Disability Claim finally approved!

I stopped working on Sept 27th.  I have a 30 day waiting period, and then I applied for disability through my employer.  He has been absolutely wonderful in helping me through this. 

Today, we finally heard from the DI claim rep, that my claim was approved!!  

I am so grateful. 

 

I have a question is that short and long term threw your employer or is it SSD?

Again, this is a disability policy through my employer. Not sure if it's short term or long term. The claims rep told me that if I am unable to return to work after the first year (which will be Oct 09 since my claim start date is approved back to Oct 08), then they would ask me to apply for SSDI, and they would assist me in the process.

I believe my fibro to be a result of cervical trauma. I had 2 level ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy with fusion) in Jan 2007. I recovered nicely at that time, but slipped and fell on ice in Jan 08, and was Dx'd with fibro in April 08.

Their medical team that reviewed my claim talked to my GP who had given me a Class 5 disability (the worst). She said she was kind of pushed into stating that she thought I could do sedentary work, but with restrictions. Those restrictions include "avoid static neck" positions. Well, I manage an office and spend the majority of my day on the computer and so that restriction makes it hard for me to do my job. Couple that with my meds that make me drowsy, and foggy, I cannot be making staff or client decisions without an elevated risk to my client's financial well being. I have a housekeeper that cleans for me (once a month cuz it's only 2 of us), I can't drive the 2 hours to my rheumy's appts, my DH helps with hauling groceries and laundry around, etc. All of that added up to an approval.

I got the impression that if I had only the fibro diagnosis and not the neck trauma, it might have been even more difficult. They were looking for a "treatment plan" for fibro from my rheumy, including an exercise program. It would probably also help to be working with some sort of therapist for the depression issues (which I think I'm going to do anyway). If you get multi-disciplined documentation, I think that would help your case.

Hope that helps those of you with questions that are or will be pursuing disability assistance.

Thanks Kelly for that advice. It sounds good. I'm 46, and married, living off my husband - ha ha! Seriously, I can see what you mean about not waiting. Actually my DI claim rep told me yesterday that if I'm still unable to return to work in the fall (when there's been about a year's worth of claim payments), then they would ask me and assist me in filing the SSDI claim.

I'm going to give your comments serious consideration.

Again, thank you!

Yey! That is good news!

I worked for a great company when I got fibro, but the only thing they did not have was long and short term disability. I had to live off of my savings and then apply for assistance through the county/State. It has not been easy, and if it wasn't for my family & friends helping me get through this financially I don't know where I would be. A-C-C-K-K-K!

I would apply for Soc. Sec. Disability now like Kelly said if you can. I now have a lawyer as I have been turned down twice. It is a long, drawn out process!

It does make a difference to have people that are helpful like your employer! They have a Soc. Sec. advocate through the county here that has been a godsend for me. They help you fill out all the paperwork and let you know what to expect and the next steps to be taken.

Wishing you much luck with all of this, and keep us posted-

GamJill