Disability and Diagnosis - Disabilities Message Board

kelleyann39 · 02-19-2008, 07:25 AM

I am totally new to this so I apologize in advance. I have several questions. I'll keep it short though. Regarding disability is it diagnosis driven? How do you start this process? Does my doctor have to tell me I can no longer work?
I appericiate any help

Kelley

BlueAtlas · 02-19-2008, 08:09 AM

Diagnosis is a big part of it. I think they don't particularly care if you have pain or not. They'll want to know how your problem affects your daily life and what you can and can't do. They'll determine not whether you can continue in your present work, but rather if they think you are able to do ANY work. Your doctor doesn't have to say you can't work, but it's a big help to have him in your corner. If he documents that you are able to work, that will not help your case.

You can apply on-line by going to the Social Security Disability site. It's not hard to do, but it does take time. You'll need to gather a lot of information before you even start. You'll need doctor info, hospital info, dates, tests, everything.

You'll probably be turned down the first time. Almost everyone is. Then you appeal. If you get turned down the second time, then the third time you go before a judge. If you're going to get approved, that's where it happens for most people.

Hope this helps.
Emily

kelleyann39 · 02-19-2008, 03:07 PM

Yes, that does help. Thanks so much. This is so diffcult as to where to begin.

Kelley

Executor · 02-19-2008, 07:12 PM

IMO, your Doc is EVERYTHING. At some point, your Doc will be sent paperwork asking for information on your condition & etc. Also, on the form, they will ask the Doc point blank "is the patient disabled" and "can the applicant work"?

If this is something you want to pursue, you need to have a heart to heart with your supporting Doc and explain why you want to apply for disability and will he/she support you. If they won't, or feel like they can't, find another Doc....Nothing is worse than a situation where they send a Doc paperwork and the Doc says you're ok or can get by. In most cases, you Doc has supported someone in the past and knows how to word things. If not, then find a different Doc.

Pursing disability can be a long hard process and it's important to have all your ducks in a row. Good luck.

rayefaye · 02-19-2008, 09:12 PM

Executor is so right about needing the support of your doctors as far as whether you're able to work or not. One of the main reasons I got denied the first place was one doctor stating that my condition was severe enough to keep from being able to work. He can right out and told me what he said and told me that I needed to take a $600 test to prove I was unable to work. Which there was no way I could hold down a job when my left arm was locked in a position where my left hand touches my left shoulder. So it is very important to get your doctors support in order to prove you're unable to work.