Disabilty help

[SarahAnne]

Has anyone with Crohn's filed for disability and been successful? I had to take so much short term disabilty and eventually had to quit my job because I couldn't tell my boss when I would be able to return (best boss ever-so understanding). Few months later, was feeling better and got another job. Had to quit after 8 months, I was so sick I just couldn't stand up.

With my disease I just can't work any normal schedule. I may be okay for a whole week, then I'm down for months. No one wants to hire someone, even if they are a hard worker, when they have to be out so much. But to look at me, besides being really skinny, I don't look sick.

It took my mom 5 years to get disability for her CFS and fibro. What is the best, quickest way to take care of this? Do I even have a chance, or is CD not considered a debilitating enough condition?

 

[dreamdesire]

http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/services/dla.asp

I found this website, hope it helps x

 

[silvermander]

I was approved for disability about 13 years ago. Diagnosed at age 8 and proved over and over that every time I tried to work I had a serious flare.

There is absolutely no way I could work a regular schedule. I've tried working a couple times and always ended up in surgery. For some reason I could handle high school (was in remission from age 9 to 16 - then kaboom!) and college (did have surgery one summer, but wasn't because of school stress), but not working a regular job.

The first time I applied for disability, I was denied for having too new of a car. Trust me, they look for any reason. I got married, left him (2 years) and I applied again. That time around I had all my paperwork in order, had all my docs ready and willing to help me. I was in the office or on the phone with them a couple times a week.

They ended up sending me to one of 'their doctors' and had a full exam. He went up one side and down the other. He looked over my medical records and talked to me. He told me he was impressed with how old my body was. That I was 24 with the body of a 75 year old. He told me he'd do everything in his power to help me.

I'd absolutely request them to send you to one of their docs. If all else fails, then get a lawyer. The thing about lawyers who specialize in disability is that they don't take money up front, but the chunk they took when you get disability can be rather large.

If there's anything you need to help you get through this, absolutely ask me and I'll see what I can do. Sadly much of it is hurry up and get some paperwork in, then wait. Hurry up and do this, then wait. If you're denied, absolutely appeal. They try to deny almost everyone the first time around.

Keep your chin up and let me know if you need help with any of it.

 

[exit4]

I got SSD approved Feb of 2011. I am 47 and had Crohn's for 15 years. I had a fistula surgery that did not heal correct. That may have made a difference for SSD. I first went on short term, then long term disability from work. While I was on long term, my disability insurance made me file with SSD; they also provided a third party company to help with paperwork. I also have all my issues well documented and both my family and GI docs are on board.

 

[margie]

It took three denials before I finally decided to appeal the decision and fight for disability with an attorney. I was diagnosed with Crohns' back in 2005 but didn't get the disability until 2009. It took 3 years before the appeal hearing was scheduled. That is what they told me the waiting list was at. I did received social security disability but not social security income. I found out also that you can't work at all a year prior to filing otherwise you won't be considered for disability. So you have to wait a year again after quiting your job.
Hope that helps. Good luck and be persistant with it, but don't wait to get an attorney this time. It won't cost you anything up front, because the social security attorneys will take their portion out of the first payment.

 

[Jennifer]

I've been on disability for Crohn's for many years. Generally everyone gets denied their first time around but don't let that stop you. Appeal (preferably with an attorney, you don't have to pay them till they win your case) until you are approved and you will be. When you talk about your condition, you want to talk about your worst days possible and not say that you feel ok sometimes.

 

[SarahAnne]

Thanks everyone, sounds a lot like what my mom told me. She is on disability for her FM, Sjogren's and chronic fatigue. It took her 5 years to get approved. She said everyone gets denied the first time. I definitely have documentation of all of the surgeries, hospital stays, procedures and missed work over the years. I know my GI's office would help me with any paperwork, but it is a very busy practice and they are notorious for losing paperwork or submitting it without signatures, etc. I haven't been working since right before Christmas, and although we are living paycheck to paycheck, we can afford to have me not work right now so I guess that is in my favor. I physically can not work right now though, I am only 87 lbs and I get tired if I'm on my feet for more than 2 hours.

Paperwork, ugh. It's almost as fun as sitting on the toilet.

 

[closedingirl]

Right now, I'm at the final stages of trying for disability. I got denied twice and now have a lawyer. I'm waiting on the decision of the court, should get it in a month or so. Just try. You can't go wrong if you try. It's a long process, though

 

[Jennifer]

Here's the Disability Checklist so you know what sort of information you need to have: http://www.ssa.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.htm
You can begin the disability application online (fill out forms 2-4): http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm
Here's information on SSI: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html
Documents you need to get SSI: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html#part4
You can also apply for SSI online: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/radr/radr-fe

If you think you can get both of them then you should apply for both.

All links from: http://www.ssa.gov

 

[SarahAnne]

Thanks for all of the helpful info! I haven't done anything yet, because it is all so overwhelming, I didn't know where to start!

 

[Jennifer]

You're welcome. You can contact your local Social Security office and they can help you with getting all the proper paperwork and answer any questions and let you know what sort of documentation you need to gather if its too overwhelming at the moment.