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Question for those who are on Disability.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 3/13/2008 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
A couple of years ago I decided to try and apply for disability after leaving my job because of my IBS. Went through all the hoops they placed in front of me and was denied. Standard form letter that stated that they didn't believe I was fully medically disabled. I started the appeal and forgot that I sent in all the paperwork. I was surprised when I got a letter at my parents house( was living there when I applied) that said that after review I was in fact fully medically disabled and that they just need to go over the non-medical requirements and I would have a decision shortly. yeah But I still have this little feeling in the back of my head that it's not going to happen. Has anyone appealed a decision and then on the second( or third) go round been accepted?
Posted 3/13/2008 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Yes.  I am a member of another online community where this is reported as the norm with disability.  My understanding is that RARELY does one get approved the first time around, even when the medical condition is much more severe.  When I applied many years ago, it was rejected but for me, it was not worth the hassle to continue with a lawyer.  I was advised, however, that your chances increase greatly the second time you apply.  Good luck to you!

Posted 3/13/2008 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
Yep, if this time doesn't go through I'm calling it quits. I didn't realize that I had sent in all the paperwork last time, so this is a pleasant surprise, but I'm not going through all that again. I'm doing this without a lawyer. In my mind a lawyer isn't going to help much when the government's made a decision.
Posted 3/13/2008 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have chronic health issues and belong to a support group and online support group many of whom are on disability. Over 70% of first time applicants are denied.

In fact SSDI lawyers tell you to apply and get denied and then come see them.

Once you are approved you get paid all the way back to the first time you applied. So it's to a person's benefit to apply when they are first eligible even if they get denied.
Posted 3/13/2008 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I think a free visit with a lawyer would not hurt. They will tell you if they think you can get it as they won't bother if you can't. I believe they have some limitations on what they can charge. In the area I live most everyone is denied and had to get a lawyer. In other areas it seems if you break your fingernail you get approved right away. I have heard of people say they got a phone call answered a few questions and were approved while others that could barely walk or breathe had to go thru the mill so don't give up.
Posted 3/14/2008 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hello All,  Well I am one of the lucky ones I guess..   I applied about 7 years ago and was approved on the first try...   What I did was I kept really good records..   I sent a hand written letter of how IBS/Panic does not let me work a normal job..  I sent in all my medical records with my Doctors agreeing that I could not work..  I also added a picture of my family, I know it sounds wierd but I swear thats what did it..  I told them I could not work but needed to help support my family...  I was approved the first time...   I have been getting it ever since..  It is a true lifesaver for our family..  Without it I really don't think we could make it...  I have 2 kids and a husband who works his butt off but you all know how much it costs to live these days..   I was really embarssed to tell anyone that I was on it..  BUt then I thought hey I put into the system for 20 years so I really can't work..  That made me feel better..   So just thought I would share my story and let all of you know don't give up!!!!  It can and will happen..   Take Care...

Posted 3/14/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
hi ladyfrog, i was also lucky and was accepted ssd the first time and this was before ibs. when i went to social security office. i had everything ready. all the history of my illnesses and doctors names n addresses etc etc. i have been having a lot of problems lately healthwise, but taking it one day at a time. i know where i live there is an attorney firm that only deals with such cases. they r highly recommended . most cases they win n the ones they dont, usually the person applying doesnt need assistance. at least thats what  i have been told. If they dont get u money they dont either. please don't give up and good luck...smiles


Posted 3/15/2008 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
Well I got a call from my mom this morning. Social Security called her( they still had their number on my file) and needed me to call them back. I called them and we updated my file because I had gotten married between then and now. I was approved yeah . My head feels like it is floating somewhere around the ceiling and my mind is still trying to wrap around it. While my husband and I are not going to be running out and buying house or new car, we can now atleast move out of my in-laws house. No more sharing one bathroom between four people and two of us with intestinal issues( Mother-in-law has no gall bladder and thinks nothing of eating stuff that will set her off). But I do feel like a huge load has been taken off my shoulders. Good things come to those who wait( or in my case forget completely :-) )
Posted 3/17/2008 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
ladyfrog, i am so happy for you. congrats on getting the ssd..smilessssss

Posted 3/18/2008 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you! I know this will help out your finances a good deal.

I worked with a lady whose husband had major heart problems, was on oxygen, in a wheelchair, and was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer and the medicine they were giving him to try and slow it caused major bone loss (which is why he wound up in a wheelchair) and HE was denied disability! Who's disabled if not him? Before they could reapply or get an attorney, the company that he had been working for since it was founded told them to forget about it and they just gave him full pay until he died.

They say they deny almost everyone outright to try and weed out the people that really don't need it. So, to NOT reapply just reinforces their notion that people "too lazy" to reapply are probably just people too lazy to work; people who are desparately ill, however, will be desparate enough to reapply. Which, of course, totally discounts sick people who are also sick and tired of paperwork, but, hey, it's the government; it doesn't have to be logical. Everyone who thinks they deserve it should reapply a second time and/or get an attorney (the vast majority of which take their payment from your disability checks for a certain length of time IF and only IF you are awarded them).
Posted 3/18/2008 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Keriamon, yep it's going to help loads. Saturday for me was one big rollercoaster ride. I got the disability, we reran our budget to figure out what we were looking at and found that we can move out of the in-laws in a few weeks we if we so choose and I'm pregnant. If nothing else exciting happens for the rest of the month I'll be perfectly happy.
Posted 3/19/2008 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
So glad I got on this site today. Going to Dr. tommorrow after 25 years of spastic colon or

IBS to ask about disability. Had no idea if it was even a option. Thought I would just be sh--

out of luck. Sorry after all these years I know just about every joke there is. I have to laugh

or cry at the embarassment, so I do both alot. Thanks for sharing. I feel a little better about tommorrow now.

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