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Posted 5/4/2015 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have done quite a bit of research regarding long term disability and FMS/CFS, but I'm curious to hear from anyone on the board who has applied for this (either through Federal disability or private insurance) and what was the outcome for you? I had a very high stress, demanding job in management with a 1 1/2 to 2 hr commute each way. Last November, I finally had to accept that I just couldn't pull it off anymore. Lord knows I gave it all I had for so many years, I had gone to work in excruciating pain more times than I can count, not to mention all the other symptoms, exhaustion, brain fog, etc. So I talk to my boss, who had been very understanding, and we both agreed that they should start looking for my replacement. I am almost done with this process (which has been a nightmare in itself), and my boss has stated that he might want to keep me on in a reduced capacity, and allow me to work from home. I should find out in a week or two if this is going to happen or not (there are other factors that are unknown right now). If that doesn't happen, I am going to file for disability. I have long term disability insurance through my work, and I guess they then file for Federal Disability on your behalf. I am 37 and these are all of the conditions I have been diagnosed with:

Endometriosis
Interstitial Cystitis
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Chronic Ovarian Cysts
Chronic Pelvic Adhesions/Chronic Pelvic Pain
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Torn & herniated disc, arthritis L5 vertebrae
Anxiety & low grade depression

The FM & CFS are very severe, I have severe pain all over my body and I rarely get relief from the fatigue. But the IC & Pelvic pain are almost as bad. So, given everything I am contending with I would think I would qualify. But one of the things that concerns me most is my age. A woman I met in my doctors office told me that age is one of the most important factors of if they accept or deny your claim, and that no matter your condition, if you're too young they will deny you no matter what. I had never even thought about the age factor, so this really concerned me.

I'd especially love to hear from anyone close to my age when they applied and what their experiences were, but really anything anyone could share would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Louise
Posted 5/4/2015 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I was on LTD for two years while my SSDI was being determined. My LTD did not file my SSDI. I had to file it. Because SS didn't get all of my doctors' reports I was turned down, but I appealed with a lawyer and won my case.

Try to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Don't wait on LTD to file on you or try to work during this time. Some LTD companies will drop you if you work.
Posted 5/4/2015 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
I am 32 on SS disability. It was difficult to get. I hired an attorney and had a doctor who believed me and helped me fill out the paperwork. The most important things seemed to be everything I tried. Two rounds of physical therapy, therapy, countless medications with awful side effects I could not take, changing diet, various over the counter medications, and heating pads. The whole process took far longer than I anticipated. I had to see a state doctor who evaluated me. I brought a list of my symptoms to him in all honesty in hopes he could tell me it was something fixable, but I think in the end it helped him decide it was really fibro. Keeping track of all the paperwork, lists of medication, lists of symptoms, interviews, and dealing with the fibro was overwhelming, but it was worth it to have the healthcare I need to attempt to manage this illness. I wish you the best of luck and if you have any other questions I may be able to help with please feel free to ask.
Posted 5/4/2015 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your responses, this is encouraging! I have my doctors behind me, especially since i have so many conditions I think my chances are fairly good. I have also tried so many types of therapy, meds etc which is pretty well documented.

If you don't mind my asking, did the Lawyers cost a lot or take a large chunk of your pmt? Also, TiredArtist you mentioned it took a long time, do you mind telling me approx how long it took? I am in CA and I plan of filing for short term state disability, which I should be covered for about 10 months. I believe you can be on this while you file for long term disability, so thats what I plan to do. Right now I'm the sole income for my family, but I have some savings and we've really downsized, so our cost of living is relatively low. Nervous, but hopefully it will all work out. confused

Thanks again,

Louise
Posted 5/4/2015 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Lawyers will take up to 25% of your back pay. The judge can reduce this if he seems fit. My lawyer got $6,000.
Posted 5/4/2015 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
The lawyers get 25% UPTO $6,000. No more then 6k and they take it out of your back pay, most lawyers don't charge if you don't win so make sure you get a good lawyer.

I am 48, filed almost 3 years ago and still fighting it, I'm at the federal level of appealing now. My doctor wrote a very nice letter that the Judge at the state level didn't even bother reading, ugh.

It takes a good year probably more like 2 IF you are lucky. I know people that got it right away and others that fought for 5 years, so it is hard to say how long yours will take.

I do recommend a lawyer, don't try to do it yourself, it is really complicated. Although people have done it their selves and got approved it isn't something I would want to do. I wish you all the best, and Good Luck.
Posted 5/4/2015 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Mine took 18 months to be approved.
Posted 5/4/2015 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Just a question, because this has always been the crux for me: do I have to be NOT working the entire time I file? So if it takes five years, I don't work for five years? That makes me cringe.
Posted 5/4/2015 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm in Pa and the whole process took almost 2 years, there were delays due to the government shut down that helped cause it to go so slow. At first I was able to get some monetary assistance from the state while waiting for the decision, but they canceled that policy and no longer help people waiting where I live. Also in order to get this assistance you can only have so much in your bank account. I believe the limit is 2,000 dollars though it may have changed. You may want to talk to a lawyer about it to be sure, but remember if you share a bank account with a spouse then half is legally theirs. My lawyer got the maximum amount for assisting me and it came out of my settlement, it was around $6,000.

I really hope everything works out for you Louise I know what a hard decision it is to make at our age. In some ways winning was worse than losing, but health wise my fibro isn't nearly as bad as it was when I was trying to manage it with my own business and all the deadlines. My quality of life has greatly improved so don't let the process intimidate you from what I see I think you have a really good shot at getting some help.
-Melissa
Posted 5/5/2015 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
I lived off of unemployment for six months because I was laid off from my job. During that time my LTD and pension was started. I then decided I couldn't work anymore and filed for SS DISABILITY. My long term ran out four months before my SSDI started up.
Posted 5/6/2015 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Louise,

I too have multiple conditions along with fibro. At 45, I was forced to go out on LTD with the Standard. All was humming along well. I fought for SSDI and was unsuccessful. It was primarily due to a poor attorney, and my inability to document my case well. I really was not given any advice by my attorney. I feel she may have been either unseasoned or overwhelmed by too many cases. Whatever the case, I lost my second SSDI hearing. As soon as that happened LTD promptly kicked me off after four years. They made my life a living hell and harrassed and followed me and my kids all around town. They made me sign documents giving away every freedom and right afforded to me under the law. In short, I became a prisoner in my own home. Riddled with pain, and feeling as If I had no help. Like no one cared. I got a check, but at what price is your freedom and dignity.

I hope I am not scaring you, I just want to give you another side of the story. I was with the Standard, I do not feel I was treated fairly. I am now having to look for a new job, after years of a disability that is still ongoing. If you chose to quit be wise. Perhaps you can look for something that is less stressful or takes less hours. I understand how difficult losing income is, I am living through that right now. I cannot afford the medication that gives me half of the life I had before I became sick.

The ironic thing, is that I may not even have fibro or maybe it's in additon to Lupus. I went to doc last night and got steroids for the first time in my life for a sinus infection. The eradicated my worst flare in my life in minutes. I had a positive ANA years ago from Mayo, but no one ever put two and two together.
The only reason I am writing this today is because of that medication they gave me last night. If I had even tried prior to the steroids it would have been impossible. The pain and fatigue were that bad.

be well, be wise. good luck

L
traumatic brain injury and Mild cognitive impairment
psoratic arthritis
fibromyalgia
something auto-immune other than PSA
Posted 5/8/2015 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, this is some valuable input and it is good to hear all your various experiences! My main concern is my age, as I feel I'm pretty covered in all the other areas. Not that I'm SO young, lol, but its good to hear that some of you were around my age and were able to get it. I will definitely call a lawyer when and if the time comes. Hopefully things will work out with my current employer so that I can work part time from home, and still have a pretty decent income and benefits. One of the most stressful parts has been that I support my family, and my Husband has not had luck finding work in a very long time. However, he FINALLY has some really good perspectives on the horizon, and may have a good job very soon. Please send some prayers and postive thoughts our way! If that happens, at least if I lose my income, I know my family will be okay while I wait for the disability to come through.

Thanks again everyone,

Louise
Posted 5/8/2015 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
L,

I'm really sorry to hear that happened to you! That is really scary. That is not the company my LTD is through, thankfully. I agree it wouldn't be worth living like that. I have no idea how the company we have is, if they do things like that. Will definitely look into it.

Take care,

Louise
Posted 5/8/2015 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I am 28 years old and was accepted into SSI disability last year. But I also have severe Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, and a handful of other chronic disease. I've been hospitalized 30 times in the last three years, so getting accepted only took a couple of months.
Posted 5/9/2015 1:23 AM (GMT 0)

MsLouise said...
L,

I'm really sorry to hear that happened to you! That is really scary. That is not the company my LTD is through, thankfully. I agree it wouldn't be worth living like that. I have no idea how the company we have is, if they do things like that. Will definitely look into it.

Take care,

Louise

Oh thanks! Just taking one day at a time.

Take care as well.

L
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