Disability

[butt-eze]

With crohn's disease and a total of 6 orthopaedic surgeries to fix my joints I'm curious as to whether any one thinks I could qualify for permanent disability.

I have short term and long term disability insurance. What I want to know is whether I should pursue this. I've heard the process is difficult and many people are denied during the initial application.

Any lawyers out there? Anyone else go through this?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[misscris]

Hey Amy,

I have heard from several people though, that if you apply for disability and get denied the first time, apply again. For some reason it's kind of their way to eliminate the ones trying to 'fake' I guess. They typically deny on the first go round. Are your problems with your joints going to impact your living and functioning? I mean, is this something that will heal and you can get the surgery, heal and go on? Or will you be disabled and impaired from them?

 

[teeny5]

I would suggest trying for it. I had a friend which was on disability permanently and the process wasn't too bad for her.

 

[pcbgirl227]

Hey Amy - Have you tried going to the SS disability site online? It allows you to chose Crohns and will tell you the info needed to apply. I too have considered filing as I am constistently out of work due to Crohns - last yr 6mths, so far this year 2 mths. Good Luck and let us know what you do!

 

[butt-eze]

My hope is that I would be capable of functioning normally some day but I know that I have a long way to go until I get there. My next surgery, ankle fusion, is April 13. Two months after that I will have surgery on my wrist. There after I will have my other ankle fused and both knees replaced. So, it sounds like I will be bionic but maybe I will be just fine.

I think I will take time during my recovery to apply and see what happens. My concern is that it won't be enough money.

 

[misscris]

I think I would definitely apply while going through the surgeries for sure! It sounds like you'll be going through enough, during the multitude of surgeries. Why not apply and get some help.

Good luck with it all for sure Amy!

 

[orchard archer]

AMY, I looked up on GOOGLE (Super Lawyers)
The very first listing has options, Select (Browse Listings)
Then Choose your State.
It gives you the top 5% rated lawyers in each State.
The City Closest to you If you like. They will give you over the phone advice.
I was referred at the time and Met my lawyer Once, the day of the Hearing, Everything was Mailed to me, And all Medical Record Release Requests were done by mail. Plus some phone calls.
Make lists of Questions.
A Doctor Backing you Helps? But, Medical history alone can be enough.
See if there is a Handicap Council, advocacy, in Your Area to Help fill out your SOC. SEC. Application, Someone CCFA might know that?
I Pretty sure you need 2 denials?? before the lawyer phase on the 3rd.
You can do some research yourself, Google (Crohn's and Disability)
Make Copies of Everything if You Can so you don't forget things.
Hope This helps, It was awhile back and it may have changed abit.
Good Luck, I wish you all the best........

 

[Jennifer]

If you think you will be fine and able to work after your surgeries and after healing then there's no need to be on permanent disability. For now, why don't you just go on disability for while you're unable to work and then start working again when you're able as you slowly get off of disability?

The only reason why one would go on permanent disability is if they simply cannot work and will never be able to work for the rest of their life. You could do this for crohns but your crohns would have to be flaring so often but if that were the case then chances are you'd have surgery over and over until there wasn't anything left to take out and then you wouldn't have those crohns symptoms to begin with and you would be able to work again.

As far as the money they give you, they base the amount around your cost of living in your area. You get enough to pay rent, electricity, gas (for the house not the car) and water. Any extra is a made up number that they think you can use to buy food or other items to help you live. This number goes down when you live with someone else even if its a roommate that you don't know and hardly ever see. They assume that these people help you out with food costs. You will not have enough money to buy all the food you like and want and be able to get luxury items. I was able to have a cell phone, pay car insurance, and pay half the cable but that's it.

Contact Social Security and a lawyer.

 

[orchard archer]

Thank you, Relish for adding.
I didn't consider your short and long term disability.
I believe you need to be off work Completely a Full year also.
I get Reviewed every 4 years.
The amount of money you get is also based on the amount you paid into Soc. Sec.
It is a Long Process and Nerve Racking to say the least.
Again I would ask your Doctor If He/She would Back you?
It might give you an indication if you may or may not qualify, Possibly??
Remember I went through it and am NOT an expert, only an opinion!

 

[Jennifer]

Some doctors aren't willing for some reason. Haven't found out why. All of mine have been perfectly willing but when I got a lawyer years ago, he worked with a doctor of his own who normally helped him with cases, almost a partnership really. I HIGHLY recommend getting a lawyer who works with a doctor. Best wham bam thank you mam combo there is.