Pam, it is just a hurry up and wait thingie.  Besure that your doctors are behind you 100% as to them getting all of their paper work in.  You will more thank likely have to attain a lawyer.  I was told that the judges only look at disability cases every 495 days.  I do not know where they got that figure from but that is what I was told.  In the lawyer that I had, I have another one now, she retired and went back to Germany where she was originally from.  But she had told me that during the Nixon administration, SSI was told to turn down a certain amount of claims, and make them wait.  Now how true that this is I do not know, but that is what I was told, so she told be to be prepared.  But just be sure that you have all of your ducks in a row.  I am sure that SSI is overwhelmed with cases, some are true enough disability cases, and I am sure that some are hoaxes.  She also told me that some people have even died before their disability came through.  This is the system we have to work with.  You just have to have your ducks in a row and the patience of Job.  My suggestion is if you have not yet started, you need to get moving.  Sorry I could not be more positive, but it is what it is.

sherry/smomdukes

Pam1010

11/ 5/09 11:03am

Hi. :)

 

I'm gonna have this patience hat stitched to my head, Lord knows I need it! 

 

I've spent the biggest part of this week jumping thru hoops. Filling out forms and getting all of the documentation that I have in order.  Talk about exhausting! 

 

My poor daughter says she needs a raise --she's been my right-hand-man through all of this (literally, since mine don't work!)--  and, while she sure 'nuff deserves one, I hope she ain't expecting it from me... my money's way beyond funny at this point!

 

Hope all is going well for you. :)

 

--Pam

 

 

 

 

Hi there, Just want you to know we are with you in every way. I also would like to encourage you to  take a look at using an attorney.  It takes a big load off of you, which, with our problem, is what we need. I went through the search for attorneys, and found that, of all things, the people at Binder & Binder were very sympathetic and as helpful as they could be. The other great thing is, I did not have to pay anything until the case was closed.  As you know, the lawyer will probably ask for about 33 1/3% when the case finalizes. I also know that one can do this without assistance, but sometimes when you have someone that knows the system, they could be invaluable, plus take the brunt of filing the correct paperwork.  I wanted things done correctly THE FIRST TIME, so I asked for help. Unfortunately, I could not qualify, but with your history, you need not worry. As long as you have all your documentation, plus your doctor's blessing, you will have no problem, even if you do want to do this yourself.

I wish you the best with either decision you make. The best thng you can do is definitely file for SSDI.

Pam1010

11/ 5/09 11:27am

Hi bhoppy,

 

I went online, after reading your comment, and contacted Binder & Binder.  A gentleman from there then called me and obtained some more information.  He than called back the next day and said they would be happy to take my case.  As I'd already initiated the process and was scheduled for a phone appt. he said it would be fine to complete thse steps on my own and if I'm denied they can pick it up at that point.  A social worker at the MS Society confirmed that that would probably be a good idea as an attorney really wouldn't do anything I'm not doing insofar as just applying.

 

The nice thing is that this gentleman explained to me that I would also qualify for Disabled Widow Benefits and urged me to have the rep at SS initiate that process also.  That's something I never would have known, so that was very helpful.

 

Your advice was very helpful.  Thank you so much. :)

 

Take care and be well.

 

--Pam

Hi Pam,

Here are things to remember when writing your application for SSDI:

1. Be specific when describing how your illness impacts your daily activities. For example, if you have trouble getting dressed, explain how, such as it's difficult for you to fasten buttons or pull on your shoes. If fatigue is a problem, explain how: Does taking a shower fatigue you - I have to lie down after a shower - if so, mention that.

Be as detailed and thorough as possible because that gives the SSD folks a better picture of your disability. And don't forget to mention any cognitive problems, such as memory, concentration, brain fog, etc.

2. Base your answers on your worst days. MSers typically have good days and not-so-good days, but you need to describe your worst days. MS is so unpredictable, but most of us have more worse days than good, and that's a big factor in our daily activities and ability to work. I've often said that because of the unpredictability of my illness, I wouldn't want me for an employee - you'd never know if I'd be able to come to work the next day or not.

My impression is that most people don't provide enough details on how their illness impacts them on a daily basis. And that's what Social Security needs to know, along with the diagnosis, to determine whether you are unable to work at a job suitable to your skills and knowledge.

I did not use an attorney and was approved the first time. Given what you've described here, I would think you have a good chance of being approved, too.

Pam1010

11/ 5/09 10:49am

Thank you so much for your advice. 

 

My daughter helped me complete the online disability report so I could be sure it was complete and she also helped me put all of the items they wanted together and mail them.  This weekend she's going to sit down and write out all of the symptoms and problems that I have.  I'll also have her write down how each of them affects what I do every day. 

 

That's a good idea because I tend to leave things out, mostly because my mind just ain't what it used to be (let's blame that on this crummy disease and not my age, k?.) 

 

Even when I'm thinking of something specific that particular train of thought has a tendency to leave the station long before I have all of my baggage (and I DO mean baggage) on board, let alone me!

 

Thanks again for your input.

 

Take care and be well.

 

--Pam

Robin C

11/ 5/09 7:46pm

You're welcome.

 

Having your daughter help is a great idea, too. Someone who knows us often notes things that we might overlook. That's why my husband goes with me to doctor appointments to make sure I don't skip over or minimize difficulties I'm having. You deal with things long enough and they may start to seem like "normal" - even though they're clearly not to someone else.

 

Good luck - it certainly sounds like you're on the right track. 

 

And I so understand about memory problems. I tell my husband that he has a distinct advantage in our marriage because I often can't recall what I said 15 minutes later, let alone the next day! LOL

 

 

It is in the details....At least for me, that is what worked. The entire process was exhausting-but I was approved in only 3 months (a near miracle)

For every essay I was exhaustive in listing specific physical changes, and how it affected my ability to work. I.E. loss of bladder control combined with overall hand weakness made the physical steps of dressing, cleaning, and managing impossible at work. Rather than just say, became too tired I detailed the progression of sick time used, naps at work, giving up extra curricular and life management (i.e. grocery shopping) until the only thing I could do was work. And, I detailed how the fatigue impacted my ability to function at work. Then cognition, Then breathing difficulties, and on and on. I also made sure that every doctor and physical therapist and any other 'ist' wrote supporting documentation that matched what I was asserting. For example: my pulmonologist had expressed concern about my vocal chord paralysis and low oxygen levels and its impact on my ability to work. So, I wrote a request with a list of the specifics I wanted each medical provider to emphasize. Several of them expressed appreciation of this and said it made it easier to fill out their own paperwork. I also provided each of them with a SASE postcard to send me once they were done. 

I wrote all of my answers in Word so I could check word counts and have friends edit. That way when it came time to fill in the online form I could 'just' cut and paste.

The entire process is ridiculously complex and I found that over preparing, being detailed, supporting my assertions with medical proof, and then monitoring that all of my providers responded in a timely manner, made the difference.

One last thing...I recently was helping a woman I know. She had been rejected a couple of times. Her essays read like something you would tell your therapist. I went with'just the facts' and had success.

Feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions.  Janine