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Advice on applying for disabilty, please!

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Lyme Disease
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Posted 11/29/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Here's me dilemma. This is my second time applying for disability. The first time was about a year ago, and I was very naive to the whole process. I had not been "officially" diagnosed with anything. I didn't realize it was going to take another year to get a real diagnosis. I also didn't know how quick they are to turn you down, even when you feel like you are on your deathbed! While I do understand that they have to be cautious about people cheating the system (grrrr...don't even get me started on this topic), I just feel like given my work history they could realize I have always worked and would still be working if I was able. As a former "workaholic", this has been devastating to me.

So...I desperately need to try again. I now have the following diagnoses (sp?) from my Rheumatologist:

Fibromyalgia
Depression
Anxiety
Hypothyroidism
Vitamin D Deficiency

My question is this: after I see an LLMD can I list Lyme disease as a condition? I am assuming this is a big fat "NO", since the diagnosis and treatment are highly controversial.

I hope I can get some advice from anyone who might have it offer on this subject, please and thank you! :)

Someone on this forum told me before that I should use whatever diagnosis I got from my Rheumy to try for disability (I wish I could remember who that was!!), but now I'm wondering if I should wait until after I see my LLMD (first appt), to apply again. My appt isn't until Feb. 6th (unfortunately).

I'd like to avoid using a lawyer if at all possible. I was told after my last application that they are basically under the assumption that I could work a "desk job", given my symptoms. How I wish I could!

I hope everyone is feeling well (or as well as possible) today!
Posted 11/30/2012 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
I am disabled due to Lyme. First thing to do is get a lawyer specializing in disability. I was denied 3 times..next step being a trial...when suddenly papers came saying approved. Took over a year. Good thing is they pay starting when you first apply for disability
Posted 12/1/2012 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rori!
I do hope that you eventually win your case!! You are right, you can't use Lyme as a diagnosis to help you get disability - at least not yet. It's not recognized as a disabling condition.

Here is a couple of links to help you figure out how to get through this. I'm sure at least some of the info is repeated, but there could be things on one site and not another that could be of help.

www.anapsid.org/cnd/disability/

www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-lyme-disease.html

www.lymeinfo.net/insurance.html

Of course if you do a search on the internet with the search terms, "Lyme disability", you will get all kinds of links!

I hope this helps some!! smilewinkgrin
Posted 12/1/2012 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Actually you can use Chronic Lyme as a disabling condition. It isn't in the Blue Book yet but it is becoming more common and more people are having to apply for Lyme. My LLMD knows of some who have gotten disability based on this. Also, you would need to make sure you also list the conditions that the Chronic Lyme has led to. I have many health problems from it. My hearing is in January and my lawyer doesnt think it will take long once I am in there and they see me with my oxygen and power chair. The main problem for me has been my age. I am only 34 so they dont like to give disability to younger applicants. They want the judge to see us to confirm our disabilities.

Good luck and be sure and list every single diagnosed health problem that you have.
Posted 12/1/2012 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I wish you luck. I have no advice because I fought it for years, even being in a wheelchair I was always denied. I know some are approved and I hope you are blessed with approval.
Posted 12/1/2012 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
PrayingForAMiracle,

I am so very sorry to hear this. It seems so unfair. No, it is unfair, period. Did you use a lawyer to help you with your case? Will you try again? My heart goes out to you, I'm very sad to hear that. My sister was in a wheelchair for a few years. She had cancer. She was very good at hiding it, but I know how much more difficult her life became once she lost mobility. Are you currently on antibiotics or any treatment?

Thanks for all of the info everyone!

orangebeach, I guess my biggest concern is that I do not want to get my LLMD in any trouble, or raise any red flags, if they are treating me for Lyme. I know it's so controversial and I don't want to do anything to hinder my chances of getting proper treatment! I hope that makes sense. Also, I hope you are feeling well. I'm sorry to hear about the oxygen and power chair. I do hope these things have helped you feel better and get around though.

Traveler, thanks for the links! I'll see what I can find :)

Wornoutwoman, good for you for being persistent! I'm sure it was frustrating, but it's people like you that push them to open their eyes to the fact that Lyme can most definitely be disabling! I am glad you won your case. It saddens me that everyone who needs it doesn't get approved. I worked hard for as long as I could, and I've earned the "credits" required. It's very frustrating that we have to fight to get what we deserve, and more importantly what we so desperately need.
Posted 12/2/2012 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Don't forget the live stream of ILAD's Conference today.....there were 4 segments of attorneys talking about how to get disability with lyme. Don't miss it! You can record the sound onto your computer by going to Accessories, sound recording in case you need to come back to something. Wishing you all luck & good health!
Posted 12/2/2012 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
I know all this is so tough. My LLMD actually filled out my disability papers that show functional capacity. I am in a fog and can't think of what the name of the form is. He sent it to my lawyer and then gave me a copy. As I read it, I broke down in tears because it was like it was written about someone else. I couldnt believe that is what I have become. Most of my damage is permanent. I try and hold on to hope for a brighter day. We already lost one house to mold and if I don't get approved, we will be filing bankrupcy due to so many credit card and medical bills. It's very hard to deal with financial stress when we are so sick.
Posted 12/3/2012 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Just don't give up, I was denied when i applied the 1st time, I got a lawyer, he wasnt much help, my family Dr wrote a letter and at my hearing I was having a flare up, body was swollen, the judge looked at my work history I have always worked, I was in and out in 20 min, my lawyer said he has never seen anybody get approved so fast at my age, I was 45 at that time, all I say is be honest, trust me when ur in pain people do see it, will be praying for all who have been trying to get disability.
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