Disability anyone? - Disabilities Message Board

georgi · 02-20-2008, 08:07 AM

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

TexMom85 · 02-20-2008, 08:24 AM

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!

RetiredDirector · 02-20-2008, 11:39 AM

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.

cmpgirl · 02-20-2008, 11:41 AM

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

georgi · 02-20-2008, 02:18 PM

Thanks for all of the feedback. Keep em comming

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