disability

[Guest guest]

Marty

Thanks for the great web sites now I can get moving on other states besides

Mississippi and I have relatives all over this country of ours and can get

them moving also.

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

Winne

[Guest guest]

Duh Connie why don't you look there.lol....Thanks

Winnie for bringing it so nicely to my

attention......He is no longer on the House Of

Reps........but I do know Connie Mack..he's cool and

so is Bob Grahm

--- RLWINNE@... wrote:

> Marty

>

> Thanks for the great web sites now I can get moving

> on other states besides

> Mississippi and I have relatives all over this

> country of ours and can get

> them moving also.

>

> http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/

>

>

http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

>

> Winne

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

> SSDI must have changed since I applied, from what you say. When I

> applied, I provided everything they needed and I was approved in three

> weeks. I believe someone on this list was approved in two weeks. Once I

> applied, I had to wait six months before I actually received a check. The

> six months is because they withhold a month. I applied in Nov. and

received

> my first check in May which was actually for April.

But you were off work for six months before the checks started, right?

You were one of the lucky ones! (in terms of getting your SS claim, I

mean, can any one of us be considered lucky who have these illnesses: (...)

In some states, the system works more efficiently than others, due to

procedures, caseloads at District offices, and so on. I have heard that in

some parts of Florida they are very good at getting clearly qualified claims

through the system quickly too.

If you have a listed impairment, and a good file to back it up, (lab

tests, radiological evidence, good Dr records, etc.) it helps things move

quickly. Also, certain illnesses are fast-tracked (AIDS is one that comes

to mind but I'm sure there are others.)

Some of us have not been so lucky....for instance, I did not have

insurance to get good medical care much of the time, as it was very hard for

me to keep a full-time job. I was going to clinics, often not seeing the

same Dr. twice, and my severe pelvic pain that I now know was caused by RA

in the hips was first assumed to be " female " related..when tests for that

came back negative, they decided it was all in my head, and I was " Just

depressed " . It took me years to trust any doctors again and when it was

finally decided that I just could not work full time anymore, all I had to

go on was a diagnosis of depression. It took a long time and an attorney to

straighten it out and get me medical coverage so I could get my problems

properly diagnosed and treated. Even longer for me to get my trust in the

medical profession back and try again to get help. In that time I was

limping along on part-time income, and I wonder now what price I will have

to pay in the future for not getting it diagnosed and treated sooner. Some

of this is clearly my own fault for letting myself get discouraged and not

advocating for myself better with the medical system, but I also blame some

of the doctors I was seeing and the system in part.

My advice for anyone applying is to make sure the records are good

(request that your doctor makes notes of how your medical problems affect

your work abilities, make sure they have the necessary tests done and that

the results are in your records. Make sure SS gets all the records. Don't

get discouraged like I did, be a good advocate for yourself, and consider

getting an SS specialist attorney if you anticipate any difficulties doing

it yourself.

> There is a two year wait for Medicare coverage, if you want it.

> -NC

Two year wait for Medicare.....I hope they make some changes to that soon.

Some are not able to pay for the COBRA insurance in that time and suffer for

it. If you are financially qualified for SSI programs though, Medicaid

starts soon after qualifying.

Good luck to anyone who is in the application process! There is some good

info I saw recently on it at about.com, have a look over there..... Liz G

[Guest guest]

> Although I am grateful for getting disability, it seems sad that I

> cannot qualify for other programs because I

> have my " retirement cushion " in mutuals

Talk to a Social Security attorney....there are some ways you can put funds

in trusts, like " Special Needs Trusts " (money set aside in trust that can

only be spent on special disability-related needs, or things that do not

fall under the category of basic needs costs) that allow you to qualify for

more benefits. Also there are exemptions for funds up to a certain amount

put into burial expenses trusts, and other things. You may be able to shift

some funds around and qualify.

Are you talking about SSDI benefits? I don't think they can force you to go

into Voc Rehab programs if you have a permanent disability....but you really

need to talk to a specialist about this, as my info on it is just spotty,

things I have picked up along the way through my own experiences. Some

local bar associations can arrange a free or low-cost one-time consultation

with an attorney for you, and you may be surprised how much info you can get

for free by just making phone inquiries with attornies specializing in

trusts or Social Security law. Also, at the chat room at

www.arthritisinsight.com, they have online chats sometimes with a Soc Sec

specialist attorney. You might keep an eye on their schedule there (click on

the chat link) and see if you can get some info pertinent to your situation.

Maybe if you start now, you can work something out before your insurance

expires.... Best wishes, Liz G

[Guest guest]

Hi,

When I applied for SSDI With all my records, good ones. I was told even

though I had very advanced systemic scleroderma, systemic lupus RA, and

polimiositis, they felt I could still work and function just fine. There

words..... I had to appeal it and I got it right away after that. The

system is not good in Florida. I have a friend with hodgkins lymphoma and

he applied and was told he was not sick enough and he had to appeal. He was

doing chemo and the whole routine at the time. There is no one in our area

that has gotten it easily. They allways make you appeal here. There must be

a control freak protecting the funding to us. They always answer NO at

first. Very frustrating. No heart or caring. Judy/Florida

[Guest guest]

Dear :

That is a real shame! I guess it depends on where you live??? My husband went

to Voc-Rehab to get some help to go to school and perhaps start up a home

base business of some sort and they were more than happy to help him. The

only problem he had was he just could do it because of his pain and lack of

concentration to learn. Is that county, federal or where do they get their

funding? hm?

Donita

<< I wanted to clarify that you don't need to be out of work for six

months BEFORE applying. The six months wait is AFTER applying.

I think, people have problems because they do not have the proper

documentation. SSA is not likely to tell you either.

I have contacted Voc-Rehab, twice. They even tried to tell me they

could not come to my home to interview and test me . To make a long story

short, they keep telling me they cannot help me even though they are

mandated by law to get people off disability.

>>

[Guest guest]

- Don't give up on the Voc Rehab. Here in Mass. it's called MassRehab

(short for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) and I have been battling

w/them for almost two yrs! I am going to be trained in Web Design, all from

my house (due to the pain). There has to be some sort of ombudsman assigned

(over here it's a well kept secret that the [overworked] Deputy Commissioner

is the ombudsman - since he started to help I've gotten the all the stuff

they were stalling about - computer, desk. Still waiting for my chair &

classes. I know it's so hard when our bad health and pain affects us so

much, but it's worth it - don't give up. How amazing, tho, that commissions

that are put there to help those of us who are disabled, do EVERYTHING

possible NOT to give what we are entitled to.

My advice: keep your cool, always talk in a polite manner to them, no matter

how annoying and ridiculous all of this is. Keep records of EVERYTHING. Get

dr's prescriptions for anything you need. Talk to legal aid or any attny who

specializes in this stuff. AND don't give up. You may not even know what you

want to do, but it is so good to have a purpose to the day. (even if it's

only a part time employment.) This is going to help my sanity.

Take care.

Lyn

-------------original message-------------

>That is a real shame! I guess it depends on where you live??? My husband

>went

>to Voc-Rehab to get some help to go to school and perhaps start up a home

>base business of some sort and they were more than happy to help him. The

>only problem he had was he just could do it because of his pain and lack of

>concentration to learn. Is that county, federal or where do they get their

>funding? hm?

>

>Donita

>

><< I wanted to clarify that you don't need to be out of work for six

> months BEFORE applying. The six months wait is AFTER applying.

> I think, people have problems because they do not have the proper

> documentation. SSA is not likely to tell you either.

> I have contacted Voc-Rehab, twice. They even tried to tell me

>they

> could not come to my home to interview and test me . To make a long

>story

> short, they keep telling me they cannot help me even though they are

> mandated by law to get people off disability.

>

> >>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

I too have thought about asking for help in this. I am a musician and

composer and would like to work out of my house offering music for

advertising etc.. Any idea if they could help? I'm in Mass too btw

-Adriel

> From: " Lin B " <paniangelica@...>

> Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 16:34:13 EDT

> RNMSW@..., rheumaticegroups

> Cc: Creatvmuzk@...

> Subject: Re: rheumatic disability

>

>

> - Don't give up on the Voc Rehab. Here in Mass. it's called MassRehab

> (short for Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission) and I have been battling

> w/them for almost two yrs! I am going to be trained in Web Design, all from

> my house (due to the pain). There has to be some sort of ombudsman assigned

> (over here it's a well kept secret that the [overworked] Deputy Commissioner

> is the ombudsman - since he started to help I've gotten the all the stuff

> they were stalling about - computer, desk. Still waiting for my chair &

> classes. I know it's so hard when our bad health and pain affects us so

> much, but it's worth it - don't give up. How amazing, tho, that commissions

> that are put there to help those of us who are disabled, do EVERYTHING

> possible NOT to give what we are entitled to.

> My advice: keep your cool, always talk in a polite manner to them, no matter

> how annoying and ridiculous all of this is. Keep records of EVERYTHING. Get

> dr's prescriptions for anything you need. Talk to legal aid or any attny who

> specializes in this stuff. AND don't give up. You may not even know what you

> want to do, but it is so good to have a purpose to the day. (even if it's

> only a part time employment.) This is going to help my sanity.

> Take care.

> Lyn

>

> -------------original message-------------

>> That is a real shame! I guess it depends on where you live??? My husband

>> went

>> to Voc-Rehab to get some help to go to school and perhaps start up a home

>> base business of some sort and they were more than happy to help him. The

>> only problem he had was he just could do it because of his pain and lack of

>> concentration to learn. Is that county, federal or where do they get their

>> funding? hm?

>>

>> Donita

>>

>> << I wanted to clarify that you don't need to be out of work for six

>> months BEFORE applying. The six months wait is AFTER applying.

>> I think, people have problems because they do not have the proper

>> documentation. SSA is not likely to tell you either.

>> I have contacted Voc-Rehab, twice. They even tried to tell me

>> they

>> could not come to my home to interview and test me . To make a long

>> story

>> short, they keep telling me they cannot help me even though they are

>> mandated by law to get people off disability.

>>

>>>>

>>

>>

>

> _________________________________________________________________________

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>

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>

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

>

>

[Guest guest]

Harper, your disability is from what resource exactly (employer....) and not

from Social Security? You mentioned gettin another month and I noticed your

diagnoses wasn't till may of last year.

My disability was with my first bleed. 6 month wait and 3 year review,

thats why I asked about the month to month thing.

Thanks, Jen

On Thu, 8 Mar 2001 20:48:17 EST, wrote:

> Jen, reducing prednisone really, really isn't going to be that bad. At

> least, it hasn't been for me. Your doctor may be pulling your leg a

little.

> I've come down from 80 mg to 7.5 from May to February, and my gp said my

> LiverDoc was being extremely conservative in the reduction schedule

> (presumably because I had a flare-up when I went down to 10 mg in

August.) I

> can't say I was ever aware of any negative symptoms as I decreased. My

> doctor expects me to stay on some amount of Prednisone for the rest of my

> life; he says that he has had AIH patients who insisted on going off

> Prednisone, but almost always they have recurrences. He says that 7.5

mgs

> isn't much more than what one's body would be producing on it's own.

(Still,

> I get tired awfully quickly.)

>

> Don't let bad expectations be self-fulling. Expect the best, and just

maybe

> you'll get it.

>

> I have to go see my doctor tomorrow and see if I can get another month or

so

> of disability payments. I know I can't work at my regular job now, but I

> don't know if the State knows it!

>

> Best wishes.

> Harper (AIH 5/00)

_______________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

hello,

i have been in the process of getting disability for about 5 mo. now.

i received a letter today that stated that i was determined to be medically disabled,but they have not made a decision about whether i meet the nonmedical requirements.can anyone tell me what the non-medical requirements are and what their decision will be based on.

thanks,

Greg/ NM

[Guest guest]

Greg,

Are you in New Mexico?

I have no clue what that means, but just recently was awarded SSD here

in NM.

Jen

On Fri, 6 Apr 2001 21:10:45 EDT, wrote:

> hello,

> i have been in the process of getting disability for about 5 mo. now.

> i received a letter today that stated that i was determined to be

medically

> disabled,but they have not made a decision about whether i meet the

> nonmedical requirements.can anyone tell me what the non-medical

requirements

> are and what their decision will be based on.

> thanks,

>

> Greg/ NM

_______________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Sheila, I am on long term disability and am fighting for SSD. I had my

hearing two weeks ago. believe me getting benefits and keeping them has

been a job in itself. I have plunged deeper into lyme hell, since I had to

fight to get my ltd back earlier this year.

first rule: its not what you have, but how it effects your ability to work.

I found this group to be very helpful. and full of links for people

with invisible disabilities. mostly CFSD.

Disinissues-L

if she has other questions, and I will be happy to help her.

roe325@... since the beginning of this year I have had to become very

educated on this issue.

roe

[Guest guest]

Thanks Roe, I'll pass the info on. Sheila

>From: " nne " <roe325@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: RE: [ ] disability

>Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 07:12:57 -0400

>

>Sheila, I am on long term disability and am fighting for SSD. I had my

>hearing two weeks ago. believe me getting benefits and keeping them has

>been a job in itself. I have plunged deeper into lyme hell, since I had to

>fight to get my ltd back earlier this year.

>

>first rule: its not what you have, but how it effects your ability to

>work.

>

>I found this group to be very helpful. and full of links for people

>with invisible disabilities. mostly CFSD.

>Disinissues-L

>if she has other questions, and I will be happy to help her.

>roe325@... since the beginning of this year I have had to become very

>educated on this issue.

>roe

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/1/01 5:02:11 PM Central Daylight Time,

sm_lederman@... writes:

<< Hi everyone,

I am in contact with a woman in Texas who has lyme and is having a very

difficult time. She asked if I could help her get info on short and long

term disability from Social Security or wherever it may be available. Any

info would be greatly appreciated.

Also, she is looking for a LLMD in Texas. Can you refer her to a good doc?

Thanks for helping and being so supportive. I really appreciate it.

Sheila >>

Please email me directly and I can provide here with both LLMD's in Texas ( I

live in Houston) and a Social Security attorney that helped me obtain my SSDI

with me having CFIDS / Lyme.

[Guest guest]

Thank you. Sheila

>From: golfdawg@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: [ ] disability

>Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 14:13:35 EDT

>

>In a message dated 6/1/01 5:02:11 PM Central Daylight Time,

>sm_lederman@... writes:

>

><< Hi everyone,

>

> I am in contact with a woman in Texas who has lyme and is having a very

> difficult time. She asked if I could help her get info on short and long

> term disability from Social Security or wherever it may be available.

>Any

> info would be greatly appreciated.

>

> Also, she is looking for a LLMD in Texas. Can you refer her to a good

>doc?

>

> Thanks for helping and being so supportive. I really appreciate it.

>

> Sheila >>

>

>Please email me directly and I can provide here with both LLMD's in Texas (

>I

>live in Houston) and a Social Security attorney that helped me obtain my

>SSDI

>with me having CFIDS / Lyme.

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

>

>

> I know of a really good LLMD in the Bedford area. I know we aren't suppose to

put a Doctor's name here so if she is interested you can email me at

Txlady42@...

> _________________________________________________________________

> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks, I'll pass it on. Sheila

>From: Txlady42@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] Re: disability

>Date: Tue, 05 Jun 2001 02:10:39 -0000

>

>

> >

> >

> > I know of a really good LLMD in the Bedford area. I know we aren't

>suppose to put a Doctor's name here so if she is interested you can email

>me at Txlady42@...

> > _________________________________________________________________

> > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

>

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Thanks for all the input. I know I will need a lawyer but wanted to start

learning about what roadblocks I might face. I feel so guilty even

considering disability, but I have already voluntarily gone 1/2 time because

I just couldn't keep up with everything. And by doing that I have cut myself

out of a substaintial about of money because now my base pay is 1/2 what it

was. I also have extra Total Disability Insurance through my employer and

I'm not sure how that plays with the SSDI, SS and all the other state and

federal programs. Its almost like you have to admit to yourself that you are

worthless before you can even start all this stuff, (real good for self

esteem) then you have to throw yourself at the mercy of the government. For

me that is a VERY hard thing to do. The fact is, I guess, I am tired of

trying to keep up, all the pain, pills, frustration, self pity, guilt,

embarressment etc. I have worked very hard all my life and its hard to face

the fact that I just can't do what I use to, but I guess that is why I have

been paying all this money to all these programs for 25 years. Maybe its

time I get something back for all the years of hardwork and paid out money

to these programs! Thanks for listening...Jerry

ps: I checked out this site, http://www.wpunj.edu/icip/pa and it has been

very helpful in giving me a lot of needed information. Whoever is

responsible for this site, THANKS!

[ ] disability

>hi jerry,

>i agree about the lawyer, however, first you need to contact your local

>ss office, or call the toll free number. there is a time table regarding

how

>long you are off work before you are eligible for disability. i didn't know

this,

>and wasn't as smart regarding these things as i am now. i had applied and

>reapplied before i found out i hadn't even been off work long enough to

>qualify!. that's when the lawyer became involved and i did eventually get

>back pay and monthy checks. it is a looooooooooooong and tortuous

>process, but it is worth it when you are approved. i have medicare, and

>blue cross insu. thru medicare that pays for everything and only cost

>me $28.00 a month extra. i know it is hard to quit working, i worked about

>2 months longer than i should have because i didn't want to give in.

>it did no one any good. my work was crappy, someone had to help me and

>usually correct it. the family suffered, and it took me coming down with

>the flu that put me flat on my back to make me say uncle. it was the best

>decision i could make, because i finally starting getting better. it is

something

>everyone has to decide for themselves, esp, if you are the main income for

>your family. i wish you well, and hope that you don't have to go on

disability,

>but don't be afraid to take it if you have to. btw, your amount is based on

how

>long you have worked and how much you paid into the system. i only worked

>about 10 years, and never made a whole lot, so i don't get much, but it is

>better than nothing. i also get benefits for my kids.

>i will try to answer any questions you have on the subject.

>good luck

>susan in ohio

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

susan in ohio.....concerning disablity?...i've been off of work 4 months

now....applied recently for disablity......i have 2 gp's and phsical

therapists saying it's impossible for me to go back to work....my first

rhuemy wasn't very helpful...took 3 months to get her to xray my

back.....finally she says that i only have a little in back and

spine....didn't even want to see me for 2 months after that visit.....bloods

supposed to be checked monthly...right?....then i get fed up and see another

rhuemy who xrays my back ,neck and knees......he says that there's no

cartilage left between my knee cap and knee bone,that i have tendonitis in

left arm and NO arthritis in my back or spine...that instead i have a mild

case of fibromalgia...that there's something else causing the pain and

inability to walk...he wants me to see neuroogists....so my situation is

getting worse...with the dr.s dx of psoriatic i signed up for

disablity....now it might not even be that.....i really don't know what to

do....i'm not taking any of my meds and not seeing anybody right now....the

pain is so bad a times all i can do is stay in bed....my work wants me to be

written off of work to recieve benefits through work...i can't get anybody to

do this.....i'm a young 33 ...with 4 children and i really don't know what

else to do.....MTNCAT

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/26/01 5:19:04 PM Pacific Standard Time, roath@... writes:

What steps do I take to receive Disability. My doctor has never brought this up to me so I assumed i was not eligable for it. AIH has been pretty uneventful for me maybe that is why he has never brought it up. I must say that I have not been able to work full time because of the tiredness and the aches and pains I feel as though I had ran a race but I have only done 8 hours of low impact work????

I would love to hear about any suggestions. Thank you for everyones encouraging information. I feel so lucky to be a part of this group. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!! Lucy AIH1997

My first doctor didn't mention disability, either. Each state has its own disability requirements. I belong to an HMO, and they have a medical records department that keeps the forms you need to apply for short-term disability. I hope someone else can give you more information -- I'm kind of spaced out right now.

Harper

[Guest guest]

I was told by my GP that it would be a good idea if I took disability short term for a while. BUT she wants me to take it on depression and I am NOT going to take disability on that dx! I will take it for liver problems, but not depression! But that is just me!

debby

Re: [ ] Disability

In a message dated 10/26/01 5:19:04 PM Pacific Standard Time, roath@... writes:

What steps do I take to receive Disability. My doctor has never brought this up to me so I assumed i was not eligable for it. AIH has been pretty uneventful for me maybe that is why he has never brought it up. I must say that I have not been able to work full time because of the tiredness and the aches and pains I feel as though I had ran a race but I have only done 8 hours of low impact work???? I would love to hear about any suggestions. Thank you for everyones encouraging information. I feel so lucky to be a part of this group. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!! Lucy AIH1997My first doctor didn't mention disability, either. Each state has its own disability requirements. I belong to an HMO, and they have a medical records department that keeps the forms you need to apply for short-term disability. I hope someone else can give you more information -- I'm kind of spaced out right now. Harper

[Guest guest]

Dear Lucy,

I don't think I can be of much help. I had a disability policy through my

school district that I applied to first. The school district furnished the

paperwork and contact numbers. There was a proccess which included

statements from the school district, all of my doctors, plus a telephone

interview. They approved the disability and I receive 60% of my former

salary. It is reviewed every 6 months.

The disability company required that I apply for Social Security disablity.

It is administered by the state (Oregon). We made an appointment and went

to a social security office. After a brief interview the social security

office requested that the disability papers be sent to me. I just completed

that paperwork and mailed it off yesterday. So we'll see.

Good luck, Lucy! For me, I really believe that my continued improvement is

because I able to be home and take better care of myself.

Sue (Oregon)

[ ] Disability

What steps do I take to receive Disability. My doctor has never

brought this up to me so I assumed i was not eligable for it. AIH

has been pretty uneventful for me maybe that is why he has never

brought it up. I must say that I have not been able to work full time

because of the tiredness and the aches and pains I feel as though I

had ran a race but I have only done 8 hours of low impact work????

I would love to hear about any suggestions. Thank you for everyones

encouraging information. I feel so lucky to be a part of this

group. Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!! Lucy AIH1997

[Guest guest]

I don't mean to pry into your business but do you take medication for

depression? Did this come on when or about when you were diagnosed with AIH?

I take Effexor because my doctor said I needed to for depression????? I have

been taking I for about 3 years now> Thanks for the info . Lucy

[Guest guest]

Thankyou for the information. I live in washington so I hope Oregon rules

crossed the border Hopefully it will be easy for me too. Lucy

[Guest guest]

Believe it or not the people at Social Security are very helpful. They will

tell