Guest guest Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 I just returned from a visit to the pulmonary dr at Mayo. My diffusing capacity has increased since October and is now in the " normal " range. The results of the gas oxidation blood tests showed less of a difference between at rest and during exercise. I had those tests, plus many others, and the consensus is that I currently have average lung use. My definitive diagnosis is connective tissue ILD. I switched meds last fall to cellcept, which is probably the main reason for the improvement. But I also think de- stressing by resigning from my job, going to pulmonary rehab, trying to eat a healthy diet, and prayer have contributed. I must be at a plateau in this disease and no one knows how long it will last, but this is what I have been praying for and so will accept it for what it is ... a blessing. I just received my papers from the SS disability office to complete my filing. Even though I have already met with SS representative and completed the initial application, I don't know if it is worth finishing the process because I know I won't be approved right now. Since I'm unfamiliar with how all of this works, I'm wondering what happens if I drop out. Any help? gigi ILD 3/07 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 Well, I started trying to file social security on my own. Got overwhelmed. Found out my private carrier would do it later and stopped. I thought since I never even completed the forms it would be considered no application but I did get a denial letter. However, when the company that ultimately filed for me started they just started with a whole new application, so my false start had no effect. You say you know you won't be approved now. Have you compared your PFT's to their standards? Do you have other factors in addition to the ILD? What effect does cellcept have that might impact working? They do consider all things combined. However, on lung diseases they look very hard at their particular tables and measurements. They do not consider the need to use oxygen for instance to be disabling. What levels are you on, if any? Now also if you do file later, you can claim the disability to have started now or even sooner. This is somewhat complicated when you have a deterioration to determine at what point you became disabled. But, also that could justify using an attorney as the retroactive amount might more than cover his fees and there is a limit as to how far back you can go. Here is the link to the criteria they primarily use for respiratory diseases themselves. http://socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/3.00-Respiratory-Adult.htm So, based on that page, with a restrictive disease I would fall into 3.02.B with chronic restrictive disease and would be approved with because I'm 72 inches tall without shoes and my FVC is less than 1.85. >> I just returned from a visit to the pulmonary dr at Mayo. My > diffusing capacity has increased since October and is now in > the "normal" range. The results of the gas oxidation blood tests > showed less of a difference between at rest and during exercise. I > had those tests, plus many others, and the consensus is that I > currently have average lung use. My definitive diagnosis is > connective tissue ILD. I switched meds last fall to cellcept, which > is probably the main reason for the improvement. But I also think de-> stressing by resigning from my job, going to pulmonary rehab, trying > to eat a healthy diet, and prayer have contributed. I must be at a > plateau in this disease and no one knows how long it will last, but > this is what I have been praying for and so will accept it for what > it is ... a blessing.> > I just received my papers from the SS disability office to complete > my filing. Even though I have already met with SS representative and > completed the initial application, I don't know if it is worth > finishing the process because I know I won't be approved right now. > Since I'm unfamiliar with how all of this works, I'm wondering what > happens if I drop out. Any help? > > gigi> ILD 3/07> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 gigi stable - plateau - whatever - its all good. i know finances are a worry but as someone who stopped working too and has concentrated on exercise and good food, can i just say well done you. i think trying to do too much whether physical or emotional definately strains everything. i was awarded the uk's incapacity benefit initially for one year which is up soon so i am expecting (as ive not deteriorated) to be flung off it. i might not be but i worry about it and just know i will not be doing a full time job ever again no matter what condition i am in. i would like to find something for just 10 to 15 hrs (preferably at home) where i could earn enough to equal the incapacity benefit. if you dont qualify for your disability payments, something will turn up. keep faith in your instincts. may uip 06.06 glasgow, scotland > > I just returned from a visit to the pulmonary dr at Mayo. My > diffusing capacity has increased since October and is now in > the " normal " range. The results of the gas oxidation blood tests > showed less of a difference between at rest and during exercise. I > had those tests, plus many others, and the consensus is that I > currently have average lung use. My definitive diagnosis is > connective tissue ILD. I switched meds last fall to cellcept, which > is probably the main reason for the improvement. But I also think de- > stressing by resigning from my job, going to pulmonary rehab, trying > to eat a healthy diet, and prayer have contributed. I must be at a > plateau in this disease and no one knows how long it will last, but > this is what I have been praying for and so will accept it for what > it is ... a blessing. > > I just received my papers from the SS disability office to complete > my filing. Even though I have already met with SS representative and > completed the initial application, I don't know if it is worth > finishing the process because I know I won't be approved right now. > Since I'm unfamiliar with how all of this works, I'm wondering what > happens if I drop out. Any help? > > gigi > ILD 3/07 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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