I was wondering if those of you on this board could tell me if you are on disability or not. I had to quit my job a year ago because of the pain. I was a Pharmaceutical Rep. I am now thinking about applying for disability. What kind of a fight am I in for? Can I do this by myself? Thanks Guys:)
georgi

Hi Georgi,

I've been on SS disability for a while now. Prior to applying, I bought a book (not sure if it's ok to post the name, but you can get it at Barnes & Noble, I think) that really helped me put together a comprehensive case. You MUST have doctor records showing history of being treated for your condition, and then really lay out the reasons why you are unable to work. If you show proof of being treated and give a detailed explanation of how your condition impacts your daily life, then you may have a good chance.

After SS receives your application, if they decide you are a candidate, they will schedule two doctor appointments for you. One is a physical with one of their doctors, who will do a very brief exam to make sure you're not faking it. (Mine was ridiculous, he couldn't have diagnosed anything based on my exam, but okay, I went)l I had a second exam, with a "head" doctor, who really took the time to ask me about my lifestyle and how it was impacted by my conditions, especially my mental state. In my case, the meds I am on really impact my cognitive abilities, so when this doc asked me to count back from 49 in 3's, I totally blew it. I also could not remember questions she had asked me at the beginning of the exam, 15 minutes earlier. So I think by getting this answers wrong, and with my responses to her questions, I "passed" the test for being unable to handle working. For me, it was a combination of my cognitive impairment as well as inability to sleep on a regular schedule, so I could never commit to a work schedule as a result. I think those facts played an important part in my success. Also, see if your condition is one of the SS accepted and recognized conditions. This makes it much easier to describe your symptoms and apply them to an illness that SS already recognizes as a legitimate disabling condition. You should be able to show that your treatments are not helping enough for you to improve in the near future, or not enough to be able to work.

There are forums out there that talk about the doctor visits you are sent to by SS, but first you have to get the application really well done. I have heard that only 30% of cases are approved on the first try, so obviously I got really lucky. It took about 5 months from the time I applied, but I received an award that was retroactive to the date I was considered "disabled," which was the last day I worked.

Good luck, hope this info is helpful!

Social Security must differ from region to region or maybe which part of the country you are in and where you file your claim. I called the 800 number for SS and set up my initial appointment with a local intake rep for Social Security. I went in and he did a brief interview, filling out forms as we went, but the whole interview lasted maybe 30 minutes or less.

Next I just waited, as the local office said I would be hearing from them. I received about three different forms to fill out, which contained questions concerning my condition. Forms were also sent to my PCP, and Gastroenterologist to complete, concerning my condition and ability to work. About half way through my fifth full month from being off work, I received a phone call from the local interviewer I was interviewed by and he told me I had been accepted for benefits. No doctor or testing from SSD at all. I got my first check on the first of the next month (there is a five month waiting period) and have been getting them for four years now.

They did tell me I might be subject to a review between my fifth and seventh year, but at age 62, I'm not too concerned about it. One other thing I might add, is I talked with a friend of mine, who is an attorney. He gave me the name of a good attorney friend who does this type of work, dealing with disability claims. When I called him, I was told to go ahead and file the initial claim myself and if I would be denied, then to call them and he would help. He told me there was nothing in the first application phase that they could do, that I couldn't do myself and save money. If you have an attorney and win, they receive a set 25% for their fee. Usually, this is when you have been through appeals, etc. Good luck to you.

Hey Georgi,
I have also been on SS disability for a while now and in my case I hadn't worked outside the home in 3 years. You don't want to wait too long because there is a time limit of 5 years after you have left the workforce to apply. In my case I called my local SS office and asked what I had to do to apply. They set up a time for me to come in, sit down with a rep and he helped me fill out the paperwork etc. He was actually a very pleasant guy and really helpful. (I was not expecting that) He filed the paperwork for me and told me it could take anywhere from 1-6 months to get an answer. (keep in mind that I applied right after 9/11 and SSA was swamped.) I was initially denied, but the guy from SSA encouraged me very strongly to appeal. I asked around about lawyers,and disibility specialists in my area and found a great woman who had been doing this for 20+ yrs. She was not a lawyer. Just a certified disability specialist. She had me get any and all medical documentation up to that point and told me to have any Dr. I saw from that point on to send her all my files, MRIs, labs etc. from that day forward. It took a couple of years in total for me, but don't let that scare you. My wait time had a lot to do with the whole 9/11 backlog and I also found out later, my age (39) at the time made them look more closely. She told me I was definetly younger than the average applicant. I did, however get 2 & 1/2 yrs back money because in my case they went back to the date I first sought treatment for my condition. I hope this helps! cmpgirl

Thanks for all of the feedback. Keep em comming:D
I will tell you one thing, I am mentally exhausted feeling the way I do. It is hard for others to understand because I look ok on the outside. I did have a great appt with a pain management doctor this week. I had been under the care of my IM doctor up until this point. My PM doctor totally understood my bone pain and the fact that my whole body ached. He added Lyrica to my oxycontin. I can now get through the day. I am 58 and no one will insure me, so my husband has to keep working, when he could {and wants to} retire. I feel the guilt of that along with every thing else. Guess some of you can really relate. This borad helps me get through the day.
Blessings to all:)
:)georgi

Thanks for all of the feedback. Keep em comming:D
I will tell you one thing, I am mentally exhausted feeling the way I do. It is hard for others to understand because I look ok on the outside. I did have a great appt with a pain management doctor this week. I had been under the care of my IM doctor up until this point. My PM doctor totally understood my bone pain and the fact that my whole body ached. He added Lyrica to my oxycontin. I can now get through the day. I am 58 and no one will insure me, so my husband has to keep working, when he could {and wants to} retire. I feel the guilt of that along with every thing else. Guess some of you can really relate. This borad helps me get through the day.
Blessings to all:)
:)georgi

Georgi,

Hang in there! I can relate; I am not insurable unless thru hubby's work, and we are in the same boat, retirement-wise, as you. He's been laid off or outsourced 4 times since April 2005. Some days it seems overwhelming. Isn't enough that we have to deal with the health issues, but then the money stuff on top of it?

I clean up okay, so when I put on makeup and do my hair, etc., I look "normal" to most people. But those close to me recognize when that glazed look comes over my eyes, either due to lack of sleep or the meds, and of course, when I moan (or sometimes even scream) from pain. They see the tears rolling down my face when it's bad, see the weight I've gained from this ordeal, the hit on my self-esteem, and sad days. Even they sometimes forget what I'm going through, and I hate to play the "pity" card. Most of the time I am upbeat and work hard to not to inconvenience anyone, but you just can't always keep up. The blessing of receiving SS disability on the first try was amazing and believe me, it helps us out a lot.

I do think providing as much documentation regarding your medical history will help your case... it was a lot of work for me, and cost a lot to get all those pages copied from the doctors' records, but it ended up being worth it. Good luck, and make sure you let us know how it goes!

While examples like Directors do happen, they are very rare. The SS site itself has data that outlines the average case file time & etc. An overwhelming number of cases are turned down the first go around, which is normal. Use your favorite search engine to search for "average disability application time" and all sorts of information pops up. Currently, it's 12-18 months and from everything I've read, the back log is only getting longer.

Given the above, I would highly recommend a personal advocate or disability lawyer. Not only are these people experts at how the process works, but have tons of experience on how to handle unique situations that invariably pop up. The longer your case goes, the more important it is to have someone with experience. One of my old college friends is now a disability lawyer and he says there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how cases are approved. In fact, all sorts of rumors are out there as to why. He's seen applicants with very routine cases approved the first go around while people who are severely paralyzed get denied. Many, many people have died from their condition while waiting.

From a business ONLY perspective, most disability cases turn into a lifetime worth of payments and benefits. Thus, it stands to reason that SS would be very tough on approval. The days of rubber stamping people are over. I read a post on this site some time ago where someone said they worked for SS and would be disciplined if they approved too many applicants. However, they can't deny everyone the first go around due to regulatory conditions, so some are approved. I've heard and read a conspiracy theory that it is complete random selection (first round approval).

If you get a lawyer, there are many today that are former SS employees and judges. Obviously, these folks know the system better than most and are probably worth the investment.

Lastly, your supporting physician is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the process. At some point, one will become your official "supporting physician"....The one who signs off on your condition. The firmer and more convincing this person is, the better off you will be. In fact, at some point, your Doc will be sent a form and asked to answer questions in a spreadsheet and they wil be:

- "can this person work."
- "If so, what type of work."
- "Is this person disabled"?
- "Is his/her condition permanent"?

You get the idea.

Thus, you'll need to have very frank and open conversation with your supporting Doc to ensure he/she will be 100% in your corner. Being that you are a former pharm. rep, you know how to talk to Docs and probably know which ones are the most patient friendly. Some Docs have a policy of not supporting disability b/c they just don't want to deal with it.

it's a long and difficult process, but one that is well worth it you are ill. Good luck and hope this information helps.:)

Executor

Georgi,
I filed for SSDI at age 59. I was an x-ray tech but due to arthritis pain had to quit. I researched everything about disability on the internet. I printed off all forms and over 2 weeks filled them out. I went into my local SS office for an interview. At that time I gave them all my filled out forms and copies of all my doctors reports along with copies of all my x-ray/CT/MRI reports. (Keep copies of everything). I got an envelope from the SS in my state capitol asking me to fill out the same forms I had already given them. I did, they send a letter to my husband, daughter, last boss asking questions about me. I filed in February and got a letter from SS in June telling me I was approved and the first check was to come in August.
I listed my doctors but they were never contacted. I can only assume because I had all the records already.
Good luck to you, read everything on the internet about SSDI especially the secrets. Take your time filling out the forms and make sure you say what you cannot do not what you can. They do not care what your disability is only can you do any kind of work.
It does happen on the first time but plan on it being a long haul and be pleasantly surprised if you get it the first try.

Wow, The responses are great. So very helpful. One more question. What about a company like Allsup? They are not lawyers, but know the system and will help you get through it. I am thinking about calling them.
Thanks again.

Georgi...I think there are two basic things that affect your case and how soon you hear from them either positive or negative concerning your application. The way your doctor fills out his portion of the paperwork and his feelings as far as if you can work or not are very important. The second, is your age. I was 57 when I applied for SSD and I had turned 58 when I received approval. The older you are, I think the better your chances of first time approval are.

Good luck.

Wow, The responses are great. So very helpful. One more question. What about a company like Allsup? They are not lawyers, but know the system and will help you get through it. I am thinking about calling them.
Thanks again.

Hi Georgi,

Most law offfices will not get involved till the first denial. In my case I was approved on the first attempt, age 49 then. Who knows, depending on the condition/s age etc. you may win at the initial stage. Like others have said, your medical records, doctors will carry great weight especially if you have a doctor who supports your case.

Vergie

Director is correct about age....the older you are, the more likely you are to be approved (and quickly) because you're a short lived, inexpensive case, relative to most people. Once you hit retirement age, you come of disability and go on regular SS. Also, I gotta believe the lower the payout (based on your salary) the quicker too...Especially if you're older. Then, they can factor those cases (which are approved) into their overall stats and say "we approved this many" whereas to avoid oversight issues.

Conversely, younger people who make good wages are probably in for a long wait.

Good luck.

Just thought that I would let you all know that after I started this post I read up on the Company called Allsup and I decided to go with them. They state that they win 97% of their cases and said mine looked good. They won't take you unless they think you can win. There is a 25%fee and an approx 5,000 cap. I will let you know how it goes. I will be filling out my paper work this week.I just felt too overwhelmed to do this all myself.
georgi

Just my .02, but I think you made an excellent decision. Hard to argue against a 97% success rate. Although a little pricey, people have to look at it as an "investment" and not a "cost."

Good luck and keep us posted.