My disability was denied - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

klyn07 · 04-29-2008, 07:36 AM

The form they sent back said based on the information provided by the 5 medical/therapy offices I submitted to them, I was not disabled at any point in the last 12 months. They also said that "With stability from medication I am considered employable. I am able to find employment in an area where I have limited contact with other people, has a low stress level, and a flexible schedule as they understand my condition may cause me to be unable to work and miss great periods of time." Please, government, show me the job where I work with no one, have no stress, and have unlimited call in days for weeks at a time when I am suicidal or worse.

Oh well. I wasn't counting on it going through, but the response I got made me laugh. I know it will be a long time until I fit their ideal medicated stable state. And I won't go back to work for a long time. But the money would have been nice to cover all of the doc visits and seemingly never ending new prescriptions I am trying to help level out.

kittiekatt23 · 04-29-2008, 07:17 PM

My disability was also denies, but it is because I haven't worked enough. How are you supposed to work with a condition like this?! I have to work at least 2 years before I am able to get any kind of benefits. I am pretty stable on the meds I am on, but every once in a while I do have episodes. Just on Saturday I had an anxiety attack and had to go home early from work. I hope you can get something done! I would fight it!

Did you know that addiction is a disability? There are people on disability because they are addicted to drugs. Isn't that a load of BS?!!!

seaturtle · 04-29-2008, 08:48 PM

kitkat,

I've not been able to work their quotient of quarters, either. But I am on diability - it's not SSDI, which gives more money, but I am SSI, which is for those who haven't been able to work at all, or just minimally.

I don't see why you don't qualify for that. I'd appeal.

As for the original post - can you go back to your doctors and get more, stronger letters about your inability to work and your last year? I would try to build a strong case and then appeal.

They are denying almost everyone these days. Sometimes, a lawyer is necessary (not that we have any money for lawyers, but Legal Aid has to help there).

I feel for both of you. I don't know why, but I didn't have any trouble getting on SSI, maybe because anorexia was life-threatening at that point, and agoraphobia trapping me inside for years.

Fight it, both of you. If you can't work (or is the strain of working is going to worsen your condition), then you shouldn't be. This system is enough to give us a nervous breakdown.

LEt us know - and if you can, take steps to battle the system. It can take time, but it also can work.

Seaturtle

klyn07 · 04-30-2008, 05:25 AM

I don't qualify for SSI because my husband makes too much money. I do qualify (technically) for SSDI because I have worked enough to meet their requirements, in the past, when I was in college and worked full time for 6 years, plus all the part time work I did in high school. But apparently according to them I am not sick enough. There is a SS site (and it is .gov, so actually truly SS site) that says BP is an automatic qualifier for SSDI. I just don't know if I have the energy to fight it. My dad applied 2 years ago for SSDI because of 4 back surgeries and carpal tunnel. It was denied within 4 months and his lawyer is still fighting it. If it weren't for military retirement (not the greatest pay) my parents would have lost pretty much everything at this point. They just sit and deny everything hoping no one will appeal. And I bet most don't. I am not sure if I will or not. I hate this!!!

seaturtle · 04-30-2008, 06:15 PM

Hiya,

If bp is an automatic, then they have to take you. Write your congressman and senator and local representatives and back it up with doctor's letters.
I did that, and got it over night.

Maybe someone could help you do this, if your energy is just all out right now.
Wish I were with you. I'm really, really good at this stuff by now. And, as I think I said before, unless you get your stress level down, you sure will be sick enough. This system...makes me furious.

Take care,

Seaturtle