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Applied for disability, had good/bad day.

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/1/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, I hope you're having a decent day.

I had a pretty good day today. I got a function report of Social Security to fill out, and I am a bit nervous about that. I really hope I can get some help with this whole process, as I really need to eventually have some sort of income.

I went to see a movie today with my godfather and friend as a semi-belated birthday present. I had a lot of fun and the movie was really good (Three Musketeers), but pain-wise the day wasn't so great. I was having some problems while out, so I took some of my medication. (Tramadol), unfortunately it doesn't really help much so now that I am home I'm reclining and watching TV with my heating pad. tongue

I hope I can sleep tonight because I really need to start filling out this disability stuff and call my doctors. Last night I slept terribly, and I hate waking up feeling hung over from lack of sleep.
Posted 11/1/2011 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Can you tolerate melatonin, it's a supplement that
you can try for sleep, it might help, just start with 1mg
Sure hope you can get some rest, you did good getting the disability forms and filling them out
congrats on that...I like to go out, but sure do pay the price for it the day after...
maybe try using ice then heat and then ice again to help with the pain, it
can help...
Others will come by with better advise so pay attention to them...
many well wishes and prayers
Posted 11/1/2011 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
If you need guidance on how to fill out the paperwork call your local social security office. They are usually happy to answer any questions they can.
Posted 11/1/2011 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
Social Security will have you sign release forms so they can contact your doctors to retrieve all of your medical records. It is very helpful if you can get your doctors to fill out an RFC form for you to turn into social security. Make sure your SS# is on anything you turn into social security.

Make sure you give details when filing out the paperwork. Don't just put down that you can't do anything due to pain. Specify how often you rest, in the recliner or bed, if you are able to do household chores how long can you do them before needing to rest and how they affect how you feel.

If you are only seeing a family physician I would advise you to see a specialist. Social Security puts more weight behind a specialists opinion.

Good Luck, I just received my SSDI a month ago after a 2 yr fight.
Posted 11/1/2011 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone!

What exactly is an RFC form? Is it something I can get for myself, or does SSA need to send me the form? I have appointments coming up, and while I do have some evaluation forms from the law firm that may take up my case, I have no other forms to give them right now. So if I should have them fill out this RFC form, I should probably do it at my next appointments.

I see several specialists (psychiatrist, neurosurgeon, pain specialist...), so thankfully I am being cared for by more than just my primary doctor--though he is very helpful and supportive.
Posted 11/1/2011 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
RFC form is Residual Functional Capacity. You can get one from social security or I think you can print one online. This form should be filled out by your doctor because it was this form filled out by my pain management doctor that really made a difference with the judge at my SS hearing. The form states how often you can bend, stoop, or lift also how much you can lift. It also gives how long you can stand, walk, or sit basically it says what you can and cannot do.

If this is your first time filing and you haven't had a denial yet I wouldn't bother with a lawyer at this point. Fill out the forms from social security being as truthful as possible and give very specific examples of your limitations. Also, get copies of the RFC forms to hand into social security to have them added to your file, like I said this form can carry alot of weight. Depending on your age most people are denied on their first try. At that point, if you need to file an appeal, is the time to get a lawyer.

There is a website called Disability Secrets that has alot of good information regarding filing for SSDI. Also, a book which you can probably get at the library is Nolo's Guide to Social Security. My husband bought me this book and it was very informative.

Good Luck with this. I hope you don't have to wait as long as I did to get yours!
Posted 11/3/2011 6:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I was injured on the job and as a result I lost my job and career! I have been fighting worker's comp (WC) for over a year now. I have an absentee lawyer, hahaha...no seriously. I was terminated back in June of this year and have no income. My case will either be settled next week or I have a Hearing scheduled for November 22nd.

I applied for Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Disability Retirement [work related], but they are waiting for the outcome from my WC case. My attorney advised me not to apply for unemployment, because I will have to pay them back after I win my WC case.

When I applied for VRS Disability I had to also apply for Social Security Disability (SSD), however my Attorney hopes I am denied, which is typically what happens. If I were to be granted SSD then VRS would only pay partial towards my retirement. However, if I win my WC case and I am denied SSD I will collect disability retirement benefits that are 100% tax free. I have posted several topics/threads and continue to both seek info./support as well as offer it. I warn you, I tend to write a novel each time!

I'm still too young to completely retire, however right now my doctors won't release me back to work until I have a 4-level Lumbar Fusion. Yeah, my back is a train wreck! I had a 2-level Cervical Fusion back in July. I have three herniated Thoracic Discs and the four bad Lumbar discs. I suffer pain every day, despite being on a rediculous amount of pain killers. The side effects add to my suffering with chronic constipation, memory loss, insomnia and yet I'm also near comatose and deeply depressed. I spend my days alone and isolated at home while my wife goes to work. I don't go to sleep, rather I pass out. It's now 2:15am and I can't sleep.

I also suffer from a bladder disorder and recently had surgery: an Interstim Therapy/ neurostimulator trial/implant! Next Tuesday I am having surgery and will be admitted in the hospital for an Intrathecal Drug Pump Trial.

So, now that you know a lot about me and my situation Misterkatamari, please give us some more information about your situation and hopefully we can continue to offer you advice based on your circumstances and our combined experiences. I sincerly hope you and everyone else are far better off than I am. I don't wish my pain on others. I look forward to you and others replying.

Take care!

Charles
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