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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/22/2014 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just looking for some feedback. I have read all the different posts on "filing for disability" - I have read tons of websites. I'm struggling today to remain positive.
- My history - I have been diagnosed with PTSD from my Psych. I have been diagnosed with Panic Disorder and GAD - both stemming from the PTSD from my pcp. I have been seeing 2 therapists. One for 3.5 years and one for 1.5 years that specializes in PTSD treatment.
My dr suggestion I file for disability last year, I did and the next day got offered a job, took it and decided not to continue with my application. Same time a year later - I am in a similar position and decide to file. My Dr sent in all of my health records from the past year - 392 pages - I see her weekly / bi-weekly. She also sent in a 5 page summary of my limitations. My psych sent in his records from the past year - 18 pages. My therapists are sending their RFC forms today - both showing marked impairments in 2 different sections. So I feel I have done all I can do at this point and just need to wait it out. Has anyone had luck getting approved on the first time with all of this info?
I have seen my Mental Health Counselor (therapist) the longest of any of my providers and wonder if they put any stock into what their opinions and findings are even though they are not "DR's" - but licensed.
Posted 9/22/2014 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunatelly, I don't have any experience in filing for disability. However, I have known people who has had to wait years as there's a lot of red tape to go through. Don't let this worry you as I'm sure the "waiting time" is different for each state.

In my state you are not supposed to work anywhere while waiting for your claim to go through the process and this makes it very difficult for these people to live and pay their bills. But if you can get "back pay" approved that would be sweet!

Sorry I'm not of much help but I do want to offer you support. Hopefully someone else on here has been through the process and can offer you good advice. Keep us posted! Good luck!

Post Edited (Cornell) : 9/22/2014 9:40:00 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/22/2014 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
Amil,

You are currently still working, right? Has the paperwork gotten as far as your empolyer yet?

It sounds like your background work with getting your forms filled out completely will give you the best possible processing time...well done on all of that work!

Mental health professionals (therapists)documentation should hold the same weight as an M.D.'s...

...plus you do have an M.D. signing off on it if your psychiatrist's paperwork is included, so you should be fine.:)

Best wishes with all of this...I know it is stressful to wait on the processing.

S.C.
Posted 9/22/2014 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I actually quit working in July. I was trying to use some medications but the side effects wouldn't allow me to function. Since then, the psychiatrist said due to my sensitivity to meds, I should just treat with benzos and therapy.

I went from full time to part time a year ago, then part time to nothing now in July. I really feel like I have exhausted all options.

Thanks for the positivity. I need it. :).

I am actually at the ER right now. Had shortness of breath. Checked out to be anxiety, surprise. :(. Stressful day.
Posted 9/22/2014 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on Disability. It took me a few times to get it right (meaning it was ME who backed down because I felt embarrassed and overwhelmed).

What worked for me was I hired a law firm where Disability cases are All...They...Do...Period!!

Wow, what a huge difference! I never, ever could have done it on my own. I get overwhelmed way too easily, and I can be quite submissive and not stand up for myself.

These guys were the best and they handle cases all over the country (USA). I have them to thank personally for helping me to get this claim filed and approved, because if left to my own devices, I'd still be waiting.

Good luck to you! :)





M.
Posted 9/23/2014 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Like Merrida said: GET A LAWYER! Make sure it is one that specializes in disability cases. My brother-in-law was actually told by a law judge's assistant before that he should definitely get himself a lawyer!
I was one of the rare few that got disability without a lawyer. My Dad went with me. The law judge was aware that I had wanted to postpone my hearing b/c I was so anxious (I couldn't) and knew that I didn't get a lawyer b/c I was so anxious. I was relying on my Dad for moral support at the hearing.
As to evidence I presented, my therapist did include a letter. Also, my friend who saw how messed up I was when I had tried to work where she was working, wrote a letter about it.
You can't have too much evidence! If the law judge feels it is irrelevant, he will disregard it. But hey, you still can't "un-ring a bell", right? Even if you are a judge!
Nonetheless, that was back in 1993 and in the state of Florida. That is why you should have a good lawyer to represent you. He/she will know what's best for your case. And they do not get paid unless you win your disability case!
I wish you the best!
jl
Posted 9/23/2014 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
I wanted to try on my own first. I didn't want to pay an attorney if I don't have to. I did a lot of research and I think I did everything the attorney would do. They get the RFC forms and statements. Most people probably don't think to ask their doctors or therapists for those forms. If I get denied twice, I will get the attorney then. Thanks. :).
Posted 9/25/2014 12:57 PM (GMT 0)
I have an update - I spoke to my disability examiner yesterday. He said he feels he has enough evidence to wrap up my case in the next day or so. He didn't feel he needed to get my ER visit report from Monday. He couldn't tell me what his decision was but told me "don't stress". So - I'm hoping that is a favorable decision. I'm taking it as a positive. I mean... if he was not sure or needed more info, it wouldn't have gone this fast and he would have waited for the other info to come in... I'm guessing.
Posted 9/25/2014 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Amill,

I agree...it sounds promising! Much faster than I would've guessed!

Wishing you favorable resolution.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/8/2014 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
So happy to report..... It was approved and my first check was received today. Don't give up, don't give in...do the research and have all the documents provided... it works!
Posted 10/8/2014 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
I want to add - you don't need a lawyer if you get all the info from your providers. There are many websites that will tell you what they are looking for.
Posted 10/8/2014 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
Why is it so hard to get on disability? I'm still trying.
Posted 10/8/2014 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
I applied late July, and was approved in October. It wasn't hard at all - but it was stressful waiting for the decision. There are many websites - (I googled for days) that will tell you what the requirements are and what the "proof" needed is. Just make sure you have all of that and get it submitted. In order to meet the requirement and get approved on the first try, you need to make sure you meet all the needs for the disorder. Hope that helps.
Posted 10/8/2014 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Way to go Amill for advocating for yourself! Now maybe you can have some peace of mind and focus on getting your mind and body healthy w/o the hardship of finances.

Thanks for sharing and wishing you all the very best!

Lisa
Posted 10/8/2014 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
wish you all the best !
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