SS application

[Guest guest]

<< Now I find I am thinking about getting SS disability and wonder if I'm

" bad " enough to qualify... is there any information out there I can use to

make a determination? I sure could use the extra money SS disability would

bring in... I still have two daughters at home, one 16 and one 9, I'm 51 will

be 52 in April. >>

Here is how one CMTer described it. The letters from the doctor are vital -

they must be convincing.

>> If you have dr's diagnosis and letters stating that you cannot work and

put lots of details into your application and perhaps write a personal

statement adding things, you might get disability. Fatigue, pain, numbness,

difficulty walking - they all enter in.

Certain phrases are very, very important. The first go round they look for

them. You must say and have the dr. say that you cannot do any work. If you

can do work one day a week but not with certainty, then you really cannot

work. If you have something that lays you low often and is unpredictable,

you cannot work because you cannot hold down a job. The closer you are to

retirement age anyway, the more likely you'll get on disability.

You have to give details, details, details. Think about your day. What do you

need help with and what can you do by yourself? What is a problem for you?

What happens when you try to work fulltime? How do you feel? At home, can you

cook and shop and vacuum and clean? If you can't do it, who does? Laundry? Do

you sleep through the night? If not, why not? <<

From another CMTer

>> Also - you can call the Social Security Office and they have booklets

explaining the process and what you need to do. You do not need a lawyer to

get disability - only if there are problems. As long as you are disabled,

fully document your disability, have physician's who agree that you are

disabled and will support your application, and can document all that they

need - you should not have any problems.

Suggestions from experience:

1. Keep a log of all your contacts, phone calls, what you send and when

2. Keep copies of everything!! This will be helpful if you ever have a

review or a problem.

3. Keep your calm - it is a long process and they do question your sincerity

b/c so many folks abuse the system

4. Remember - this is your right to get this - you have paid into this

program with your taxes, just keep it all in perspective. <<

And another

>>The biggest help for SSI application, is to get a DOCTOR to show that your

CMT is a continual disabling condition under the law (11:40). If your doctor

will specifically say that in writing, combined with an EMG, and your

testimony of lack of fine (or even adequate) motor skills, trouble with

ambulatory skills, etc. you should be able to sway the SSI.

With the Doctor's letter, along with more detailed information about lack of

motor & ambulatory skills, need for pain management, FATIGUE, etc. He was

approved on the VERY FIRST APPLICATION!!! ... I cannot express enough how

important it is for the doctor to draft a letter that includes your

disability under the " soc sec code " , and that your condition WILL NOT

IMPROVE, and in fact is expected to WORSEN in varying degrees.

We provided honesty, good records and documentation of the affects of CMT.

Physical evidence (such as pix of your feet or hands if you have deformity)

are very helpful to your claim. <<

I hope this helps.

Kat