Long term disability for Chiari

[trebmal2]

Anyone out there on a long term disability for Chiari?  I'm not able to work right now. I've been out since Nov. 2010 on a temp dis.  I freelance work here and there for 2-3 hours but can't work consistently.  I'm a very reliable, predictable person by nature, but since my symptoms have been getting worse, I've been becoming more increasingly unreliable & unpredictable.  I'm very down about my situation.  I miss work and being independent.  I miss being able to plan ahead.  Not an easy thing to do when you have Chiari.  I'm sorry to be sounding like I'm feeling sorry for myself.  I don't mean to.  I know there's so many out there who are worse off than me, but I'm so frustrated with all of this.  Having a sad, down day today.  I have days like this when all of this hits me.  I'll be better tomorrow, always am.  :(

[kmuehter]

The Social Security Administration Administers 2 disability programs. SSDI is Social Security Disability Insurance based on work history(you pay in while working). The  other Supplemental Security Income (if you never worked or don't have enough work credits it supplements SSDI with a separate payment or is the sole amount). I work in mental health and am a case manager. I always recommend to my clients who have a mental illness such as Major Depressive disorder and have a treatment history to apply on their own first especially if they have had a lengthy hospitalization history and are currently working with a doctor. I have assisted clients obtain an approved claim as quick as 30 days( generally 3-6 months). After a client gets shot down twice on the second appeal, I refer them to free legal help agencies. The major factor in proving a disability is documentation of an ongoing illness. In mental health being there is no way for anyone to see what is in your head it is mostly based on treatment and doctors' opinions. If you have no treatment history there is little to go on to base a disability.  Partial care day programs that have ongoing mental health treatment with a board certified Psychiatrist often help to document a mental health disability. You either have enough documentation of a disability or you have to create a history. Good luck

[selmaS]

Hi, I paid into LTD at my place of employment for 15 yrs and when I needed it was denied twice...and later found in order to appeal this it now becomes a federal case bcuz of a newer law that  is ERISA or something like that, the GOV getting involved  and it would cost more to fight it then I would get, so I get nothing after paying in for 15 yrs...so if u have a LTD plan get a lawyer right off to apply....it gives u a better chance to win than I had.

Good luck....BTW u can always apply for SSID and get back pay for the LTD but then they deduct what u get from SSID so it is not the full amount...they get u coming and going.

   "selma"

[trebmal2]

I'd much rather work and feel good.  However, until that time, I have to look into it.  Spoke with an attorney already and they said I have a case, but it's my age that's a factor.  I'm only 43.  Don't want to do this, but everyone I  talk to says sooner than later is better "just in case".  I say just in case what?  I'm most of time an optimist and can't think of the thought of not getting better.  I want us all to feel better and be able to carry out the rest of our lives happy and well! :)

[ajunebug]

I'm interested in this as well. I actually don't care about the cash benefits, I just need the insurance!!!