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Leaving job due to pain?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 11/6/2013 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! I'm new here so I'll give you all a little bit of background. I have severe chronic pain in my ankle from an old injury. I've been diagnosed with a stage 4 osteochondral lesion, arthritis, neuropathy and rsd. The past few months the pain has become unbearable at work. I am unable to take any pain meds at work since I have a potentially dangerous job and need to be 100% alert. NSAIDs no longer work for me at all. I'm planning on quitting due to my condition soon. I was wondering if anyone here has, or knows someone who has, quit their job and received unemployment. I live in Virginia and I do know that people who quit for good cause are eligible for unemployment but I'm curious to hear from someone who has been through the process. Thanks so much for reading!
Posted 11/6/2013 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
I know to be eligible for unemployment you must be capable of looking for work and accepting and performing the job.

Hi and welcome to HW. Im thinking your not going to qualify for unemployment, is it possible you can do a different job with a Drs orders for limits in your present employment?
Posted 11/6/2013 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Is there anything else that you can do there that would allow you to take the pain meds ? Have you tried alternative treatments ?
Posted 11/6/2013 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
I've done the research and if you quit a job due to physically being unable to perform it you have good cause and qualify for unemployment. I've tried many alternative therapies along with 2 surgeries without success. I've already cut back my hours per my pain doctor but it has not helped. I can't walk, stand or sit without 8/10 pain less than an hour into my day. I am also not able to perform any other duties for my employer. Thanks again!
Posted 11/6/2013 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
You must be available to work.. What will you do if you're offered a job ?

"What if I quit my job?
Voluntary quits and resignations are a separation issue. As a result you must have a Fact Finding Interview with a hearing officer to determine if you are qualified to receive benefits."

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/faqs/Unemployment-Insurance-Issue-Questions#a46
Posted 11/6/2013 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to answer but I'm not asking about whether I qualify or what my responsibilities would be. I just want to know if anyone has gone through the process and what their thoughts are. Thanks!
Posted 11/6/2013 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Have you thought about applying for SSDI ?
Posted 11/6/2013 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Mercy&grace, I have, and I plan to after I leave my job with the help of a lawyer as a last resort. However, I can't have 0 income for the up to 5 months ssdi could take to come through. My plan is to look for suitable work while on unemployment and do a medical transcription program in the mean time since it is typically a home based job and hope for the best.
Posted 11/6/2013 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
I hate to be negative, but it is very difficult to get a job as a medical transcriptionist if you haven't been doing it for at least 2 yrs. Just be sure you look into what the requirements are before you spend money on the training.

Are you saying you plan on working after/while you file for SSDI ? Sorry, if I misunderstood.
Posted 11/6/2013 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
The program I've looked into hires people after they complete the class. I have some experience but no formal training. I've worked in healthcare for over 10 years so it's not much of a transition for me. I'd apply for ssdi as a last resort. I have no problem working and I rather would actually. I just can't do a normal on site job. The unemployment commission has a lot of resources for jobs for disabled people. I not only want to do what's best for me in the long run but also short term so I've looked into a lot of different options. Putting myself in the system seems to be my best bet in the short term.
Posted 11/6/2013 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hello & welcome to the forum. I do not think you will be able to get unemployment because you are unable to work because of a medical condition. When a person files for unemployment they are stating they are physically capable of working.

Not to bust your bubble on SSD, please do not bank on getting awarded benefits without a fight. Ask the people here at this forum that have been trying to get benefits. It can take up to 2 yrs to get a hearing.

They look at your age and education to see if you can be retrained to do work that is within your physical limitations. Take care....Susie
Posted 11/6/2013 11:15 PM (GMT 0)
Is your employment at will? If so, you don't have to give them a reason on why you are resigning. That way you don't have to worry about it biting you in the foot after you're gone.

I've been fired for being sick at two jobs but both used an alternative reason to avoid a lawsuit and also to help me qualify for unemployment (neither company contested it).

That's just my suggestion if its possible. I'm sorry your condition is causingyou to lose your job. Chronic pain takes so much away from us through the years
:-(
Posted 11/7/2013 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
In most states, you would not be able to qualify for any state unemployment if you voluntarily quit your job. And if it were health reasons, then they would view you as being non-employable, and that would be another strike against you for getting unemployment compensation.

I realize this varies state by state, but I would be surprised in our current economic situation, with most states cutting way back on unemployment benefits, to accommodate anyone they quits of their own choice.

If you are that unable to work, SSD would be your best bet, but for most people, that is a long process, requiring a lot of hard solid medical evidence and medical records to back it up. It would be doubtful that it would be processed, reviewed, rejected the first time (very typical for most), appealed and won during that 5 month period that you are trying to cover you loss of wages.

On the unemployment side, you have to be healthy and willing to work on the spot if offered a position. This is typical in most states.

Hope you find the answers and a way out of your situation.

David

Not trying to discourage you, but looking at it from a practical point of view.
Posted 11/8/2013 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
I know
From a friend that
In Maryland

If you are already collecting unemployment insurance benefits
And then become ill or are injured you can continue collecting
With a doctor's note.

You can NOT collect if you are ill / injured before starting your claim

And
I have a friend who also has some medical experience already
Who has been taking the course you mentioned &
It is time consuming & difficult.. it is NOT a 'snap' course & she believes it will be at least another 3 months of study before she can expect a chance of being hired anywhere.
Posted 11/9/2013 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Quite honestly every state is different as to what they allow as far as qualifying issues when it comes to collecting unemployment.

Some states there are virtually no reasons that will disqualify a person and in other states you pretty much can't qualify for unemployment if you quit your job.

Your best bet is to talk to the employment office in your state before hand.
Posted 11/9/2013 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
CJ, I worry that you may be acting too hastily. While opioids can affect focus and judgment, they don't necessarily do so... With the right dose and some time to get used to it, you could remain at your full cognitive potential. Personally, Tramadol doesn't impair me at all, nor does a low dose of hydrocodone or oxycodone.

Have you considered a medical leave for 3-6 months, during which you could titrate to an effective but non impairing dose?
Posted 11/9/2013 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
CJ-

I did have to quit my job as a maintenance mechanic at a food plant. I tried 3 times to get unemployment and was denied each time. (original and 2 appeals) I had to go on medical leave due to company policy of not being allowed to work on high speed machinery while taking opioids.

I used all my short term disability and then went on medical leave for over 6 months. I finally gave into my doctors and filed for SSDI. I am currently waiting for my hearing. My lawyer was very surprised I was denied on my last appeal, but from what I have been hearing it's getting to be the norm.

BTW, my job required me to be fully capable or not allowed to work. I had to pass a physical by the company doctor.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 11/10/2013 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Bill, being denied is very typical with most SSD applicants, unless you are carrying your severed head in a bucket with one hand, or you are lying in a casket. If you have a good SSD attorney, you should get favorable results, and hoping you do.

David
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