SSI / SSDI

[mlkinmb]

I was wondering who may have had experience with the SSA as far as HCV?
Looking for any information, Thanks, Mike

[mlkinmb]

Interesting question. I have found both genders that have been approved. Although we know that gender should not be an issuse, I would hope that this is not taken into consideration. AK, you say that you were denied, have you appealed and/or reapplied? What, if you don't mind sharing, were your HCV stats at the time of application? Also, curious if you had treated, etc. Thanks, Mike

[AKHepper]

I would be curious to see out of the people that were approved what their gender is. I am a male and I was denied.

[mlkinmb]

Yes I did stop working. Just waiting now for the next CT and results. After that I may be able to treat, It's just wait and see. Since my state uses SS guideline for Medicaid approval I had to apply for SSI/SSDI, if you get SS approved you get the Medicaid if you are not of Medicare age the way I understand. The Medicaid system is run by how each state chooses, which is crazy. I've written many letters and haven't really gotten anywhere! A friend of mine in PA applied for Medicaid after a heartattack and has it now, the hospital helped with all. Thanks, Mike

[ejoli]

   Oh, sorry .....It wasn't you that treated and had to stop.     Still you should be able to collect while treating. You quit working right?  

[ejoli]

   Yes, I appealed and was accepted then. I received back pay all but for the 5 month waiting period.  I was accepted soon after I filled out all the paper work again for the appeal and enclosed the letter about what my day was like. Be very descriptive on your paper work. Is you lawyer helping you fill it out?                  I filed in June '09 and was accepted in April '10 but I received back pay from Nov. '09. Hep c and cirrhosis is my diagnosis. I am also on a transplant list.( hopefully I won't need that now that I am SVR) I've known people that only could claim as long as they were treating but since you can't treat and your Dr. doesn't want you to try it  again you should qualify. Your medicare doesn't kick in until 2 years after you are accepted. My medicare will kick in in Nov.           Later,    -Libby

[mlkinmb]

So you did the appeal I assume? How long ago was your approval & was HCV the only reason for you claim? Sorry for all the questions. I currently have an attorney & I have "congressional interest" on my claim. This waiting is crazy, but I know some have waited very long, I applied back in Aug. '10. Waiting to get my next CT and then the results, is driving me crazy. I started this journey by applying for Medicaid, but was required to take a turn onto the SSA route. They say the VSU is a good thing, time will tell. Congrats on your SVR! It's good to hear of an approval, Thanks, Mike

[ejoli]

   I applied on line and was initially denied. I reapplied and was accepted, five months after I originally applied.   When you fill out all the paperwork make sure you use every line. Lots of details. I even added an extra sheet of paper and described what exactly my daily life was like. I never had to go to a judge or anything. Make sure you tell them every Dr. you've seen 'cause they will get copies of all your records.
                I am SVR now but since I have cirrhosis I am considered disabled.
                                    Good luck,     -Libby

[changling]

I tried treatment three times, could not stay on more than two weeks. ended up in ER every time. Dr. said that I should not try again. My body can't tolerate the meds. I am now waiting for something that does not involve Inter/Ribo. As for SSDI it took about a year to be approved. As I said before I told all my Dr's that I was applying. They helped.

[donnieraye]

I was denied 3 times, the 4th was with the judge (2005-2007)  Don't worry about the judge.  Just tell him how your life is affected, look him in the eye, and tell him. Answer their questions, but dont let the interview end without truthfully telling him what your life is like with your condition.  You'll win.

Donnie

[mlkinmb]

changling,
Sounds like you were lucky, good for you. I have applied, been denied, currently my case is to be at the VSU level, transferred from the ALJ waiting line. From what I've been reading some folks have made been approved before being sent back to the ALJ line, and then you have to hope that your case don't get kicked to QR level. Were you approved at the initial claim? How long did it take? Thanks for any info! Mike
arkeketa,
As I've said, I'm at the VSU level as far as I know, seems they don't always inform folks if they are sent back for a ALJ date. I am a GT1a, S2, G2, VL was @ close 24 mil. back in Nov. Have you treated, or started? I'm waiting for another CT to check stability of lesion which were seen on liver and kidney during CT assisted biopsy. Good luck! Mike

[brendaelk65]

I am now waiting on appt day to meet before the judge, It has been a two year process. I have hep c, fibro, arthritis seen in MRI in hips and spine. How bad was your blood work? My results are not so bad yet as far as blood testing can tell. I am so worried they will not approve me.