Disability?

[Mybe]

Was anybody here able to get on disability having MS?

[MsWobbles]

Yes, I'm frustrated 2!!  Thanks for sharing.  You say "the evidence was all there" so at least the VA must have actually written down what really happened in your exams etc.  (a rarity based on my experience) rather than just say everything was hunkey-dory normal.
That'll help you!  I come from a military family and am appalled at the treatment I have heard our veterans get from the VA!!

WAF

[Ufrustrated2]

>>and also what a long and hideous process filling all that out

!!it really is!! drove me to frustrationville very quickly.

and seemingly what we think we should write and give to them often times is incorrect and hurts our case. go figure.

the SS folks have very strict guidelines they must follow it seems. and we have a legit med reason for their help, i think most there do want to help. the guidelines just make it terribly difficult to navigate.

i wish you success with it!

[Ufrustrated2]

>>Did you ever get your MS diagnosis?  

currently from 3 civilian neuros. not from the VA (yet)

>>Is it possible to get disability without a diagnosis?

i wouldn't know honestly. considering all the many secondary symptoms & issues with MS i don't know what they take into consideration.

when SS called for the phone interview, the lady said, "i know many people that work with MS, why can't you?". so i told her of my documented symptoms and issues. she was the one that told me of the lack of med evidence the VA (didn't) send. i knew then (I) had to get the copies and papers together in a  detailed order and get it to them.

the evidence was all there, just a matter of getting it together for them and me.

[Mybe]

Thank you very much. I have read that site. And I sent out an application last night. ((crossing fingers))

and also what a long and hideous process filling all that out. Good thing I had everything I needed. and a lawyer personality type boyfriend! lol he knows how to word things

[MsWobbles]

Did you ever get your MS diagnosis?  Is it possible to get disability without a diagnosis?

WAF

[MsWobbles]

I second Ufrustrated's suggestion to build your own medical file including all diagnostic and lab results, all doctor's notes etc.  Always get copies as you go, keeping your file current.  It is amazing what you can learn from reading medical notes on yourself - sometimes things you were never told or things that were improperly stated in your medical record!!

WAF

[Ufrustrated2]

www.disabilitysecrets.com/
binderandbinder : they gave me some advice and never charged me. go figure!

hey,

the SS gov site is confusing. the above site will help to put things in more layman terms.

for me, after reading on the above site, and googling others from that site, i went through my medical records. i only have NAVY and VA records so i didn't have to go to many places to get them. just getting them and then going through them is hard part.
in the last few years i have non-VA neuro doctors too but their records were quite simple as they simply had objective tests and a diagnosis. so got copies of those.

any and all medical tests, docs, history that were pertinent to my claim i put in a packet in dated order.

one thing the above website is it showed what to write on the SS form and what not to write so the claim people do not toss it into the trash bin so to speak.

the appeals form was simple and only had a line or two space for what one is requesting and/or telling your issue. simply write to look at the attached docs or something like that.

look at that above site and  google. with the papers showing diagnosis of spinal issues, MS and ptsd type issues, sleep issues, etc. i cannot say if one or all those allowed for the positive decision.

don't rely on anyone else getting the right information to them. i suggest building your own packet of data & filling out the papers correctly(big issue).

if i can help more just ask

[Mybe]

I was on SS gov site last night trying to find a list of things, papers I need and I couldn't find anything.. your story is encouraging. can you tell me where to find what I need to gather up to take to SS?

[Ufrustrated2]

hi mybe

>>Was anybody here able to get on disability having MS?

yes. the first time they denied me but that was mainly due to the VA sending them little to support anything on this planet.

i realized i was going to have get copies myself. i read up on the SS gov website and other sites of what is needed as far as med evidence.

got all those papers, consults, MRIs, LP's, non-VA neuro MS diagnosis together and took them to the SSDI office and filed a new claim.

they only asked me to see a psych of their's. no prob. told him the truth. didn't need to see a neuro, guess the papers i brought spoke for themselves.

a couple months later i got an award letter for MS, spinal issues, and mental(like depression, anger and sleep deprivation, you know, MS related things)

i have had to wait a 5 month disability period of not working. checks start next month.

good luck

[rendean]

I am currently in the process of applying for SSDI. MY LTD insurance company insisted I apply but they hire a company to help with the process...thank goodness because it's twisted and complicated as it can be so you'll give up.

I love my company. They write up my forms and use the most appriopiate language and explain to you why . If you would like the name, PM me and I'll give you the name.

Good luck !!!!

Ren

[Lulu54]

I just posted this tonight from a webinar that I listened to last week - I hope one of these will help.....

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-Income-teleconference-notes/show/1352164

[essdipity]

Many MS patients are on disability. It can be a long and tedious process, and will require the cooperation of your neuro, but it can be done.

For patients in the USA, please see

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-SSDI--Supplemental-Security-Income-SSI/show/529?cid=36

ess