Aa
Disability
Well I got a call a couple of weeks ago from social security, said they had all they needed from my doctors but wanted me to see one of their doctors to test my cognitive abilities. She said the my neuro didn't put any information in that area for disability (and I am the one who can't remember lol)
Anyway, I went to see a psycologist today and had a long conversation wilth him and answered some questions that he asked then went on to the testing part of the appointment. That test made me feel stupid to say the least.
At the end of my appointment, the doctor told me I had signifigant cognitive impairment and said he would have his report into Social Security within a week. Not sure what this all means and not sure if I will be approved but I guess I will wait and see what comes next.
Anyone else ever had to do this for their disability case?
Paula
Anyway, I went to see a psycologist today and had a long conversation wilth him and answered some questions that he asked then went on to the testing part of the appointment. That test made me feel stupid to say the least.
At the end of my appointment, the doctor told me I had signifigant cognitive impairment and said he would have his report into Social Security within a week. Not sure what this all means and not sure if I will be approved but I guess I will wait and see what comes next.
Anyone else ever had to do this for their disability case?
Paula
Thats awesome quix. I applied back in July and this is the first I have heard from them. Keeping fingers crossed but not holding my breath
This isn't meant to dishearten anyone, but my approval came within a month of my first contact with the SSA. I sent them two cases of medical records of all my hospitalizations and ICU stays. I don't know what the magic factor was. I have been told that it was the in-patient stays, but my MD might have been part of it.
Quix
Quix
Thanks again everyone. Like I said I hope I get approved but won't hold my breath. There are too many ways to get denied but then the psychologist could help with it so we will wait and see. LOL the two words I hate when my neuro says them "wait and see".
Anyway I will not be too dissappointed if I get denied cause this is the first time, but I will be extactic if I get approved. I will let everyone know what happens :)
O an Lulu I do remember your post after the teleconfrence. I was looking forward to it because I couldn;t sit it on it.
Sumanadevii, Thanks for the info, I did read it and it sounds like I may get approved but once again I am not holding my breath. :)
Paula
Anyway I will not be too dissappointed if I get denied cause this is the first time, but I will be extactic if I get approved. I will let everyone know what happens :)
O an Lulu I do remember your post after the teleconfrence. I was looking forward to it because I couldn;t sit it on it.
Sumanadevii, Thanks for the info, I did read it and it sounds like I may get approved but once again I am not holding my breath. :)
Paula
A link that explains what is necessary to be approved for SSDI with MS. It seems like from what their doctor has told you, you will be approved.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-multiple-sclerosis.html
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-multiple-sclerosis.html
yes, I thought about your situation and wondered if you were from a small town that and had a case worker that could devote the majority of her time to your case. So that must be the reason.
I have helped a number of people through this process even to the point of how to construct sentences that conveyed the gravity of the situation.
Perhaps, now that we are all on the web things can move more quickly.
I didn't think you were not telling the truth, I thought that we might be talking about 2 different things. It's a great thing that you were approved quickly. That's the way it should be!
Be Well,
Red
I have helped a number of people through this process even to the point of how to construct sentences that conveyed the gravity of the situation.
Perhaps, now that we are all on the web things can move more quickly.
I didn't think you were not telling the truth, I thought that we might be talking about 2 different things. It's a great thing that you were approved quickly. That's the way it should be!
Be Well,
Red
Here is the post I made in October...early October...when I was approved. If you scroll down you will see my second post saying the back pay arrived in my account the following day.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/SSDI/show/1363663?personal_page_id=1675965#post_6228724
Why do I think I was approved so quickly? I don't know. I know my doctor got right on it like she does everything. It could also be we live in a small town. We are a well established family here. I had a load of kids and a load of spirit kids (ones I adopted). There probably wasn't a kid or parent in the district that didn't know about my crew. It is possible someone in the office knew us and pushed it through but that is only a guess.
I hadn't worked in six years. It would have been easy for SSDI to not approve me. Without them back dating it, I would not have been eligible. Why? I don't know. If someone did favor us, I wish I knew who. I would love to thank them.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/SSDI/show/1363663?personal_page_id=1675965#post_6228724
Why do I think I was approved so quickly? I don't know. I know my doctor got right on it like she does everything. It could also be we live in a small town. We are a well established family here. I had a load of kids and a load of spirit kids (ones I adopted). There probably wasn't a kid or parent in the district that didn't know about my crew. It is possible someone in the office knew us and pushed it through but that is only a guess.
I hadn't worked in six years. It would have been easy for SSDI to not approve me. Without them back dating it, I would not have been eligible. Why? I don't know. If someone did favor us, I wish I knew who. I would love to thank them.
Sumanadevii,
It is awesome the approved you so quickly. I applied in July and the first thing I heard from the is when they called me so it has bee about 4 months since I applied. I am not holding my breath for a rapid approval but wish it would happen.
The psychologist said he would have the report to SSDI within a week so hopefully I will know something soon. I really would like to get this taken care of without a lawyer but I am sure I will need one before it is over.
Do you know how or why you got approved so fast?
Paula
It is awesome the approved you so quickly. I applied in July and the first thing I heard from the is when they called me so it has bee about 4 months since I applied. I am not holding my breath for a rapid approval but wish it would happen.
The psychologist said he would have the report to SSDI within a week so hopefully I will know something soon. I really would like to get this taken care of without a lawyer but I am sure I will need one before it is over.
Do you know how or why you got approved so fast?
Paula
Red, yes it can and does happen. I was diagnosed at the end of June. At the end of July we applied. My back pay was in my account in October.
Paula,
I applied for SSD 5 months after I had my first eye surgery. I was told that I could not lift over 40lbs, push , pull, bend. I had double vision really bad, in all directions, I walked around with one eye shut all day to see one image. I could not drive, and I was in major pain from the surgery, eyes were swollen I could barely open them.
As soon as I knew that my medical condition was preventing me from going back to work for the next 12 months, I basically had no choice. Well, when I first applied, the initial request was denied, (I knew it would) because at the first request, 9 x's out of 10 you get denied. At the appeal, my lawyer did not gather enough of my paper trail ( in which I had a booklet) so I was denied at that level. I had to wait for the hearing.
Watch what kind of lawyer you get, because some seem to be greedy and they don't want to try until they know there will be a payout. So..... 2 years later, I have a hearing finally. I had to go in front of the AL Judge and answered some questions. 2 months later I was approved!!!!!! It's amazing the (((( you know what )))))))) you go through to prove you can't work. In between all of the waiting and denying, I had 2 other surgeries on my eyes, a so called mini-stroke, and a seizure disorder.
Believe it or not, my psychologist and the testing that I had done,( cognitive) and so on.. was the one that helped the most. Can you believe that you could have soooooo much health problems and the thing that puts the nail in the coffin, is the anxiety and depression that you get from allllllll of the stress you go through just to get it!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck, I hope you have a helpful team to get this done alot quicker. Sometimes it helps to call the SS office and ask them what else they need, and if you are able to get it, DO IT YOURSELF because, some lawyers are toooooo busy and put it off.
Mine was like that!!!!!!!! i could go on and on, I am sorry, today must be one of those days!! LOL
Pamela
I applied for SSD 5 months after I had my first eye surgery. I was told that I could not lift over 40lbs, push , pull, bend. I had double vision really bad, in all directions, I walked around with one eye shut all day to see one image. I could not drive, and I was in major pain from the surgery, eyes were swollen I could barely open them.
As soon as I knew that my medical condition was preventing me from going back to work for the next 12 months, I basically had no choice. Well, when I first applied, the initial request was denied, (I knew it would) because at the first request, 9 x's out of 10 you get denied. At the appeal, my lawyer did not gather enough of my paper trail ( in which I had a booklet) so I was denied at that level. I had to wait for the hearing.
Watch what kind of lawyer you get, because some seem to be greedy and they don't want to try until they know there will be a payout. So..... 2 years later, I have a hearing finally. I had to go in front of the AL Judge and answered some questions. 2 months later I was approved!!!!!! It's amazing the (((( you know what )))))))) you go through to prove you can't work. In between all of the waiting and denying, I had 2 other surgeries on my eyes, a so called mini-stroke, and a seizure disorder.
Believe it or not, my psychologist and the testing that I had done,( cognitive) and so on.. was the one that helped the most. Can you believe that you could have soooooo much health problems and the thing that puts the nail in the coffin, is the anxiety and depression that you get from allllllll of the stress you go through just to get it!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck, I hope you have a helpful team to get this done alot quicker. Sometimes it helps to call the SS office and ask them what else they need, and if you are able to get it, DO IT YOURSELF because, some lawyers are toooooo busy and put it off.
Mine was like that!!!!!!!! i could go on and on, I am sorry, today must be one of those days!! LOL
Pamela
Pauula,
like Sumanadevii, I was approved in 2 1/2 months.
I did itt all on the phhone and mailings and fax
I never had to be examined by anyone.
gooddd luck paula,
amo
like Sumanadevii, I was approved in 2 1/2 months.
I did itt all on the phhone and mailings and fax
I never had to be examined by anyone.
gooddd luck paula,
amo
No one receives social security disability benefits in 2 months time.
The Department of Social Security does not approve or dis-approve anyone for SSI or SSDI in that amount of time. The application is a lengthy process because it includes data collection from many different sources as well as multiple layers of qualifications.
The process is long and arduous. All of us have to go through the same steps, same process. No one is approved early or anything like that.
Just remember that a person who has become a quadraplegic goes through exactly the same steps and same guidelines. None of us receive special treatment due to any factors. Even a quad has to prove he can't do 'something' and he has to wait too. The U.S. does not discriminate.
Please read Lulu's health page---it is a thorough report on the process of obtaining benefits.
I know it's hard to wait. Hang in there
Red
The Department of Social Security does not approve or dis-approve anyone for SSI or SSDI in that amount of time. The application is a lengthy process because it includes data collection from many different sources as well as multiple layers of qualifications.
The process is long and arduous. All of us have to go through the same steps, same process. No one is approved early or anything like that.
Just remember that a person who has become a quadraplegic goes through exactly the same steps and same guidelines. None of us receive special treatment due to any factors. Even a quad has to prove he can't do 'something' and he has to wait too. The U.S. does not discriminate.
Please read Lulu's health page---it is a thorough report on the process of obtaining benefits.
I know it's hard to wait. Hang in there
Red
I bumped this discussion..........
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-Income-teleconference-notes/show/1352164
You might also want to listen to or read this story that aired on NPR in 2009..
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112397747
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Social-Security-Disability-Income-teleconference-notes/show/1352164
You might also want to listen to or read this story that aired on NPR in 2009..
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112397747
Paula,
Did you see the write up I did a while back on the SSDI process? I'll see if I can find the link and bump it up for you. It outlines a lot of the process, as I learned from a NMSS teleconference where a disability attorney talked at length.
It is my understanding that on average it takes about 18 months or so to get SSDI appoved. There is such a backlog and no where near enough resources to review the applications.
Seeing their psychologist is a good thing - if he said the significant deficits were there it won't be disputed. Now the next thing they consider is if you are capable of doing any job at all - not just the one you used to perform.
hang in there,
Lulu
Did you see the write up I did a while back on the SSDI process? I'll see if I can find the link and bump it up for you. It outlines a lot of the process, as I learned from a NMSS teleconference where a disability attorney talked at length.
It is my understanding that on average it takes about 18 months or so to get SSDI appoved. There is such a backlog and no where near enough resources to review the applications.
Seeing their psychologist is a good thing - if he said the significant deficits were there it won't be disputed. Now the next thing they consider is if you are capable of doing any job at all - not just the one you used to perform.
hang in there,
Lulu
I had an Advocate who helped me file. I received.my disability very quick. Maybe an Advocate might help you if you run into any problems.
I applied for disability 2x on my own, getting denied both times. I got a lawyer the 3rd time and haven't heard anything from anyone. The lawyer said it could take up to 6 months to hear anything or to get a hearing date. Its discouraging when I have been affected to the point of not being able to walk straight and having to take stuff for pain, which makes it so I can't even drive.
I am hopeful for myself and my family that I get approved this time.
Kristi
I am hopeful for myself and my family that I get approved this time.
Kristi
Yes, I had to do the very same thing. Even at that, my appeal was denied. It's very discouraging but hang in there!
Paula, I think you will be surprised. They called you in just for backup information. You know your case is active and not sitting on a desk. I bet you hear back very soon.
Thanks to all of you,
Lisa, my symptoms started in September 2008, well not all of them some were around before that but nothing that I thought was serious until all the physical symptoms started. I know many people get upset with the government, but you kinda have to blame the people too, if there weren't so many people out there trying to get on SSDI that arent disabled it would make it easier for us that are.
Sumanadevii, I wish that were the case for me, but as it turns out I guess I will be put through the wringer (so to speak). It really wasn't that bad but it did make me realize how bad my cognitive skills have declined and that is scary as heck. Glad you got yours approved without a fight.
Nickie, I am hoping that a lawyer won't be needed, hoping that this evaluation shows that I am disabled and unable to work. They said they had all the information they needed from my doctors they just needed to follow up with my memory problems that I stated in the application.
Red, I am hoping you are right and that I won't have a problem. I am getting to the point where I am going insane. I worked for 22 years and ever since I have been off I have been in a financial situation. I am not homeless by any means but when you are use to being able to go and do things and buy things all the time to never having any extra money to do anything it is kind of a bummer. Not that SSDI will come close to the money I brought home while working but it is better than the 0 I am bringing in now.
Thank you,
paula
Lisa, my symptoms started in September 2008, well not all of them some were around before that but nothing that I thought was serious until all the physical symptoms started. I know many people get upset with the government, but you kinda have to blame the people too, if there weren't so many people out there trying to get on SSDI that arent disabled it would make it easier for us that are.
Sumanadevii, I wish that were the case for me, but as it turns out I guess I will be put through the wringer (so to speak). It really wasn't that bad but it did make me realize how bad my cognitive skills have declined and that is scary as heck. Glad you got yours approved without a fight.
Nickie, I am hoping that a lawyer won't be needed, hoping that this evaluation shows that I am disabled and unable to work. They said they had all the information they needed from my doctors they just needed to follow up with my memory problems that I stated in the application.
Red, I am hoping you are right and that I won't have a problem. I am getting to the point where I am going insane. I worked for 22 years and ever since I have been off I have been in a financial situation. I am not homeless by any means but when you are use to being able to go and do things and buy things all the time to never having any extra money to do anything it is kind of a bummer. Not that SSDI will come close to the money I brought home while working but it is better than the 0 I am bringing in now.
Thank you,
paula
I don't think you will have a problem getting SSDI. They have to send you through the hoops to make sure every angle is covered. I'm sorry you felt bad about the interview with the psychologist. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Red
Red
I didnt have to do that, no, but at the time I got social security, it was 1999. I was originally dianosed with Fibro, panic attacks and depression, and there wasn't much belief in Fibro back then, so I got disability for being crazy (so to speak ;)
Cognitive issues and chronic pain are the absolute worst in my illness, and of course, they can become equally disabling. I DO think this will help your case, indeed. They go by many factors, and in the past many people got turned down the first time around, but as soon as you get a lawyer, you'll get it, especially if you have supportive doctors that agree that you're unable to work and are disabled. Sending positive thoughts your way.
I wish you the best!! :)
Cognitive issues and chronic pain are the absolute worst in my illness, and of course, they can become equally disabling. I DO think this will help your case, indeed. They go by many factors, and in the past many people got turned down the first time around, but as soon as you get a lawyer, you'll get it, especially if you have supportive doctors that agree that you're unable to work and are disabled. Sending positive thoughts your way.
I wish you the best!! :)
I think it depends on how the physician's fill out the forms. Mine was approved so fast my head spun (within two months). I didn't have to see their doctors. The only thing I had to do was fill out some long involved form but I was approved before I even mailed it back. So, it is either the doctor left something out or the case worker took it further.
Paula,
Although Im in the health care field, does not mean I am not ignorant of the steps one has to go through in the process of obtaining disability from social security, but the way you described your experience, it seems as though this is the way they weed out those who are "not" disabled though claiming to be.
It is so unfortunate to see our government treat its own Americans as if we are pariahs. Why can we not take care of our own first anyways?
In addition, it angers me to know that (even though I do not know you or your situation) that you've been suffering enough for god knows how long) you have to be put through this just to obtain a measly income so you can survive? It's beyond my scope of understanding!
I have no answers for you. The only thing I remember in dealing with the government is when my second son Ryan was practically on his death bed (which he did die eventually) when they approved the SSI (some form of financial gov. help). It was ridiculous the things I had to go through while my son was fighting for his life.
I sure hope this is not going to be the case for you and the psychologist is the last thing you need to do to get approved.
Honestly, I may have to do this myself. How long does it take to even get considered?
Although Im in the health care field, does not mean I am not ignorant of the steps one has to go through in the process of obtaining disability from social security, but the way you described your experience, it seems as though this is the way they weed out those who are "not" disabled though claiming to be.
It is so unfortunate to see our government treat its own Americans as if we are pariahs. Why can we not take care of our own first anyways?
In addition, it angers me to know that (even though I do not know you or your situation) that you've been suffering enough for god knows how long) you have to be put through this just to obtain a measly income so you can survive? It's beyond my scope of understanding!
I have no answers for you. The only thing I remember in dealing with the government is when my second son Ryan was practically on his death bed (which he did die eventually) when they approved the SSI (some form of financial gov. help). It was ridiculous the things I had to go through while my son was fighting for his life.
I sure hope this is not going to be the case for you and the psychologist is the last thing you need to do to get approved.
Honestly, I may have to do this myself. How long does it take to even get considered?
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