Application for SSDI is not as scary as the general population make it out to be. Here is what I would suggest:

[Posted by alaurie_97@yahoo.com]

Hi Wobbler,

Application for SSDI is not as scary as the general population make it
out to be. Here is what I would suggest:

1. Get confirmation and support from your PCP your disease has
progressed to the point of qualifying for total disability in his
opinion.
2. Have your employ put the impact of your MS on your ability to
perform work (on your worse day) in writing.
3. Make sure you meet with your neuro and verify his support in
applying for total disability.
4. Go online to the SSDI site and read everything on the "how to"
of applying.
5. Once all of our doctors and psych counselors are on board gather
all of your records information.
6. Not the records themselves just all of the info which will make
is easier for the SSDI administrator to obtain them.
7. Take an attitude of, "I will do whatever is necessary to make
the SSDI administrator's job as easy as possible."
8. File everything online and not hand written. Much more efficient
and easier on you.
9. Actually call and introduce yourself to whomever is assigned
your case and let them know you just want to make their job as easy as
possible including leg work if necessary.
10. When filling out the application leave "nothing" blank. Either
answer it in full detail or us N/A. It removes any question you may
have missed it.
11. When asked any questions on how you feel when....always base the
answer on your worse possible day.
12. Have you wife or significant other help with the application.
Two heads are better than one and it has an impact on the
administrator that you need help doing this too.

That's enough to get you started. It took my wife and I 2 full weeks
to complete the online application, took the print off with us to our
first interview and I ended up being approved on the first try within
60 days.

Do not let your pride get in the way of what is best for you now and
long term. Listen to Gomer too. "BE" a Pygmy eating an elephant. Take
it one bite at a time.
__________________
Craig Mattice~Accept everyday as a challenge.
Make everyday challenging.
Richmond, VA USA
Reply With Quote
NeuroNixed Craig
03-02-2011, 05:17 AM
==

Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 539
I had a similar situation, i had been let go in a mass layoff due to
the economy. i didn't have ms at the time, i lookred for work for 2
years then unexpectedly i was diagnosed with ms in an episode that was
immediatel disabling. i applied right away, i think it was easier to
apply because the first 2 years were my worst for ms--now i'm on
tysabri & am better, still know i have ms but it may be more difficult
to get approved now.

when i applied, i had lost my insurance, i just kept telling myself i
need insurance, medicare, and after i have secured insurance i will
decide if i am disabled. there is no way i will get insurance any
other way now that i have ms

i'm better than i was, but i sure am not competitively employable, so
for just security alone, i think i made the right decision. holding a
job with a visible disabilty is much different than acquiring a job
with a disability.
it is what it is & some pragmatism is needed in making the decision.
with unemployment so high & other looking for work, its almost better
for the economy for me to get off the unemployment statistics now that
i have a reason to do so.

i did not need to use a laywer, was able to apply on my own. BUT I
THINK YOUR PLAN TO USE ONE IS VERY WISE!!!!

i replied to this when i saw someone who was located in new hamphere
say something about a laywer not being needed.

it wasn't for me and probably for her because we live in states with
low denial rates---you live in a state with a high denial rate. so its
probably best if you do use a laywer.

this cbs news article identified 14 state with hig SSDI denial rates;
NY,GA,AZ,CO,MO,AR,TN,KY,OH,SC,NC,WV,MI,KS

and ssdi uses an equation to determine disability...disabbility =
disability+age+education level

the younger a person is, the more disability they need to overcome a
retrainability factor. someone younger is considered more re-
trainable.

the higher the education level the more retrainable that person is
considered and the greater the disability that person will need to
qualify for disability.

i think you are younger, so it will be easier for them to deny. work
with a laywer.

CBS news article:

[url]http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?
id=3718448n&tag=related;photovideo[/url]