Disability

[DebNord]

So how hard is it to get SSA disability with all of the problems I have: 4.9 ascending thoracic aneursym, bicuspid aortic valve disease, history of blood clots and TIAs, AV block, moderate mitral regurg, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, pacemaker, and histoplasmosis ( among a few other things, depression and anxiety). I left my job of almost 7 years in July because of the stress and moved back home to Ohio, I found a job but the commute was so long, I was gone from home over 13 hrs a day, and my health started to decline, then got a new job, but was so stressed out I only kept it for 3 weeks. So I decided, I might try for disability..... but have heard so many things about being denied over and over. How do they expect my family to survive? I cannot seem to keep a job now because of my health.

I also will not be able to continue to pay for my Cobra so will lose my insurance, NOT good for someone with all of my problems.

Debbi

 

[geebee]

Debbi,

I think it is pretty tought to get SSD. I have a lot of the problems you do and my doctors do not consider me disabled. They want me to be active and think working is part of the therapy. I do not necessarily agree with them but don't have time to fight it and work also.

So, first, you have to find a doctor/doctors to certify that you are disabled. If you have that, you should definitely try and keep trying even if turned down initially.

SSD is there for "we the people" and we pay for it throughout our working years. Try not to be discouraged and, who knows, you might luck out and actually find a person at SS who will pass your application.

 

[DebNord]

Thanks Gina! I figure while I am unemployed I may as well try for it.
I am lucky in that I worked for my doctor for 7 years and he KNOWS I am disabled, and he has agreed to write a letter for me and vouch for the fact I cannot work anymore. So we'll see!

I see you live in Milford, Oh, not far from me in Mason!

 

[geebee]

You are lucky to have the doctor's support - that may be a huge jump start to this process. You are also correct in that, as long as you have the time, you have nothing to lose.

Yes, we are "right around the corner" from each other. We go to a sushi bar near Mason quite regularly (Kyoto on Montgomery Road).

BTW - welcome back to VR.com.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Deb...The best thing you can do is hire a disability lawyer....

Deb...The best thing you can do is hire a disability lawyer....

Hi Deb,
I am harrybaby, and I just saw your post. I have multiple illnesses like yourself, (Fibromyalgia, Diabetes, Asthma, Congestive Heart Failure, Valve Issues and Depression and Anxiety like yourself) I applied for SSDI and It took me 3 years because I was so young, and I hired a lawyer, but I did end up getting my SSDI.
The same thing was happening to me that you are experiencing...I would be working and my health was deteriorating rapidly and it got to the point where I can't stand on my feet for more than say 15-20 min at the most due to some of my ailments...Remember...only YOU know how your body feels, and what I would suggest is that you do hire a disability lawyer (they take between 25-30% of your back benefits as payment IF they win...if they don't, you don't owe them anything) I hope this helps you....Take Care, Harrybaby

 

[Ross]

Word of warning. Just because a Doctor says your disabled, does not mean that you are under their rules. Best thing for you to do is get ahold of all your medical records, find an attorney that specializes in SSDI and go through them with him. You have to meet their listing of impairments, previous work experinece and or any work experience, ETC.

Read the Blue Book

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

 

[Barbara Stewart]

Debi,
I was just granted disability. Like everyone here, I had heard how difficult it is to get, but I got it on the first time around and without a lawyer. All I did was call my local office and a SS representative filled out the application while I was on the phone answering her questions. Whether you get disability or not has nothing to do with what YOUR doc thinks, it is what their medical examiners decide and they do it from your medical records, all of them. I also have multiple problems, heart, pacemaker, lupus and apparently that weighs significantly in your favor. You have to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years to qualify. I was declared disabled May 23, 2005, the date of my first surgery. THen you have to wait 5 months to qualify, then the benefits are retroactive. For example, my waiting period was May 23, 2005 to October, 2005. My benefits were cumulative from then until now. I got a lump sum payment in my checking account. If I hadn't qualified the first time then I would have gotten a lawyer, but I wouldn't waste the money the first time around.
Do you remember the Social Security form you get once a year that tells you what your benefits are? They come 3 months before your birthday. That will tell you what your payment will be if you qualify. If you're like me you probably had no idea what that was for . Now I do. Look at it if you still have it around to see how much you can receive monthly. I can't tell you what a relief it is to have this money coming in. It's not a huge amount, but it does help! I also know that at some point you qualify for Medicare, but I haven't figured that out yet.
Good luck,
Barbara

 

[Mb]

<My husband was 55 when he applied, post surgery.

He was approved in three weeks. I've no idea what his doctors put on their reports, but I did bring in the list of doctors and hospitals that he had tests done at, or where he had his surgery.

Marybetyh

 

[Lynlw]

It also depends on the state you live in , some are much easier than others. IF at all possible I would try to save as much money before you leave your job. I wasn't able to and it took me 3 years to be approved, luckily i was married and my DH had a good job, but with just his income we came very close to losing everything waiting for the 3 years, they say don't worry when you are approved it is retro active, BUt that doesn't help, repair your credit and get back the years of living with no money . My pain doc says it is so sad many of his patients lose their houses ect while waiting and if they aren't married, lose their insurance too, it really isn't fair, who in the heck can save enough not to get a penny for 3 years? I aso was in my early 40s and i've heard the younger you are the more they don't want to approve you and pay you the next 40 years or so... Lyn
good luck hopefully you are in one of the nicer states

ps i had 4 of my docs stating i was disabled, as a matter of fact I got to where i had to go to court, then the day before court, the judge was going over my file and said i was disabled, he didn't need to hear from anyone. shame it took about 6 month to get a court date and for him to see my records

 

[Ross]

No matter what, DO NOT THINK YOU CAN LIVE ON WHAT THEY GIVE YOU. You cannot!

 

[Lynlw]

That is a very good point too Ross, I worked at a very good job (lab in a hospitl) for 16 years, the ssd money I get each month covers our mortgage and nothing else, I actually have it direct deposited and the mortgage automatically paid and have less than 20 bucks extra. Lyn