Re: Disability questions

[Guest guest]

Eileen

You need to consider whether you think you're disabled or not in

addition to looking at the guidelines you mentioned on the Social

Security site. I'm assuming you have no disability policy or coverage at

your job? For them to say what you should or shouldn't do is really

something I find distasteful unless you've been absent or unable to

perform the job duties a considerable amount of time. While I think most

of us are better off with time to take care of our illness, don't be

bullied by them.

I do recall you just went on oxygen. Perhaps that is influencing what

they are saying. However, many do work while on oxygen.

Now, as to your specific questions.

1-Should you file yourself or go to an attorney? I used an attorney but

it was paid for by my private disability provider. I think most would

say to start doing it yourself. Be very thorough. Collect all medical

records yourself. Include all conditions. First, though, see if you do

meet the guidelines. You can find those here and locally who can advise

and assist you.

2-Yes it is true you get nothing the first six months. On top of that

you're not eligible for medicare for the first two years.

3-I understand as I found the filing and waiting for social security to

be the most anxiety producing experience I encountered when I first did

so, although my initial filing had nothing to do with PF. There is a

lot of information available online in addition to those here and local

services. The real key is everything you can put together up front.

Also, it is having doctors who support you in your filing. That is

crucial. I suggest in addition to medical records and the forms social

security sends to them also letters from your key doctors that you can

submit with your initial filing. This helps social security see quickly

what the doctor believes before they delve into more. A simple letter

that states in essence that Eileen is unable to perform the duties of

any meaningful employment and will not ever be so able and attempting to

do so compromises her health even further. She suffers from _____. Her

PFT's are ____. This is a condition which will worsen only. Having more

than one doctor confirming is helpful. So, if you visit Shands, for

instance, having your local doctor and Shands prepare letters would

carry great influence.

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

[Guest guest]

Eileen,

Under my signature I copied and pasted a message I posted a couple of weeks ago regarding applying for SSDI. Whether or not you are ready to stop working is a personal decision. Don't let your boss try to dictate what you should be doing. It may be however that he feels you are struggling to the point that you could be hurting yourself. You might want to sit down and have a talk with him and ask him what he is observing that causes him to feel you should stop working.

It is true that SSDI pays starting 6 months from your "date of disability". For me it the day I stopped working. Prior to then my employer paid my salary for several weeks after I stopped working because of accumulated sick time and vacation time I had accrued. In addition to that my boss paid my salary for an additional month honestly I think because he just felt horrible for me. (one good thing about working for a fairly small company) After that I collected short term disablitly through the NY State Workers Compensation program for 3 months. I collected based on a "non work related illness". The amount was fairly small but every little bit helped.

Hope some of this helps. I know it's scary to contemplate not working. I get it, I worked from the time I was 14 till I was 46 (except for a few years when my son was small). Not working just wasn't something I could contemplate. But this was the hand I was dealt and I had to make it work out. You can too.

Beth in North Carolina

Moderator

Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

There have been a couple of questions regarding applying for SSDI in the last couple of days so I thought I'd share what I've learned about the process, learned from my own experience and the experiences of other members on this board. When we apply for SSDI it's likely our financial situations are to put it mildly stressed. We want the application to go through quickly with as few delays as possible. There are some things we have no control over and there are other things that we can do that may move the process along faster.

Please keep in mind I'm no expert on this, I can only share what I've found out that may help.

First thing I did and would recommend is to get the "Adult Disabilty Starter Kit" from www.socialsecurity.gov. All of the worksheets and checklists can be downloaded and printed from the website. This stuff will answer some questions and help you to know what documents you need to gather before you proceed with the appliacation.

Next make absolutely certain that your physician knows that your are applying for disability and supports your application. This is critical. Social Security will give tremendous weight to your doctors opinions. If he's not supportive, you will have difficulty being approved.

Make copies of all your medical records to submit with your application. Doctors notes, copies of bloodwork reports, CD's with your CT scans, pulmonary function test reports, biopsy results etc. This is all stuff they will need anyway and it will take time for them to chase after it and obtain it from your doctors. If you provide all this from the beginning it will shorten the process.

I applied online. I found this far more desireable than sitting in a Social Security Office for hours and hours when I was already ill. The application is lengthy, you can stop, save it and come back to it if you need to. You have several days to complete it online. This worked for me because I could do it at my own pace and not be exposed to all the other sick people in the Social Security office. This was especially important to me because at the time I was on prednisone and very immune suppressed.

Once I completed the online application I dropped off my documents and medical records at my local Social Security office. I was called several days later and interviewed on the phone. I received more forms in the mail that needed to fill out and so did my doctor. I stayed in touch with the staff at my doctors office so that my paperwork got processed as quickly as possible. I worked hard to get them on my side, I needed their help!

I applied in late August/early September of 2006. In December I got a letter asking me to be seen by one of their doctors. I did so (it was a joke, this doctor had never heard of my disease). The first week in February of 2007 there was a largish deposit made to my checking account by Social Security. I called them and was told verbally that I had been approved. The letter came a couple of days later. My approval was retroactive to November of 2006 which was 6 months after my "date of disablity".

So I guess the moral of this story is take control of what you can. Make sure your doctor is on your side, submit your own medical records (don't make them come looking for them) and comply with what requests they make as quickly as you can.

I realize not everyones application will go as smoothely as mine. I applied in NY and some states are more difficult than others. I don't really understand why as it's a federal program with federal guidelines but there it is. If you are denied, get lawyer and appeal. We all paid into the system and are entitled to the help now that we need it!

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 10:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce

Thank you for your reply. I agree that having oxygen is not a reason

to stop working. I did not think of myself as disabled. Apparently

when our chief medical officer (who is an MD) saw me getting so out of

breath and coughing all the time, he went to our CEO (my boss) and

said he does not feel it is healthy for me to continue working. I am

never out sick, I force myself to come in every day and I do all my

work but I admit I am exhausted all the time, I get out of breath

talking on the phone and I start coughing. I would not mind being

able to stay home and concentrate on my health and losing weight so I

can be evaluated for transplant, I am just concerned about finances.

I see my pulmonary dr on Monday and will ask for a PF test then. In

the meantime our chief medical officer spoke to my pulmonary dr about

his concerns so we will see what happens Monday.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> >

> > Hello everyone

> > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

> >

> > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> > new to O2 Dec 08

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth

As usual both you and Bruce are a wealth of knowledge and always make

me feel less nervous. I did have a talk w my boss this morning and he

said it was our Chief Medical Officer coming to him over concern that

I am doing myself harm by continuing to work. I am extremely busy and

I do feel ready to drop dead by the end of each day but I just did not

think of stopping work. Especially with the economy the way it is. I

will see what my pulmonary dr says and how my PF tests come out before

I make any decision either way. My boss did tell me he would continue

my salary for the 6 month waiting period to be supportive. That is

very nice but I need to feel sure that I will have the SS at the end

of that 6 months.

Thank you again. I am so very happy I found this support group. For

the first time in 2 years (since diagnosis) I know that there are

people who do completely understand what I am going thu. God Bless

each of you.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

>

> Eileen,

> Under my signature I copied and pasted a message I posted a couple

of weeks ago regarding applying for SSDI. Whether or not you are ready

to stop working is a personal decision. Don't let your boss try to

dictate what you should be doing. It may be however that he feels you

are struggling to the point that you could be hurting yourself. You

might want to sit down and have a talk with him and ask him what he is

observing that causes him to feel you should stop working.

>

> It is true that SSDI pays starting 6 months from your " date of

disability " . For me it the day I stopped working. Prior to then my

employer paid my salary for several weeks after I stopped working

because of accumulated sick time and vacation time I had accrued. In

addition to that my boss paid my salary for an additional month

honestly I think because he just felt horrible for me. (one good thing

about working for a fairly small company) After that I collected short

term disablitly through the NY State Workers Compensation program for

3 months. I collected based on a " non work related illness " . The

amount was fairly small but every little bit helped.

> Hope some of this helps. I know it's scary to contemplate not

working. I get it, I worked from the time I was 14 till I was 46

(except for a few years when my son was small). Not working just

wasn't something I could contemplate. But this was the hand I was

dealt and I had to make it work out. You can too.

>  

> Beth in North Carolina

> Moderator

> Fibrotic NSIP 06/06 Dermatomyositis 11/08

>  

>  

> There have been a couple of questions regarding applying for SSDI in

the last couple of days so I thought I'd share what I've learned about

the process, learned from my own experience and the experiences of

other members on this board. When we apply for SSDI it's likely our

financial situations are to put it mildly stressed. We want the

application to go through quickly with as few delays as

possible. There are some things we have no control over and there are

other things that we can do that may move the process along faster.

> Please keep in mind I'm no expert on this, I can only share what

I've found out that may help.

>

> First thing I did and would recommend is to get the " Adult Disabilty

Starter Kit " from www.socialsecurity.gov. All of the worksheets and

checklists can be downloaded and printed from the website. This stuff

will answer some questions and help you to know what documents you

need to gather before you proceed with the appliacation.

>

> Next make absolutely certain that your physician knows that your are

applying for disability and supports your application. This is

critical. Social Security will give tremendous weight to your doctors

opinions. If he's not supportive, you will have difficulty being approved.

>

> Make copies of all your medical records to submit with your

application. Doctors notes, copies of bloodwork reports, CD's with

your CT scans, pulmonary function test reports, biopsy results etc.

This is all stuff they will need anyway and it will take time for them

to chase after it and obtain it from your doctors. If you provide all

this from the beginning it will shorten the process.

> I applied online. I found this far more desireable than sitting in a

Social Security Office for hours and hours when I was already ill. The

application is lengthy, you can stop, save it and come back to it if

you need to. You have several days to complete it online. This worked

for me because I could do it at my own pace and not be exposed to all

the other sick people in the Social Security office. This

was especially important to me because at the time I was on prednisone

and very immune suppressed.

>

> Once I completed the online application I dropped off my documents

and medical records at my local Social Security office. I was called

several days later and interviewed on the phone. I received more forms

in the mail that needed to fill out and so did my doctor.  I stayed in

touch with the staff at my doctors office so that my paperwork got

processed as quickly as possible. I worked hard to get them on my

side, I needed their help!

>

> I applied in late August/early September of 2006. In December I got

a letter asking me to be seen by one of their doctors. I did so (it

was a joke, this doctor had never heard of my disease). The first week

in February of 2007 there was a largish deposit made to my checking

account by Social Security. I called them and was told verbally that I

had been approved. The letter came a couple of days later. My approval

was retroactive to November of 2006 which was 6 months after my " date

of disablity " .

>

> So I guess the moral of this story is take control of what you can.

Make sure your doctor is on your side, submit your own medical records

(don't make them come looking for them) and comply with what requests

they make as quickly as you can.

>

> I realize not everyones application will go as smoothely as mine. I

applied in NY and some states are more difficult than others. I don't

really understand why as it's a federal program with federal

guidelines but there it is.  If you are denied, get lawyer and appeal.

We all paid into the system and are entitled to the help now that we

need it!

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: nivlag1

> To: Breathe-Support

> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 10:25:15 AM

> Subject: Disability questions

>

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

[Guest guest]

Hi nivlag1,

I am Joe and I was diagnosed in Jan of '08 with IPF. I filed for SSDI and was refused. I comtacted our Senator from Ga. And he assisted me in getting the SSDI. It was a 6 MO. Waiting period before I could get any money from them. I was fortunate as I did have short and long term disability insurance from my employer, Lowe's. They were extremely helpful and assisted me in getting it. I did asso have a little problem as they said I had a pre-existing disease before enrolling for the insurance. They could not prove it so gave in and are still paying although it dropped drastically once I started receiving the SSDI.

Sorry we have to meet here but wish you the best.

JOE & JOANIE LAMENSKIE

IPF JAN. 2008

-- Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

By all means, file for yourself; don't waste your money on an attorney!!! You work in a medical office and can ask questions and get support there. If you don't understand something on the form, ask questions at SS. They may be detached but can usually give you the correct information without much aggravation.

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

By all means, file for yourself; don't waste your money on an attorney!!! You work in a medical office and can ask questions and get support there. If you don't understand something on the form, ask questions at SS. They may be detached but can usually give you the correct information without much aggravation.

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

By all means, file for yourself; don't waste your money on an attorney!!! You work in a medical office and can ask questions and get support there. If you don't understand something on the form, ask questions at SS. They may be detached but can usually give you the correct information without much aggravation.

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

Hey Joe

Thank you for sharing your experience. I did read somewhere that your

congressman can help so I will look into that. I do not have short

term or long term disability w my job but my boss did say he would pay

me for 6 months to help, which is nice.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

-- In Breathe-Support , " JOE & JOANIE LAMENSKIE "

wrote:

>

> Hi nivlag1,

> I am Joe and I was diagnosed in Jan of '08 with IPF. I filed

for SSDI

> and was refused. I comtacted our Senator from Ga. And he assisted me in

> getting the SSDI. It was a 6 MO. Waiting period before I could get

any money

> from them. I was fortunate as I did have short and long term disability

> insurance from my employer, Lowe's. They were extremely helpful and

assisted

> me in getting it. I did asso have a little problem as they said I had a

> pre-existing disease before enrolling for the insurance. They could not

> prove it so gave in and are still paying although it dropped drastically

> once I started receiving the SSDI.

> Sorry we have to meet here but wish you the best.

>

>

>

> JOE &JOANIE LAMENSKIE

> IPF JAN. 2008

>

> -- Disability questions

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret

Thank you for your reply. I am lucky - lucky to have found this

support group, lucky that my employer will help me for 6 mos and lucky

that right now I am not doing that bad. I will pray for you Margaret,

please keep me posted.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07-

-- In Breathe-Support , Margaret McConnell

wrote:

>

> Hi, I'm new and this is my first reply. Lucky you, I think, having

concerned employers. I was already on SS and attempted to go back to

work only to be fired 'without cause' during my first 90 days

probationary period; my office mate didn't like the noise from my

portable oxygen marathon backpack! The organization also didn't want

to insure me even though it would have only had to pay my medicare

deductible.

>

> I am happy to be home and have time to live my life even with less

income. My only concern was purchasing everything I needed and paying

off my mortgage. When I turned 62 last year, I got a reverse

mortgage and got back my equity to play with. If you are really sick

and have the medical documentation, getting SS is pretty easy.. It did

take about six months for them to process my ss application and verify

all of the documentation. I applied in June and received my approval

in January, with payments going back to June. The first few years I

had to go in to see one of their doctors several times, for them to

see if I was still disabled. Now I am terminal but still not far

enough gone to get chore service covered. No one was rude to me; they

were just detached paper pushers.

>

> My name is Margaret and I live in Alaska. I had tests done Monday

and feel that this is really the last downward decline. I started out

with PH, then COPD and now pulmonary fibrosis, heart and respiratory

failure... I never smoked and was a health and wellness teacher. I was

given a year to a year and a half two years ago. I started tracleer

and 'feel' better but the statistics say most people with PH die

within three years of diagnosis; I thought I was going to have longer...

>

> Best of wishes for your SS journey. Be good to yourself. Put

yourself first now. Do what makes you happy! 

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: nivlag1

> To: Breathe-Support

> Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AM

> Subject: Disability questions

>

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Margaret! Sorry to hear of your various respiratory problems. You are no doubt already familiar with what to do.

Glad to have you with us.

More later. I'll watch for your posts.

MamaSher, age 70. IPF 3-06, OR. NasturtiumsDon't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!

Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm new and this is my first reply. Lucky you, I think, having concerned employers. I was already on SS and attempted to go back to work only to be fired 'without cause' during my first 90 days probationary period because my office mate didn't like the noise from my portable oxygen marathon backpack! The organization also didn't want to insure me even though it would have only had to pay my medicare deductible.

I am happy to be home and have time to live my life even with less income. My only concern was purchasing everything I needed and paying off my mortgage. When I turned 62 last year, I got a reverse mortgage and got back my equity to make life easier. If you are really sick and have the medical documentation, getting SS is pretty easy.

Margaret

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

I read down to one response that stated that you don't get medicare for two years after the disabled determination. That was absolutely not true for me. I received everything after six months at age 49! They can not force you out of your job because you use oxygen or are declared disabled so long as your work is done competently and completely according to your job description. There is the Americans With Disabilities Act which prevents that. It may be that if you cough so often that it appears that you are ill and possibly contagious in a medical office that the patients are complaining out of fear. It is a mistake to go to work when you are contagious because of the risk to coworkers and patients. You would be surprised at how prejudiced people can be, even in the medical and social service professions. There can be ignorance and keeping up healthy appearances.

Margaret

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:34:26 AMSubject: Re: Disability questions

Hi BruceThank you for your reply. I agree that having oxygen is not a reasonto stop working. I did not think of myself as disabled. Apparentlywhen our chief medical officer (who is an MD) saw me getting so out ofbreath and coughing all the time, he went to our CEO (my boss) andsaid he does not feel it is healthy for me to continue working. I amnever out sick, I force myself to come in every day and I do all mywork but I admit I am exhausted all the time, I get out of breathtalking on the phone and I start coughing. I would not mind beingable to stay home and concentrate on my health and losing weight so Ican be evaluated for transplant, I am just concerned about finances.I see my pulmonary dr on Monday and will ask for a PF test then. Inthe meantime our chief medical officer spoke to my pulmonary dr abouthis concerns so we will see what happens Monday.Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07---

In Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. com, "Bruce Moreland"<brucemoreland@ ...> wrote:>> Eileen> > You need to consider whether you think you're disabled or not in> addition to looking at the guidelines you mentioned on the Social> Security site. I'm assuming you have no disability policy or coverage at> your job? For them to say what you should or shouldn't do is really> something I find distasteful unless you've been absent or unable to> perform the job duties a considerable amount of time. While I think most> of us are better off with time to take care of our illness, don't be> bullied by them.> > I do recall you just went on oxygen. Perhaps that is influencing what> they are saying. However, many do work while on

oxygen.> > Now, as to your specific questions.> > 1-Should you file yourself or go to an attorney? I used an attorney but> it was paid for by my private disability provider. I think most would> say to start doing it yourself. Be very thorough. Collect all medical> records yourself. Include all conditions. First, though, see if you do> meet the guidelines. You can find those here and locally who can advise> and assist you.> > 2-Yes it is true you get nothing the first six months. On top of that> you're not eligible for medicare for the first two years.> > 3-I understand as I found the filing and waiting for social security to> be the most anxiety producing experience I encountered when I first did> so, although my initial filing had nothing to do with PF. There is a> lot of information available online in addition to those here and

local> services. The real key is everything you can put together up front.> Also, it is having doctors who support you in your filing. That is> crucial. I suggest in addition to medical records and the forms social> security sends to them also letters from your key doctors that you can> submit with your initial filing. This helps social security see quickly> what the doctor believes before they delve into more. A simple letter> that states in essence that Eileen is unable to perform the duties of> any meaningful employment and will not ever be so able and attempting to> do so compromises her health even further. She suffers from _____. Her> PFT's are ____. This is a condition which will worsen only. Having more> than one doctor confirming is helpful. So, if you visit Shands, for> instance, having your local doctor and Shands prepare letters would> carry great

influence.> > > > > > > > >> > Hello everyone> > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.> > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned> > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on> > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for> > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but> > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you> > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any> > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a

PFT.> > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself> > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS> > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can> > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF> > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.> >> > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07> > new to O2 Dec 08> >>

[Guest guest]

Margaret

Social Security six months after the date they determine you were

disabled....not the date you file or anything so can be retroactive.

Medicare 18 months after your eligibility date for social security. So

Medicare 24 months after the date they agree you were disabled. Could be

one month or 23 after you actually get your first check.

> > >

> > > Hello everyone

> > > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a

cardiologist.

> > > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> > > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> > > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file

for

> > > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> > > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of

you

> > > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without

any

> > > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> > > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file

myself

> > > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from

SS

> > > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> > > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had

IPF

> > > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any

advise.

> > >

> > > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> > > new to O2 Dec 08

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Bruce

All I have to go on is what happened with me. I filed in June of 95 and was totally covered with SS and medicare beginning in January 96; I was 49 years old and would have certainly known if I had medical bills to pay since I had no other income and many medical expenses at the time. Perhaps things have changed since then. I lived on a post graduate student lone that I had to repay. I would not recommend doing that to anyone else but I wasn't willing to lose my home and all of my things acumulated over the previous 30 years. I held it together for years until my only child graduated from college and began her career eventhough SS determined I had been disabled since 87 yet had not applied as soon as I could have.

Margaret

To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 3:02:19 PMSubject: Re: Disability questions

MargaretSocial Security six months after the date they determine you weredisabled.... not the date you file or anything so can be retroactive.Medicare 18 months after your eligibility date for social security. SoMedicare 24 months after the date they agree you were disabled. Could beone month or 23 after you actually get your first check.> > >> > > Hello everyone> > > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is acardiologist.> > > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned> > > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on> > > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and filefor> > > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but>

> > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few ofyou> > > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved withoutany> > > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.> > > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I filemyself> > > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything fromSS> > > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can> > > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I hadIPF> > > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate anyadvise.> > >> > > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07> > > new to O2 Dec 08> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

MargaretPerhaps I didn't explain it well earlier but it has nothing to do with when you file. It has to do with when they say you were disabled. So, if they decided you were disabled in January 1994 even if you didn't file until June, 1995 then that starts the calendar toward the two years. I was approved in April, 2007 but my date of disability was determined to be in August, 2005 so I was eligible for Medicare in February 2008 (six months to Social Security plus 24 to Medicare so eligible the 30th month). Here is the medicare rule from the site:IF YOU ARE UNDER AGE 65 AND DISABLED:If

you are under age 65 and disabled, and have been entitled to disability

benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for 24

months, you will be automatically entitled to Medicare Part A and Part

B beginning the 25th month of disability benefit entitlement. You will

not need to do anything to enroll in Medicare. Your Medicare card will

be mailed to you about 3 months before your Medicare entitlement date.

(Note: If you are under age 65 and have Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), you

get your Medicare benefits the first month you get disability benefits

from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)> > > >> > > > Hello everyone> > > > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a> cardiologist.> > > > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned> > > > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on> > > > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file> for> > > > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but> > > > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of> you> > > > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without> any> > > > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.> > > > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file> myself> > > > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from> SS> > > > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can> > > > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had> IPF> > > > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any> advise.> > > >> > > > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07> > > > new to O2 Dec 08> > > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Eileen

do not go to an attorney unless there is a problem

you will be wasting your money

call social security and check out the web site

you can do everything on your own if you follow their instructions and fill out all of the forms

i went in person for an interview

some people have telephone interviews

the main thing is having the paper work completed

my pulmonary doc told me that when people are on oxygen, they usually get disability

for me they counted back 6 months from when i stopped working

actually I was still working part time at the time i applied

once you do get disability, you are allowed to earn some money, the representative will give you more info on that

the biggest problem is the health insurance

if you want it, you have to continue paying the premiums for 2 years until medicare kicks in

social security will send you a packet of forms that need to be filled out

you can also print the forms out from the website

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: Disability questionsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 10:25 AM

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

Margaret

welcome, sorry you need us, but glad you found us.

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: Re: Disability questionsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 6:55 PM

Hi, I'm new and this is my first reply. Lucky you, I think, having concerned employers. I was already on SS and attempted to go back to work only to be fired 'without cause' during my first 90 days probationary period because my office mate didn't like the noise from my portable oxygen marathon backpack! The organization also didn't want to insure me even though it would have only had to pay my medicare deductible.

I am happy to be home and have time to live my life even with less income. My only concern was purchasing everything I needed and paying off my mortgage. When I turned 62 last year, I got a reverse mortgage and got back my equity to make life easier. If you are really sick and have the medical documentation, getting SS is pretty easy.

Margaret

From: nivlag1 <nivlag1 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comSent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

I applied for disability in Jan or Feb and the money was in the bank the following month going back to August of that year.

in fact, the money was in the bank before receiving the letter of notification

Pink Joyce IPF 3/06 Pennsylvania

Donate Life

Subject: Re: Disability questionsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 4:28 PM

Hi, I'm new and this is my first reply. Lucky you, I think, having concerned employers. I was already on SS and attempted to go back to work only to be fired 'without cause' during my first 90 days probationary period; my office mate didn't like the noise from my portable oxygen marathon backpack! The organization also didn't want to insure me even though it would have only had to pay my medicare deductible.

I am happy to be home and have time to live my life even with less income. My only concern was purchasing everything I needed and paying off my mortgage. When I turned 62 last year, I got a reverse mortgage and got back my equity to play with. If you are really sick and have the medical documentation, getting SS is pretty easy. It did take about six months for them to process my ss application and verify all of the documentation. I applied in June and received my approval in January, with payments going back to June. The first few years I had to go in to see one of their doctors several times, for them to see if I was still disabled. Now I am terminal but still not far enough gone to get chore service covered. No one was rude to me; they were just detached paper pushers.

My name is Margaret and I live in Alaska. I had tests done Monday and feel that this is really the last downward decline. I started out with PH, then COPD and now pulmonary fibrosis, heart and respiratory failure... I never smoked and was a health and wellness teacher. I was given a year to a year and a half two years ago. I started tracleer and 'feel' better but the statistics say most people with PH die within three years of diagnosis; I thought I was going to have longer...

Best of wishes for your SS journey. Be good to yourself. Put yourself first now. Do what makes you happy!

From: nivlag1 <nivlag1 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com>To: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comSent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 6:25:15 AMSubject: Disability questions

Hello everyoneI work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.He was out of the office for the last month and when he returnedMonday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out ondisability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file forSS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income butmore than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of youwhen I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without anyproblems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT. If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myselfor go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SSfor the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you canoffer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPFdid not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.Eileen, 57

IPF/UIP May 07new to O2 Dec 08

[Guest guest]

Hi Peggy

That is what I was thinking. I read on some website that there is

really nothing for an attorney to do unless you are turned down. I am

very good w paper work and gathering info so I am going to do it on my

own. the great thing about this group is when I get scared and

unsure, you guys all remind me we can handle it!! Thank you.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

>

> From: nivlag1

> Subject: Disability questions

> To: Breathe-Support

> Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 10:25 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

[Guest guest]

Eileen, In addition to your own work on

the forms...be certain that the office manager of each of your

Docs gets the papers and forms from SSDI and then make follow-up phone

calls to the office manager.

That's who really gets the process moving along. Like, Pink Joyce, I

had no trouble at all with SSDI..

I only had a phone interview and the doctors' offices did everything

else. I applied in December of 2005,

I received 6 months retroactive to June 2005 in one check into my

account before I received the letter

of explanation. I became ill in May-June of that year.

I hope you have no trouble with the process.

Z fibriotic NSIP/05

Z 65,

fibriotic NSIP/o5/PA

And “mild”

PH/10/07 and Reynaud’s too!!

No, NSIP was not

self-inflicted…I never smoked!

Potter,

reader,carousel lover and MomMom to

Darah

and Sara

“I’m gonna

be iron like a lion in Zion” Bob Marley

Vinca

Minor-periwinkle is my flower

nivlag1 wrote:

Hi Peggy

That is what I was thinking. I read on some website that there is

really nothing for an attorney to do unless you are turned down. I am

very good w paper work and gathering info so I am going to do it on my

own. the great thing about this group is when I get scared and

unsure, you guys all remind me we can handle it!! Thank you.

Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

>

>

> Subject: Disability questions

> To: Breathe-Support

> Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 10:25 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hello everyone

> I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a

cardiologist.

> He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned

> Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on

> disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file

for

> SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but

> more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of

you

> when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without

any

> problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.

> If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file

myself

> or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from

SS

> for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can

> offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had

IPF

> did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.

>

> Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07

> new to O2 Dec 08

>

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.12/1909 - Release Date: 1/22/2009 7:08 AM

[Guest guest]

Hi, I came to this country about 3years ago, my plans were to go to school and complete my career get degree in psychology and work for kids with disabilities like my son.

Well, i got sick and we started having trouble keeping up with the bills, so I went to work as PCA, my job was to assist an older gentleman to take a bath and help him around the house, i did it for about 2 months.

While working with this gentleman I was diagnosed with pulmonary hipertension, I dindt know I was this ill. I noticed that I was coughing more than normal but I didn't pay much attention to it.

When the pulmonologist diagnosed me with pulm hipert. she said i could not go back to work, she told me, NOW YOU ARE DISABLE, she oredered inmediately oxigen therapy for me. I didn't want to loose my job, so I ask them if i could take my oxigen with me to work and they just told me that they needed a letter from the doctor where it says that is okay for me to work, the doctor would not give me one. She just said to me, YOU CANT WORK.

Iam not a citizen of USA I came from Mexico on a K-3 Visa, The doctor told me i should file for disability, but my husband thinks I dont qualify.

We have an autistic son who is 6 years old, adorable and very smart, but he can;t talk yet. my son needs therapy that the goverment refuses to pay, If we want it for him we have to pay it from our own pockets. Next month my husband will have heart surgery because 90% of his arteries are blocked, and I need to ge my tracleer to treat my illness, and all of this together need one thing. MONEY, which we dont have.

Subject: Re: Disability questionsTo: Breathe-Support Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 12:34 PM

Hi BruceThank you for your reply. I agree that having oxygen is not a reasonto stop working. I did not think of myself as disabled. Apparentlywhen our chief medical officer (who is an MD) saw me getting so out ofbreath and coughing all the time, he went to our CEO (my boss) andsaid he does not feel it is healthy for me to continue working. I amnever out sick, I force myself to come in every day and I do all mywork but I admit I am exhausted all the time, I get out of breathtalking on the phone and I start coughing. I would not mind beingable to stay home and concentrate on my health and losing weight so Ican be evaluated for transplant, I am just concerned about finances.I see my pulmonary dr on Monday and will ask for a PF test then. Inthe meantime our chief medical officer spoke to my pulmonary dr abouthis concerns so we will see what happens Monday.Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May

07> >> > Hello everyone> > I work in an office where our Chief Medical Officer is a cardiologist.> > He was out of the office for the last month and when he returned> > Monday he spoke to my boss and said he thinks I should be out on> > disability. So now my boss is pressuring me to stop work and file for> > SS. I am so nervous. This is such a bad time to cut my income but> > more than that I am so nervous of not getting SS. I know a few of you> > when I first joined the group said you had gotten approved without any> > problems. I will see my pulmodude on Monday and ask him for a PFT.> > If my numbers are those on the SS website then 1) should I file

myself> > or go to a SS attorney? 2) is it true you do not get anything from SS> > for the first 6 months of disability? 3) is there anything you can> > offer as help on how to file and do it properly? Being told I had IPF> > did not upset me as much as this is. I would appreciate any advise.> >> > Eileen, 57 IPF/UIP May 07> > new to O2 Dec 08> >>