How Sick Must One Be To Qualify For Disability With Crohn's

[LodgeLady]

How sick do yo have to be to qualify for disability? Does one have to exhausted all treatment? Must one have had surgeries? Does length of time since diagnosis play a role in the decision making process?

 

[kristihelene]

I am interested in people's responses here! I have just applied for ssdi and have contracted a lawyer as I know it's going to be a battle! I know I won't qualify for ssi because of my husbands income but I am really hoping to get ssdi approved as we have been struggling with the inconsistent of my ability to bring in money! In my case, I've had 3 surgeries for crohn's, and currently on remicade and methotrexate combo. I am in constant pain, constant BM frequency, and have a few additional diagnosis related to auto-immune that make daily tasks like showering tiresome (inflammatory arthritis, endometriosis, migraines, and excessive daytime somulence). I plan to fight till I win, because my quality of life while trying to work is poor, at best. It affects my marriage, my family, my friends, and I always end up in the hospital so also affects my patients as I have to keep canceling appts with them! I've reached my wits end... And sounds
Like you may have too - so good luck!!


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[Kero]

Good question, I will be waiting for info myself My husband has a good income as well, but I feel it's my right to be able to go to work, and I can't because of this stupid whatever is going on with me. I am lucky to have a really awesome boss, but I don't like the feeling of letting her down

 

[exit4]

I am on disability because of Crohn’s and Crohn’s complications: abcceses, fistulas, back pain, depression. It is not an easy process, but if your doctors support you and you can document your disability for at least a year, it’s possible. It took me 1 ½ years and I was not able to work at all – not few months here and there. First, I was on short term disability from my work, then that rolled over to long term disability. The long term disability insurance made me apply for SSDI and assisted in filing the paperwork. I was approved the first time.
All my doctors were on board and I had all my documents from multiple doctors that stated -I am unable to work, that my complications prevented me from holding a job.
Here is a link to more info I posted that also maybe helpful: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?p=730493#post730493

 

[carrollco]

How does medical work? I am in CA and am the primary breadwinner. I have a good job with great benefits. The way I am feeling now, if Remicade doesn't work I am done. I just can't do the accidents, the pain, or the bathroom runs. But I am terrified about medical insurance. If you are on ssdi does medicare pick up? I don't think the ACA covers most Crohn's meds. Any experience?

 

[exit4]

I am on my wife’s health insurance through her work. I had a choice to go on Medicare but financially wife’s insurance made more cense at a time. With Obama care that may change things, but so far I am ok with what I have. I feel your pain! What really pushed me over the edge was non healing fistula post surgery.

 

[kristihelene]

Thanks for the input! I've decided to apply and retained a lawyer to help with the process. I have an appt to talk with GI tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed that he's supportive!!! This is the sickest I've been with a non-surgical issue.. I'm so tired of beating up my body just to try to work for a few months before crashing and landing myself in the hospital or the OR.

 

[carrollco]

Ah, yeah, I know what you mean Kristi. I am so tired of being sick. Please keep us (me) updated if you can.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

It took me 2 yrs. to get before a law judge for my disability. It didn't matter if my husband had me on his insurance because I worked for over 10 yrs and put into the system.

What really helped (wish I didn't go through it) is that I had a 12" clot on my brain that caused a stroke and then i developed problems from it. If I went on just Crohn's alone, I think it would've been a tougher fight for me BUT with the yearly surgeries, stroke, post stroke issues, my clotting disorder, DVTS, clot on brain still, more surgery, and 2 HUGE files in front of the judge, he ruled on the spot and told me that I should've been given the go ahead for my disability instead of coming before him.

The other good thing was that I had a local judge instead of someone out of state because my attorney told me that the out of state ones make those applying for SSDBL go for more tests (the $$ comes out of THEIR pocket) before they'd make a decision.

NY state is very behind in it's cases so they are bringing in judges from all over. If you have a really good GI and GI surgeon who's willing to really fight for you but filling out the paperwork, you can get it on the first try as my BFF did as she had a small bowel and liver transplant and other health issues that are still serious. good luck to everyone applying. It's a tough fight but don't give up.

 

[lblair]

I think that you might have to be your death bed lol!!! I did apply and was denied after 6 months I did appeal!!! I will fight till i win!!! They need to walk in our shoes for a day or a week!!!!!! I so tried of not feeling good just DC Humira and will be starting Remeciade and if that don't work then surgey!!!!!