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Posted 6/30/2016 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
I competed and sent my app for SSDI about a 6 weeks ago and received my denial letter two days ago, not that I was surprised. Since applying I have had the labrum in my left hip repaired and the trochanteric bursa removed. I am starting PT for my left shoulder today while continuing rehab for my hip. My shoulder will need extensive surgery which I anticipate will happen later in the summer.

My employer is requiring the SSDI application. Any tips or tricks I need to know for my appeal? I really don't want to go the lawyer route. I am hopeful that once these surgeries are done I can return to some form of nursing (I am a RN).

I found out just before going under anesthesia that "all of your T waves are still inverted on ECG". I Have also noticed central blindness intermittently in my right eye as well as frequent ocular migraines.

Thanks all, this forum is AWESOME!
Posted 6/30/2016 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have no first hand experience with disability insurance. I have heard that it can take a couple of tries.

That is from a friend of a friend so it really is hearsay.
Posted 6/30/2016 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi ShmilyKate!-

Pretty much Everyone gets denied for the first round of SSDI.
I did!

Are you able to explain to SSDI the procedures that you have done already and how this limits your ability to properly do your job. Example: can't stand for certain amount of time, or issues with walking and sitting due to procedure on hip. Also the limitations with you shoulder. Example: limited extention and flexion due to damage in your shoulder. Unable to reach, pull, grab certain objects or limited movement or weight bearing limits.

Since you are already doing PT, can you ask the therapist how you can fill out the form more accurate?

And mention to SSDI about the surgery that you are going to have soon on your shoulder . And that you will also be in PT for an unknown amount of time after the procedure.

Like I said, I got denied the first couple of times because I stated that I have chronic neurological Lyme disease. I almost thought that I would have to hire a lawyer, but didn't. The last form that I filled out, I explained that I have days that I display the same symptoms of: Alzheimer's, Dementia, M.S.,, Parkinson's, and Chronic Fatigue. I didn't lie or over exaggerate. I just tried to explain to them about these disorders and how I relate to them on a daily basis.

They then said that I needed to see their psychiatrist. Their psychiatrist was actually very nice to me, and open minded. After my appointment, I was accepted.

Best Wishes!
Posted 6/30/2016 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
When I was accepted for SSDI I took in all my medical records. I did not mention Lyme, (actually didn't know I had it) and have heard that it is hard to get disability with Lyme. I basically showed all the records that said that they could not find a cause for not being able to walk easily. I asked my Neurologist to give me a statement saying that I could not work and I showed that to them as well. When he saw that I took antidepressants he told me that often times that could get the disability and decided to reveal that as well.

Good Luck to you. I hope you can get it.
Posted 7/1/2016 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for your support. I didn't go into a ton of detail in my application as I thought my records could do speak for themselves. Yes, I will appeal as one of the main criteria is that you are unable to work for at least 12 months...I am on month 9 now and don't expect a return to work until November at the earliest, and that is if things get better not worse.

I guess the only thing that did surprise me was how fast they denied me, LOL.

Thanks again.
Posted 7/2/2016 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't know I had Lyme when I applied for disability. (I actually had to apply for SSI instead, thanks to a Div. Of Fam. Services caseworker, but that's another story).

I did have several different physician documents claiming I had severe Fibro, among a bunch of other things. It took me 9 years with 3 complete sets of applications, appeals, hearings and denials. The first 2 filings I used a Disability Law firm. The third time I was in a 'I can't go through this again" frame of mind and some nice woman from some agency helped by going through the paper work with me. I didn't use any lawyer that time, and I lucked out with a California Judge sitting in for Missouri cases, finally getting a favorable decision.

The thing that every attorney will tell you is do NOT go the brave route by telling them how many things you are doing, or trying to do. Another words, concentrate on your bad days, and speak as though they are all bad days, whether they are or they aren't. The reason for this is with this 'disease', our days or even parts of our days, are so unpredictable you can't ever count on anything, and pushing yourself which is what every employer expects out of their paid employees, is detrimental to healing.

Good luck, what others have said is very good information.

ETA, I thought I'd better mention that my filing history started 21 years ago and FIbromyalgia was at that time where Lyme is now. In the raised eyebrow category.

Post Edited (julymorning) : 7/1/2016 8:33:21 PM (GMT-6)

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