 |
| Author | Post |
|---|
Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
|
Posted: Fri Jun 17th, 2005 21:27 |
|
For information and advice about applying for disability (both SSDI and LTD) you may find the following resources helpful:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues/]Disinissues email list
CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS on SSI, old-age, disability
HALLEX Rules
Listing of Impairments
Social Security FAQs
My Social Security Disability SSI Blog
:Questions about applying for Social Security Disability or SSI
Immune system impairments
DISABILITY Benefits
Recommended books:
Disability Workbook for Social Security Applicants" by Douglas M. Smith, Attorney at Law
"2nd Edition Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability - Getting & Keeping Your Benefits" by David A. Morton III M.D.
Suggestions from our members:
-Hire an attorney who specializes in disability applications. Their fees are regulated by law at 25% of backpay subject to a maximum of $5300. Make sure your SSD specialized lawyer can represent you in FEDERAL COURT. Scott Davis in Phoenix, AZ is highly recommended. He has clients all around the country and will travel to your state if your case goes to a hearing (subject to maximum travel costs of $600). Mr. Davis specializes in chronic fatigue/chronic pain cases. His web site is: http://www.scottdavispc.com/index.html
-get a Western Blot test for B.burgdorferi
-ask your doctor to write a detailed report of what you cannot do and why you cannot work
-have your own doctor to the required exams instead of the SSA appointed doctors.
-Have a sleep study done. This may provide irrefutable objective evidence
|
Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
|
Posted: Fri Jun 24th, 2005 03:01 |
|
DISABILITYlink
Lyme disease
For many chronic late-stage disseminated borreliosis is a very disabling disease. Many times previous diagnoses have included Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME. For some who are no longer employable, it might behoove them to be tested through the two best labs, Igenex and Bowen. (Some may even become unable to work during the treatment phase, as the herxing or light exposure may increase symptomology). In that case we may be looking at an extended time, as a possibility for unemployment. Therefore, I think that testing is a very good idea for those who suffer from some of the various syndromes, and in which Borreliosis may be a factor.
Many with this disease are diagnosed as having Fibromyalgia Syndrome, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. While this is true in and of itself (the patients meet all the criteria for diagnoses of such), many are carrying a bacteria, which can be detected and will assist them in documentation to support a disability claim if unable to work. Having comorbid diagnoses of FM, and/or CFS, documented by one's physician, along with the borreliosis diagnosis, and the disabling reports in the functional tests one's physician provide the SSA will greatly help someone being awarded a favorable claim. This will allow the unemployable to receive some income while unemployed and disabled, and Medicare health coverage, which may be very helpful. As we all know chronic illness is a huge financial setback for most.
FM and CFS are often difficult to "prove" in the manner that the SSA desires, as they look for testing as a mainstay. Many times FM and CFS patients are told they they test normal in areas investigated. For that reason alone, I think one should have as much testing done to support one's case, as did my lawyer. It can be difficult (not impossible though) to receive a disability award with FM and/or CFS alone. I was one of the fortunate, but now I know at review time, that I have even more documentation, after being seropositive on an Igenex Western Blot, and seropositive for co-infection, also. Although, I do hope to be well enough to return to my vocation in the near future, SSDI and Medicare has been a necessity for myself.
The Western Blot often does not come up positive in patients who have not been on abx therapy prior to testing, as their bodies do not seem to be manufacturing antibodies. This situation is very often remedied by LLMD's "priming" the patient with a short antibiotic protocol, prior to testing, thus achieving some die-off of Borrelia organisms, and an antibody response, making for seropositive test results. We had seronegative tests in the past, until we were "primed" for a few weeks with abx in 6 of our family members. Our bodies then made antibodies---and we recieved positive results for Borrelia infection, and other co-infections, such as Erlichiosis, Babesia, and Bartonella. We highly recommend Igenex, as compared to a lab one's physician regularly uses.
Although, I believe that the Bowen Labs, are very accurate in their assessments, one will often find that in conventional mainstream medicine, if one waves a positive Western Blot in their face, will take it much more seriously. I have heard rumors that Bowen will be moving on, and changing from research lab designation in the future. (This would be great). We have heard many physicians disclaim their tests, unfortunatley due to this designation.
This is the reason we went with Igenex, as it seemed to be a less bitter pill for mainstream docs to accept, as many do not believe that "chronic Lyme Disease" exists, and they are more convinced when they see a positive Western Blot. They are familiar with Western Blots, and hold them to be "proof positive". We also ran PCR's at the same time for further proof, avoiding the Elisa altogether, as it doesn't have a great track record. Since Borreliosis is a systemic disease one can have to deal with many areas of specialities, and will want the doctor to consider the disease in their assessments, another reason for testing. One can convince a nephrologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist etc. that as the abx protocol does its job, that the manifestations of the disease will diminish, and can avoid some pretty aggressive treatments, that may be not be needed.
Most of all though, none of us is sure with our level of health and subsequently our employability that it may not change at a moments notice, it would seem testing for Borreliosis, would be a wise investment to protect one's income and health benefits if the need arises. Many hesitate since they do not believe they have had tick exposure. We all now know that they are many more modes of transmission than this. I would like to stress that testing may be beneficial if the need arises to make a disability claim, or to sustain one.
Hrts
PS. I also wanted to add it is most beneficial to be seen and tested by an LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor), as they will know what priming may be necessary, and are very familiar with the labs that are most accurate. Many physicians are not Lyme literate, unfortunately.
.....
Please see also:
LYME DISEASE
Papers and Topics relating to Borreliosis
|
Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
|
Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 02:39 |
|
(filelink)
Help is available to anyone seeking private insurance disability
I am happy to report that ING Insurance has come thru by approving disability for me. I wanted to say thanks to everyone that gave me feedback and ideas on the application process. Special thanks to Lori, Hrts4me, Janet, Aussi Barb, Pam, Alayne, and Elizabeth.
The clinical reviewer for my case subscribes to several chronic fatigue newsletters and had read about the MP and some success stories. I am her first client to actually be doing the MP. She was facinated and excited by the science behind the MP. I have been approved for benefits with the diagnosis "chronic lyme." I had read that approval with this dx was nearly impossible.
If anyone out there needs ideas related to applying for private disability, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Again, thanks for the help ! J Patrick, Health Professional
|
Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
|
Posted: Wed Feb 14th, 2007 10:15 |
|
(filelink)
Members suggestions
I found these words of advice from my attorney to be most helpful in completing the disability applications, and I was granted disability after the first rejection without having to go to a hearing, which is almost unheard of for someone with my diagnoses. Of course, my attorney was really happy, as just a little piece of advice to me after reviewing my first attempt to complete the application (I hired her before I submitted my application rather than waiting to the hearing stage as normally recommended) resulted in a big payoff to her with little effort on her part. ~Claire
"Many people with long-term chronic illness have developed a positive way to deal with the increasing dibilitation by focusing on what they can do and not what they cannot do. This focus can work against you when filling out disability forms. When responding to questions, you need to drop the Pollyanna--every cloud has a silver lining--outlook and focus on what you cannot do--how the illness has debilitated you. Calling attention to what you can do--other than to be able to take care of your finances--can only work against you."
|
Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
|
Posted: Fri Jan 4th, 2008 03:59 |
|
[filelink]
Working while on disability
In case some of you didn't know, you can work from home through a company called NTI. I received a ticket to work from Social Security. I looked into it and found out from the Montgomery , AL office who my VR rep is (Vocational Rehab Counselor). I take the ticket to him/her and they log it into the system then I find an EN (Employment Network Co) that can use my skills.
I found two; (nticentral.org) and another called (careers.alpineaccess.com). Not all the positions pay a great deal because they are supplemental; i.e., your SSDI is not stopped or lowered. You don't work full time only the number of hours you can and not even everyday. It just depends on the position and your physical capabilities. To participate You have to have DSL; an up to date computer with plenty of memory and ram; and a headset. Most importantly it must be quiet while you work. It's something you guys can look into if you are interested or need some extra dough.
You can always email me if you want more info but it's pretty straight forward. It would help pay for those meds too. This is for the disabled who can only do home based work and have some customer service or technical help desk experience and most importantly has a great phone voice. ~Sedona
|
Current time is 00:49 | |
|
|
|
|
