Insight PLEASE: Dissability

[atacker]

Hello,

I am 26 years old and I am having trouble getting dissability. My DX is Dysautonomia (multi-system: heart: POTS, pacemaker: dual chamber, syncope, stomach: dumping syndrome & psuedo blockage of small intestine, heat/cold intolerance) which was diagnosed 9 years ago at Mayo Clinic in MN. I also am DX with PCOS w/ insulin intolerance, small fiber neuropathy, "chronic fatigue", very low immune system, mild COPD, migraines, iritis (INNER eye inflammation- indicator for an autoimmune disease) and most recently tested positive for MS per a Lumbar Puncture. I filed my application for dissability (w/ an attorney on board) and was declined. We are on the appeal process but here in Missouri I was told I'll have to wait A YEAR!!!!!! I will be losing my cobra insurance soon and am really starting to panic. Does this sound right?! Is there anything I can do to get help sooner? Any advice would be amazing!!!

[LisaJF]

As long as you have a diagnosis from a medical professional and an evaluation that you can not perform job related duties due to your health, then I would suggest (no I'm not an expert) that you obtain services from a lawyer that specializes in obtaining disability.  I know you said you have a lawyer who is handling your case, but I would search for other avenues.

I can definitely understand how you are feeling overly stressed in the fact that your cobra insurance is running out and to wait a year for another chance at applying for disability.  Sounds so insane doesn't it?

There is always medicaid (I know...I know) but at least its something rather than nothing.  It may even inhibit you from seeing the doctors that you see now.  But at least you can have insurance to care for your health related issues.

The question would be "why would I go that route"? Well, from what I hear, they have the know how, can find loop holes to jump through to ensure you as a patient with a diagnosis would obtain disability benefits.  I know there is a cost at the end where the law firm or company that you could choose on your own (for example: Allsup 1-800-279-4357)  will obtain a certain percentage of your first paycheck.   Why not? I think I would call if I was at my wits end you know?

I do not have experience in this, this is just what I have heard through people that I have met here throughout the two years that I've been active on the forums.  

It wouldn't hurt to call and find out would it?  

I do wish you the best and please let us know how you're doing ok?

Lisa

PS -- by the way, welcome to our corner of Medhelp!

[torikat32]

I just won my disability case after a very long 17 months from applying 2 denials then a hearing a few weeks ago. In your denial they should explain to you why you were denied . I hope now with another diagnosis maybe it will get approved. I have no idea why it takes so long to get hearings in the meantime people go finacially broke loose their health insurance etc. I lost my house while waiting. I called my congressman up you can find numbers online to reach them explain your situation mounting debt loosing insurance etc they maybe able to put in a congressional inquiry see where your case is at . I was able to get a hearing 6 months sooner though they have no control over the outcome but thats why they are in office to work for us. any other questions I will gladly help you

Kat

[supermum_ms]

I'll be the first to admit i know zero about your disability system, i'm in a different country so different set of rules and hoops, and I also have a limited understanding of dysautonomia but i read something the other day that may be of help. "One reason diagnostic codes are assigned to a "new" diagnosis is to give them the credibility they need when they deserve it. (Codes are not developed for trashcan diagnoses or diagnoses that aren't real.) "  

http://patients.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=patients&cdn=health&tm=5&gps=103_1669_1003_543&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//worklossdatainstitute2.verioiponly.com/bp/337.htm

The above linc has all the claim codes relating to dysautonomia. The other thing maybe regarding the likelyhood MS dx, getting it included into the claim may help too but honestly this stuff is way over my head.

Good luck............JJ