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How it went for me

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    How it went for me

    I was DX in December of 2001. I was self-employed since 1991, a business owner with employees. In 2001, I continued working with employees for a few more years. My MS progressed and I couldn’t keep the employees busy, so they went their other ways. I kept the business going until May of 2011, doing all the work myself. I would occasionally sub out some work, but for the most part, I did everything.

    The last couple of years, I was taking huge safety risks. My work was very physically demanding. I finally had to stop in May of 2011. I closed (dissolved) my business and applied for Unemployment with the state. I was denied due to my health.

    That left me with the only option of SSD. I hired an attorney that specializes in SSD. There is a ton of paper work involved and you need to get ALL your medical records from ALL your doctors. Organize them and submit them to you attorney. It’s almost a full-time job.

    I met with my attorney and asked him if I was spinning anyone wheels? He said absolutely not, because it wasn’t like I was applying two weeks after my DX. I continued to work for over 10 years with my DX. I didn’t want to file, but really had no other choice. I had more than enough employment hours over my career to qualify.

    I didn’t have to go a hearing. With my medical and mental evaluations, documentation, medical records, I was approved the first time. My attorney fees were very minimal. They really didn’t have a lot to do.

    Where I see most people failing with their SSD application is
    1. Not having an attorney
    2. Not having their entire medical history documented and available
    3. Not discussing this with their primary physician(s)
    4. Not having DX from specialist other than a Neurologist
    5. Not reviewing their yearly SSN eligibility that we all get once a year
    6. Applying too soon – not meeting the medical criteria

    SSD only pays for TOTAL disability – not partial. Not because you have more bad days than good, but only TOTAL disability. The SSD doesn’t care about the lousy job market, the inability to find work, low pay or how difficult it is for you.

    If you can sit on you bottom and answer a phone, it’s going to be hard to get SSD.

    Unfortunately, it is this way for a reason. There are a record number of applications since the economic downturn; there is a lot of fraud. The representatives of the SSN are not heartless; they have to do a difficult job.

    If you are denied and believe it is wrong, reapply! The clock starts ticking on your first application. When you finally get approval, the first payment goes all the way back to your first application. You will have to continue the process the whole time. Like I say, it’s almost like having a full-time job.

    #2
    Thank you

    Thank you Russ, for your information, from Kansas. Where did you go or who did you use?

    Comment


      #3
      Where I see most people failing with their SSD application is
      1. Not having an attorney
      2. Not having their entire medical history documented and available
      3. Not discussing this with their primary physician(s)
      4. Not having DX from specialist other than a Neurologist
      5. Not reviewing their yearly SSN eligibility that we all get once a year
      6. Applying too soon – not meeting the medical criteria
      Russ- I understand what you are saying but I was approved in about 2 1/2 months from on line application date, about 9 months after dx
      1. without an attorney (none would take the case until I had been denied )
      2. never chased own medical records at all, signed a release of info and SS contacted drs for records.
      3. not even sure if GP knew at time of my dx, he did refer me to nuero
      4. my nuero is not a MS specialist and have never seen one
      5. not sure what reviewing your eligibility sheet does, by the way they no longer mail them out, you can get that info from SS website now or visit local office and they will give it to you.

      So I guessgetting SSDI is much like MS everybody is different.
      Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

      Comment


        #4
        im the same as scooter never had a lawyer and started my process while i was still on std(4 months after dx) was approved for ssdi in 6 months.I never chased any paperwork I just filled out the paperwork they sent me and did a phone interview. I just did exactly what they ask me to do. I feel I was lucky on this process, my MS support group has people that have been trying for years. I feel the main approval reason was do to my cog issues. I hope the best for everyone who apply for ssdi for ms. I was also lucky I have a great daughter that helped me fill out all the paperwork, I would have been overwhelmed without her. I had more trouble with my ltd than ssdi i hear thats strange also. This is just my opinion, I agree not everyone is the same.

        Best of luck..

        Comment


          #5
          Need advice of when to apply for SS Disability

          Hi, I am currentlyon on STD from my job and don't know if I can return to work in Oct. I was going to apply for the LTD which I pay into, When can I start to apply for SSD? I heard that you have to be out of work for at least 1 year before applying. Is this true? I was dx in Aug 2011 and have worked up until this past July. The office work I was doing was getting very stressful and I was getting palpitations. Was also having cognitive issues. I also have to have carpel tunnel surgery in the next couple weeks. I have all my medical records, and my doctor should be helpful, please let me know your opinion. Thank you.
          Maggienor

          Comment


            #6
            if you are on STD you can apply now as I did myself.
            Plan for the future, but not too hard; it’s not your decision anyway

            Comment


              #7
              I started my std in Jan and in March I started my ssdi process. I was approved by June, I was recieved my first ssdi check in July.I would start the ssdi process right now because the process takes about 3 months ( my experience only) to get everything done. The goverment is slow in setting appointments. I had a lot of paperwork to fill out, a phone interview, and a appointment with a phy for cog issues. They also contacted my wife for an interview. I just keep giving them everything they ask me for and I was always very polite to them on the phone.

              Good Luck

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