HRSSC And The Road Toward Disability

 I am on the road to securing Disability Retirement via Social Security and OPM-FERS (government).  Filled out a few forms today and had to make copies of everything and then prepare six form letters to my doctors requesting medical records that they have to send to the HRSSC in Greensboro, NC.  Also had to fill out two forms and they will be sent to the HRSSC directly.  Haven't heard back from Social Security yet, but it takes them a lot of time I've heard.  So far, just a confirmation number that I've applied.  So goes the long (hopefully not very long) road toward securing disability.

I have panic attacks every day and have not been to work in over a month now, but I'm still in FMLA status until that runs out (12 weeks) and then to Leave Without Pay status, which I'm really in both situations because I have no more sick or annual leave left.  Used them up earlier this year.  The medication just mellows me out a little bit, but it does nothing to stop the attacks, sort of maintenance meds I guess.  I freak out a little bit at home and don't want to stay out in public too long, so I think I'm turning agoraphobic.  Wherever my husband goes, I go or I stay at home and hide in my bed.

So now I wait until I hear something from the HRSSC within the next month or so, I would suppose---depends on how long the doctors take to send in the records.

I love you guys, and you are in my prayers and thoughts every day.  You are in the same pickle as I am.  Scaredy Cat, Fugs, Kitt, and everybody else that's in this thing together and have written me, stay tuned.  I will let you know what happens when it does.

Love, peace and may the Lord be with you every second of every day.

Camylou

Camylou

I am glad you have made your choice and even thow the wait may be long the end result should be a good thing for you.

Just a few bits of info you may already know: 

The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is from 3 to 5 months.  It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on:

• the nature of your disability;
• how quickly SS obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source;
• whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim; and
• If your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision.

If your application is approved, your first Social Security disability benefits will be paid for the sixth full month after the date your disability began.  Retro pay is awarded but I am not sure exactly how this all works.

Patience is the magic word here so know we are supporting you and just keep plugging away as I know it can be frustrating but don't give up.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt