or is on it? > Thank you > Bridget Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Lots of good points that folks have made. I'll try to encapsulate my experience, but it'll be hard not to write a book. Firstly, because Lyme is not only controversial but also NOT a " listed impairment " , claiming it will muddle up the already slow process. Your claim cannot be approved based on Lyme because it's not listed, and I was told to list the disabling symptoms that Lyme has caused instead (which, as we all know are legion). I ended up getting a copy of my medical records before I applied and put every " condition " I was diagnosed with over the years (both before and after the Lyme Dx). I don't know if listing all of these things was good or bad, but reading through my doctor's chart notes was very enlightening and lead to some changes: I fired two of my doctors right away. I would see my GP specifically because my neck hurt so badly I couldn't function and she would write in the chart notes " pain well controlled by current meds " and other stupid things like that. My rheumatologist, who had nothing to do with my Lyme diagnosis by the way, was told by my neurologist that I likely had pinched nerves in my neck (per an MRI) and other mechanical neck problems; the rheumy told me she thought I had " fibromyalgia, but only in the neck " . ?? After discovering the difference between what these two told me and what was actually in my charts, I decided to find a new doctor and get my ducks squared up before continuing with the disability case. Fast forward three years (and two surgeries). I finally had a hearing date in mid-November and, though I didn't get denied it wasn't approved either. The judge flat out told me that she believes that my pain and problems are real but that " there is nothing in the charts that specifically says you can't work " . That's the most surprising thing to me: I worked 2 hours a week for the last 7 years I worked (for my father, a charity-case job) and couldn't even work a part-time job as a greeter... I've railed and weeped about this over the years to my doctor, telling him how even with the meds I take I can't manage to shop for groceries AND cook dinner the same day, let alone work. But, this is " subjective " and the court wants " objective " evidence. Even if you have MS or Parkinson's, it really doesn't matter " what " you have. The court only concerns themselves with the symptoms and how much they limit your ability to work. The most important thing I could tell you is to try to get your doctor(s) to either write a letter on your behalf or make detailed notes in your chart about how " this symptom causes this limitation, which would prevent her from doing... " The judge gave me extra time to ask my doctor for a letter--and I was blown away that he doesn't write ANY letters for disability for " legal reasons " . I'm hoping the doctor that the judge had me go see will write a more detailed (and favorable) report than anything my doctor has done thus far. That might enable the judge to find in my favor; it sounded like the judge was looking for a reason that fit the legalese requirement and would hold up to review if necessary. I first applied in August 2006, hired a disability attorney in August 2007, and didn't get a hearing until November, 2009. A non-disability attorney might take your case, but usually only with a retainer and if they feel they can win. Disability specialists know the judges in your area (usually) and will work on contingency. If you win, they get up to $6000 of your award. Jeez! I really did write a book!! Sorry about that! I have a lot of the " If I'd only have known before syndrome " about this whole disability thing and more than a sprinkling of resentment about the old doctors I fired. My family knew before I did that I can't work any more and finding doctors to back you up isn't as easy as I thought when I was Dx'ed with Lyme in 2000. Best of luck, if you can even see straight after my LONG post! > > > > > > > Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security > > disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function > > in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have > > talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. I truly need > > it right now, and was wondering if anyone has any tips or is on it? > > Thank you > > Bridget > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 Although I agree that you should have an attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability at the hearing stage, many people get on disability through Social Security on their own before they get to hearing stage. My brother-in-law recently was able to do it on his own @ the initial stage with Parkinsons. Before I retired, I supervised a staff of Social Workers who did nothing but assist welfare clients get on Social Security Disability and SSI. The trick is to have good medical records, a doctor who documents well & accurately, and to very clearly focus on what you can and cannot do in completing the application docuements. The diagnosis is not as important as how you function with the illness. And, you must describe these abilities and lack thereof ad nauseum. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me off the list and I may be able to assist you. Kathleen Retired Social Worker Supervisor Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 , don't worry about writing a book! It is info I needed! I kind of expected to have a runaround. I hear ya on the doctors notes, I found some interesting stuff too when I got my medical records. I am wondering if it's even worth the fight, I am hoping to feel better within a year, of course I don't know what long term stuff has happened that is going to last. Ya, I used to be a construction worker, and now I seriously can't mentally or physically handle going grocery shopping or cooking dinner. Thanks again, good luck! Bridget > > > > > > > > > > > Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security > > > disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function > > > in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have > > > talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. I truly need > > > it right now, and was wondering if anyone has any tips or is on it? > > > Thank you > > > Bridget > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 It's " disinissues " and you can find it at: Disinissues/ The messages/posts are NOT viewable online, but they have a good " files " section with a lot of info. Also: you MUST NOT have your name in your ID or email addy or your posts will not be accepted. That might seem harsh, but it's for your own protection. Also, posts must be tres relevant or they are considered " off topic " : there is another place for that sort of stuff, affiliated with that original group (you must be a Disinissues member to join the off topic one): offtopicplace/?yguid=255823988 Again, messages are NOT available for viewing online. You only have access to the current emails in both groups. Best of luck! > > Just wondering if anyone here is on or has applied for social security disability? I haven't been able to work for over a year, let alone function in daily activities. I have applied for disability, but everyone I have talked to says I will get denied no matter what the first time. I truly need it right now, and was wondering if anyone has any tips or is on it? > > Thank you > > Bridget > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 2010 Report Share Posted January 1, 2010 I recommend " disinissues? highly. The moderator reviews every response to a question and if you do not provide accurate information, s/he lets you know :-) Kathleen Pelley " A Saint is a Sinner who Never Gave Up " Paramahansa Yogananda From: mamawolf33 <vendetta33@...> Subject: [ ] Re: Disability? Date: Friday, January 1, 2010, 11:37 AM  It's " disinissues " and you can find it at: http://groups. / group/Disinissue s/ The messages/posts are NOT viewable online, but they have a good " files " section with a lot of info. Also: you MUST NOT have your name in your ID or email addy or your posts will not be accepted. That might seem harsh, but it's for your own protection. Also, posts must be tres relevant or they are considered " off topic " : there is another place for that sort of stuff, affiliated with that original group (you must be a Disinissues member to join the off topic one): http://groups. / group/offtopicpl ace/?yguid= 255823988 Again, messages are NOT available for viewing online. You only have access to the current emails in both groups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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