Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel: Tom did not quit working until he filed SSD. He was approved right away, but the benefits did not start for five months. I gave the case worker all of our records that documented all of the surgeries and physicians we had been to over the years, and that showed Tom continued to work while trying to find a reason for his medical problems. I really feel this helped his case tremendously. Good luck! Trish Stokes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel: Tom did not quit working until he filed SSD. He was approved right away, but the benefits did not start for five months. I gave the case worker all of our records that documented all of the surgeries and physicians we had been to over the years, and that showed Tom continued to work while trying to find a reason for his medical problems. I really feel this helped his case tremendously. Good luck! Trish Stokes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Thanks Jen! SSDI Hi all you wonderful people! I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? Discrimination!!!! And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. Do I do it myself? Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? Do I need a lawyer? I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least complicated way to do it. You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, so I know you can help me now. Thanks all, and keep the faith, Laurel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel: when i filed for CPP (Canada pension plan) which would be our version of your SSDI, I stared out by requesting the forms for CPP. Their forms included forms for my drs. to fill out. How detailed the drs. response is the most important part of it in our process anyway. I was denied the first time round which happens routinely up here from the sounds of it, so I just applied again, with the exact same info and then was approved. I realize the process may be somewhat different Canda to US but hope this helps some. The one thing I did find really helpful is that I had someone help me with filling out all the forms they needed. Hope all goes smoothly. Take care. Jen L. Ottawa, Canada ----Original Message------- From: PLS-FRIENDS Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 04:37:28 AM To: PLS-FRIENDS Subject: SSDI Hi all you wonderful people! I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? Discrimination!!!! And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. Do I do it myself? Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? Do I need a lawyer? I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least complicated way to do it. You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, so I know you can help me now. Thanks all, and keep the faith, Laurel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel: when i filed for CPP (Canada pension plan) which would be our version of your SSDI, I stared out by requesting the forms for CPP. Their forms included forms for my drs. to fill out. How detailed the drs. response is the most important part of it in our process anyway. I was denied the first time round which happens routinely up here from the sounds of it, so I just applied again, with the exact same info and then was approved. I realize the process may be somewhat different Canda to US but hope this helps some. The one thing I did find really helpful is that I had someone help me with filling out all the forms they needed. Hope all goes smoothly. Take care. Jen L. Ottawa, Canada ----Original Message------- From: PLS-FRIENDS Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 04:37:28 AM To: PLS-FRIENDS Subject: SSDI Hi all you wonderful people! I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? Discrimination!!!! And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. Do I do it myself? Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? Do I need a lawyer? I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least complicated way to do it. You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, so I know you can help me now. Thanks all, and keep the faith, Laurel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel, I'm sure you'll get the gamut of responses from " do it yourself " to " do nothing for yourself " . I found the procedure to be fairly simple, and definitely not worth the cost of legal assistance. My feelings about getting a lawyer are that the lawyer is not going to know anything about me and PLS other than what I tell him/her, so why not just say it myself? First, call the SS office and they will provide the necessary forms. After getting some self-help books from the library, I organized my thoughts and information on paper, and submitted the paperwork to SS. Try to keep in mind, that the judge who will make the final decision, is not a medical person, nor does he/she want to spend lots of time on your case, so limit your presentation to the relevant facts and information and keep his/her job as easy as possible by having your materials organized, brief, and easy to read. A print out of what PLS is, or the new PLS booklet will help. Most likely, you'll need some documentation from your doctor, as well. Let me know, if I can answer any other questions for you. Dolores d.carron@... SSDI > Hi all you wonderful people! > I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? Discrimination!!!! > And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. > But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. > I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. > Do I do it myself? > Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? > Do I need a lawyer? > I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least complicated way to do it. > You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, so I know you can help me now. > Thanks all, and keep the faith, > Laurel > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Laurel, I'm sure you'll get the gamut of responses from " do it yourself " to " do nothing for yourself " . I found the procedure to be fairly simple, and definitely not worth the cost of legal assistance. My feelings about getting a lawyer are that the lawyer is not going to know anything about me and PLS other than what I tell him/her, so why not just say it myself? First, call the SS office and they will provide the necessary forms. After getting some self-help books from the library, I organized my thoughts and information on paper, and submitted the paperwork to SS. Try to keep in mind, that the judge who will make the final decision, is not a medical person, nor does he/she want to spend lots of time on your case, so limit your presentation to the relevant facts and information and keep his/her job as easy as possible by having your materials organized, brief, and easy to read. A print out of what PLS is, or the new PLS booklet will help. Most likely, you'll need some documentation from your doctor, as well. Let me know, if I can answer any other questions for you. Dolores d.carron@... SSDI > Hi all you wonderful people! > I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? Discrimination!!!! > And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. > But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. > I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. > Do I do it myself? > Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? > Do I need a lawyer? > I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least complicated way to do it. > You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, so I know you can help me now. > Thanks all, and keep the faith, > Laurel > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Hi Laurel: I, too like Jen L. applied for Disability Canada Pension and was lucky enough to receive it the first round but as Jen said it depends on how the Dr. fills out the forms. Wishing you the best. Jo! SSDI > > > > Hi all you wonderful people! > > I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer > Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another > job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? > Discrimination!!!! > > And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. > > But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. > > I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. > > Do I do it myself? > > Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? > > Do I need a lawyer? > > I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least > complicated way to do it. > > You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, > so I know you can help me now. > > Thanks all, and keep the faith, > > Laurel > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Hi Laurel: I, too like Jen L. applied for Disability Canada Pension and was lucky enough to receive it the first round but as Jen said it depends on how the Dr. fills out the forms. Wishing you the best. Jo! SSDI > > > > Hi all you wonderful people! > > I think I mentioned a few months ago, that I quit my job at the Cancer > Center. I have tried and tried and diligently tried some more to get another > job, but nothing except temp. work for the last few months. Why did I quit? > Discrimination!!!! > > And, yes, I have filed a claim with the Dept of Human Rights and EEOC. > > But, my question is? I think it is time to file for SSDI benefits. > > I don't know what the first step is, so I need some help. > > Do I do it myself? > > Do I go to the DR. first to confirm my health? > > Do I need a lawyer? > > I really don't have the energy for a big hassle, so I need info on the least > complicated way to do it. > > You all have been such a vast source of knowledge and expertise in the past, > so I know you can help me now. > > Thanks all, and keep the faith, > > Laurel > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Hi Laurel: Go for it! I went to the SS Office, told them my story, they sent me to there doctor (who became my regular nurologist). Then all of a sudden weeks later the checks started to roll in. No problems at all! Good Luck! Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. Lord Keep Your Arm Around My Shoulder And Your Hand Over My Mouth When you worry it's like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you a good ride, but it doesn't get you any where. ************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2002 Report Share Posted November 13, 2002 Hi Laurel: Go for it! I went to the SS Office, told them my story, they sent me to there doctor (who became my regular nurologist). Then all of a sudden weeks later the checks started to roll in. No problems at all! Good Luck! Luv & Hugs! ************************************* Some people succeed in spite of their handicap. Others succeed because of them. Lord Keep Your Arm Around My Shoulder And Your Hand Over My Mouth When you worry it's like sitting in a rocking chair, it gives you a good ride, but it doesn't get you any where. ************************************* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2002 Report Share Posted December 8, 2002 Bonnie, You should be able to get Social Security Disability also. In fact your insurance co should be willing to help you since their payments to you will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI. Talk to your lawyer again and/or there are people (usually former SS employees) who specialize in helping get SSDI. Vaughn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2002 Report Share Posted December 8, 2002 Bonnie, You should be able to get Social Security Disability also. In fact your insurance co should be willing to help you since their payments to you will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI. Talk to your lawyer again and/or there are people (usually former SS employees) who specialize in helping get SSDI. Vaughn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2002 Report Share Posted December 8, 2002 Bonnie, You should be able to get Social Security Disability also. In fact your insurance co should be willing to help you since their payments to you will be reduced by the amount of your SSDI. Talk to your lawyer again and/or there are people (usually former SS employees) who specialize in helping get SSDI. Vaughn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2002 Report Share Posted December 9, 2002 Vaughn, I am getting SSDI. That was the easy part. When the insurance company turned me down, the first thing I did was apply for SSDI. I needed some money to live on. I just filed the paper work and was approved in about 3 months. In fact, being approved by SSDI may have helped the insurance company make their decision, since as you say it reduces the amount they have to pay. Anyway, I'm glad its over. To everyone else who may now or in the future be going through this. Don't give up. Its unfortunate, but you have to fight for what is rightfully yours. The insurance companies are all about money (greed) and they don't want to have to pay you. Bonnie G - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2002 Report Share Posted December 9, 2002 Bonnie, Way to go! You are exactly correct. You have to make like a rusty fishhook and hang in there. I'm glad for you. Vaughn re: SSDI Vaughn, I am getting SSDI. That was the easy part. When the insurance company turned me down, the first thing I did was apply for SSDI. I needed some money to live on. I just filed the paper work and was approved in about 3 months. In fact, being approved by SSDI may have helped the insurance company make their decision, since as you say it reduces the amount they have to pay. Anyway, I'm glad its over. To everyone else who may now or in the future be going through this. Don't give up. Its unfortunate, but you have to fight for what is rightfully yours. The insurance companies are all about money (greed) and they don't want to have to pay you. Bonnie G - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I was fortunate that when I became disabled for other reasons, I had private insurance and they have a subsidiary specializing in social security. That company, Genex, is very good and the reason the insurer uses them is to reduce their payout. I was lucky enough to get approved initially and I credit it all to someone who knew what they were doing. I would suggest to anyone to never file your claim without assistance either from someone like Caring Voices (I'm not knowledgeable as to them) or an experienced social security attorney. A whole lot better if you can get expertise and get it through initially rather than have to go through the appeals process. It is also sometimes helpful to send medical records up front or at least follow up with your doctors as many are very slow and sloppy into responding to social security requests. > > > > Spousal Unit and I just got flu shots at Pulmonary Dept of MUSC; no > one asked about medications we were taking. Flu shots need to be gotten > each year, usually around Sept-Oct. It takes about a month to build > sufficient protection. 2 years, I didn't take the flu shot, got the flu > both years & came to realize how folks die from flu. My doc says > pneumonia shot for viral pneumonia is to be taken every 5 years; some > folks will tell you that you only need it once; don't believe them! You > can still get bacterial pneumonia, so practice what my doc calls " lung > protective strategy " , i.e., stay away from sick folks, be careful about > being in crowds especially indoors, wash hands, etc. You know the > routine. > > > > Joyce D. I know Lynley and wish I had known about Caring Voice prior > to engaging a private attorney. My attorney's office now tells me that > one of their law clerks started working on an appeal for an in- camera > review by a SSDI judge. My attorney's position is that I am disabled and > the decisions made by SSDI thus far are erroneous. If the law judge > agrees, a decision will be made on my case without a hearing; otherwise, > I have to wait for SSDI to schedule a hearing, approximately 15 months > out. While Caring Voice has been a great support to me, they really > can't get involved now that I have a private attorney. > > > > To all those out there thinking about Social Security disability: > Caring Voice will help you free of charge. Some people on this board > have not had difficulty obtaining benefits; others, like me, have been > denied more than once. In part, it depends on the region of the county > in which you live. I happen to live in, arguably, the most conservative > section of the county, and, by documentation, one of the slowest in > reviewing and making case decisions. If you use Caring Voice, they do > not charge you for this service. While the fees my attorney can charge > are capped, and, as far as attorney fees are concerned, are reasonable, > it is money that I will not get but will pay taxes on. Live and learn. > > > > Peace be with you, > > Bonnie Faulkner/ IPF - 1-06/ SC > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV. Watch previews, get > listings, and more! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I was fortunate that when I became disabled for other reasons, I had private insurance and they have a subsidiary specializing in social security. That company, Genex, is very good and the reason the insurer uses them is to reduce their payout. I was lucky enough to get approved initially and I credit it all to someone who knew what they were doing. I would suggest to anyone to never file your claim without assistance either from someone like Caring Voices (I'm not knowledgeable as to them) or an experienced social security attorney. A whole lot better if you can get expertise and get it through initially rather than have to go through the appeals process. It is also sometimes helpful to send medical records up front or at least follow up with your doctors as many are very slow and sloppy into responding to social security requests. > > > > Spousal Unit and I just got flu shots at Pulmonary Dept of MUSC; no > one asked about medications we were taking. Flu shots need to be gotten > each year, usually around Sept-Oct. It takes about a month to build > sufficient protection. 2 years, I didn't take the flu shot, got the flu > both years & came to realize how folks die from flu. My doc says > pneumonia shot for viral pneumonia is to be taken every 5 years; some > folks will tell you that you only need it once; don't believe them! You > can still get bacterial pneumonia, so practice what my doc calls " lung > protective strategy " , i.e., stay away from sick folks, be careful about > being in crowds especially indoors, wash hands, etc. You know the > routine. > > > > Joyce D. I know Lynley and wish I had known about Caring Voice prior > to engaging a private attorney. My attorney's office now tells me that > one of their law clerks started working on an appeal for an in- camera > review by a SSDI judge. My attorney's position is that I am disabled and > the decisions made by SSDI thus far are erroneous. If the law judge > agrees, a decision will be made on my case without a hearing; otherwise, > I have to wait for SSDI to schedule a hearing, approximately 15 months > out. While Caring Voice has been a great support to me, they really > can't get involved now that I have a private attorney. > > > > To all those out there thinking about Social Security disability: > Caring Voice will help you free of charge. Some people on this board > have not had difficulty obtaining benefits; others, like me, have been > denied more than once. In part, it depends on the region of the county > in which you live. I happen to live in, arguably, the most conservative > section of the county, and, by documentation, one of the slowest in > reviewing and making case decisions. If you use Caring Voice, they do > not charge you for this service. While the fees my attorney can charge > are capped, and, as far as attorney fees are concerned, are reasonable, > it is money that I will not get but will pay taxes on. Live and learn. > > > > Peace be with you, > > Bonnie Faulkner/ IPF - 1-06/ SC > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV. Watch previews, get > listings, and more! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I was fortunate that when I became disabled for other reasons, I had private insurance and they have a subsidiary specializing in social security. That company, Genex, is very good and the reason the insurer uses them is to reduce their payout. I was lucky enough to get approved initially and I credit it all to someone who knew what they were doing. I would suggest to anyone to never file your claim without assistance either from someone like Caring Voices (I'm not knowledgeable as to them) or an experienced social security attorney. A whole lot better if you can get expertise and get it through initially rather than have to go through the appeals process. It is also sometimes helpful to send medical records up front or at least follow up with your doctors as many are very slow and sloppy into responding to social security requests. > > > > Spousal Unit and I just got flu shots at Pulmonary Dept of MUSC; no > one asked about medications we were taking. Flu shots need to be gotten > each year, usually around Sept-Oct. It takes about a month to build > sufficient protection. 2 years, I didn't take the flu shot, got the flu > both years & came to realize how folks die from flu. My doc says > pneumonia shot for viral pneumonia is to be taken every 5 years; some > folks will tell you that you only need it once; don't believe them! You > can still get bacterial pneumonia, so practice what my doc calls " lung > protective strategy " , i.e., stay away from sick folks, be careful about > being in crowds especially indoors, wash hands, etc. You know the > routine. > > > > Joyce D. I know Lynley and wish I had known about Caring Voice prior > to engaging a private attorney. My attorney's office now tells me that > one of their law clerks started working on an appeal for an in- camera > review by a SSDI judge. My attorney's position is that I am disabled and > the decisions made by SSDI thus far are erroneous. If the law judge > agrees, a decision will be made on my case without a hearing; otherwise, > I have to wait for SSDI to schedule a hearing, approximately 15 months > out. While Caring Voice has been a great support to me, they really > can't get involved now that I have a private attorney. > > > > To all those out there thinking about Social Security disability: > Caring Voice will help you free of charge. Some people on this board > have not had difficulty obtaining benefits; others, like me, have been > denied more than once. In part, it depends on the region of the county > in which you live. I happen to live in, arguably, the most conservative > section of the county, and, by documentation, one of the slowest in > reviewing and making case decisions. If you use Caring Voice, they do > not charge you for this service. While the fees my attorney can charge > are capped, and, as far as attorney fees are concerned, are reasonable, > it is money that I will not get but will pay taxes on. Live and learn. > > > > Peace be with you, > > Bonnie Faulkner/ IPF - 1-06/ SC > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Catch up on fall's hot new shows on Yahoo! TV. Watch previews, get > listings, and more! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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