Disability
The Skipper
I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
They say that although they accept that I can't do my old job, there
are jobs I could do. To quote their letter, "It may not be as hard to
do and the pay may be less". I guess I could be an attendant at a
parking garage, for minimum wage.
I'm really angry and frustrated. Since I've been diagnosed, I've had
to put up with truely incompetent medical personel. I've had to fight
with doctors, just to get them to do the G__ D___ job that they are
geetting paid well to do. Fight with HMOs just to get stuff done that
is pretty much standard treatment. Now I'm going to have to fight
with these f_____ at Social Security, and end up giving 25% of what I
get to a lawyer, just to get the benifits that, by law, I'm entitled
to. It just isn't right. I'm sick (and tired, too) and I don't need
all this "stuff".
My wife has been carrying the load for the last 1 1/2 years. When she
married me she wasn't planning on being the only or even the main
provider for the family. Getting disability would have gone a long
way toward relieving some of the tention between the 2 of us.
I could always get, as they term it, "substantial work". Is anybody
out there looking for a really big, professional doorstop?<G>
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
Marijo
The Skipper <m_ps...@primenet.com> wrote in article
<34a98c29...@news.primenet.com>...
Skipper.....I'm sorry about your bad news.....
I have snipped all of your post, as I've a feeling that this one
will be a pretty long one in answer to yours.
I KNOW what you are feeling, going through. I am subtly being
filtered out of a job at present, and had the same done to me at a
previous one because of my health problems.
I have a brother-in-law (less than 50 yrs. old) that has a heart
problem. The back half of his heart is necrotic (dead) and while he
can work at tending bar, which he had done in the past, it isn't
enough to supplement their income. Not to discourage you, but, he
has tried for the last two years to get disability, and has been
denied every time. They have contested it, and taken it to the next
higher "authority" and only to be denied again. My sister is on
partial disability because she was working for the State, and
sustained an injury to her back while working. The State fought
that, stating that it was not a job related injury, because she had a
record of back problems. She even had a statement from the Orth. doc
stating that the back condition had nothing to do with the injury.
Anyway, she fought it until she finally was able to obtain the
partial disability. Her husband, however, is *still* fighting to get
what he really needs.
What really makes a person very angry is that there have been any
number of drug addicts who have gotten disability. (previous to the
change in the law) I read not long ago in Reader's Digest where
people have even received disability for a paper cut received at
work!!!! :-( They ended up being fined, and disability taken away,
but the point is, they actually were approved. It is overwhelming
to have to have your life turned upside down w/o having to *fight*
for what you need. Someone told me that the reason they deny people
is that if the person gives up the fight, it saves Soc. Sec. money.
Whether it is true or not, it sure makes a person wonder.
I assume you got a doctor's statement testifying to your disability?
I don't remember if there is a waiting period before you can, but
I'd file again. Get another
doc's opinion if you have to, and then refile. At least that way,
and for the time being, anyway, you don't need to have the expense of
a lawyer. Try another route before you go that one.
I hope I haven't discouraged you even more by all this. Just wanted
to let you know that you are *not* alone. I can't get disability
either, because I don't have enough quarterly credits for the last 10
years!
Hang in there, and don't give up! Let us know how things go....we
care!
--
Marijo
Send Any Direct Replies to:
mar...@thekeyboard.com
Lady Andy2
>I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
Hi, Skipper... I know this is feeling like a personal attack, but I understand
it is pretty normal. I have heard they automatically reject all first
applications, or most anyway. Just refile... keep a very accurate record of
all your medical evidence, dates, hospitalizations, treatments, operations,
even a diary of how your condition affects your day-to-day life. Don't skip
anything...they like dates and details, makes it more real to them. And KEEP
REAPPLYING. And give them only photocopies, as you can expect to keep needing
to refer to that file of yours with its documentation.
Best of luck, and let us know how it goes...
Lady...@aol.com
KRopos
Skipper
Hi sorry to hear about your battle with SS we get patients on disability- both
mental health and the HIV positive I work with..my experience is that
universally they are denied the first time but get it on appeal...I always
caution my patients to expect a denial at first..lets hope this is all the
problem is for you. Wishing you luck...
Kate Send in the clowns
Harvey R. Stone
Hi Skipper, It seems that the only people to benifit when dealing with
the gov are lawyers and they force you to use them
to get what you deserve. Hmo s loss of work life in the pain
lane is very frustrating as they say been there done that. The only
thing you can do is the best you can and try not to dwell on the
downside... Easy to say and hard to do and everyone has a different way of
handling it but you will.
Harv
The Skipper wrote:
> I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
AM
The Skipper <m_ps...@primenet.com> wrote:
<snipped>
Hi, Skipper!
I'm so sorry that you had to get this to deal with on top of everything
else!!! From what I've read here and on other groups, most people get
turned down at first. Seems like you're supposed to fight for it...
I hope you can get some help in getting your case through... I'm sure
others here can tell you a lot about how they handelled it...
Take care - hang in there!!!!
--
Best regards / Med vennlig hilsen,
Aase Marit :))))))) ("Aw-Se-Mareet" from Norway)
http://w1.2380.telia.com/~u238000263/flaker/docs/index.html
Harvey R. Stone
Lady Andy2 wrote:
> >I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
>
That is good advice---all of it.
Lady Andy2 wrote:
> >I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
>
Ron Halverson
>> I could always get, as they term it, "substantial work". Is anybody
out there looking for a really big, professional doorstop?<G> <<
Please accept my sincere regards as one who has "been there". I was
refused my initial application in 1990, but approved on my first appeal.
And that was for totally debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis while living
in a Veterans Home unable to care for myself. As others have mentioned,
denial on first application is standard procedure to weed out those who
may not have the tenacity or finances to continue the battle. I believe
it is a cruel practice which allows SSA to do a sloppy job of
investigation in the first round.
Whatever, be sure to comply 100% with all the requirements of the appeal
process. Missing deadlines or incorrect procedures may cost you your
well deserved retro-active payment which may be substantial, and a
tremendous boost to get you back in the world once approved.
You have my sincere hope that justice will prevail in a system where you
are perceived to be a scam artist just for exercising your right to
apply for redistribution of money you have already paid over the years.
Take care.
!^NavFont02F03BB0007RGHHJBCBCCC
!N3
Stacy Scott
The Skipper wrote:
>
> I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
> are jobs I could do. To quote their letter, "It may not be as hard to
> do and the pay may be less". I guess I could be an attendant at a
> parking garage, for minimum wage.
Reapply! I don't know that I'd use a lawyer for the first go-round of
the reapplication -- I've understood that it's pretty much routine to be
denied on the first application, then admitted on appeal.
Just lately the rules under which SSDI operates were changed, and they
were given a Congressional mandate to re-evaluate everyone on the rolls.
As a result, they've been, well, a little overzealous. I went through
re-evaluation just lately, and it was a much more unpleasant experience
than previous re-evaluations -- the reviewer at the home office peppered
me with forms in the mail and I had to go through yet another exam by
a subcontracted orthopedist. My impression of SSDI has been that, even
though they *should* know, in fact the system is not designed to accomo-
date the evaluation of people with chronic, debilitating, incurable dis-
ease; the presumption of all the forms is that the disabling condition
is temporary and acute. I cherish my latest approval letter: ". . . it
is expected you will improve . . . ." Wow! I sure hope so! Do they
think I *like* having RA?
Anyway, good luck, Skipper.
Stacy Scott
remove the obvious in above address to e-mail
James Kitts
I have psoriatic arthritris which first began to manifest symptoms while I
was in college. I developed psoriasis in the army and then after my
discharge, I began nursing school. Within a coupke of years I began to have
skeletal-muscular problems that were hard to track down. Since diagnosis, I
have been on every drug available, with no results. While in school and
before the Army,I worked mostly under the table and haven't applied for
anything because I didn't think I was entitled. My wife has supported us
exclusively for 5-6 years and its a problem. Any advice?
Ron Halverson wrote in message
<09971131100829...@prodigy.net>...
Ron Halverson
Hello James. I'm going to give you some opinions that you can take for
exactly what they're worth, free. Some other folks may not agree with
me, but I guess that's what an open forum is all about. I was a
voluntarily enlisted three year veteran of the Army, and as much as I
detest the sloppy administration of the Veterans Affairs Hospital
System, I am at the same time forever grateful for care and treatment
received from certain dedicated individuals within the system. I have
received a tremendous amount of help over the past ten years.
>> I have psoriatic arthritris which first began to manifest symptoms
while I was in college. I developed psoriasis in the army and then after
my discharge, I began nursing school. <<
Unless you are one of the few whose service records were destroyed in a
fire some years ago, your medical history (hopefully indicating a
diagnosis of psoriasis) still exist. If you belong to a Service
Organization like VFW, American Legion, VVA (Vietnam Veterans of
America), ask one of the service officers about Service Related
Disability. If you don't belong to one of these organizations, JOIN ONE
NOW. I belong to the VFW and it cost me all of $18 per year. They have
people dedicated to helping you with your application.
Veterans Affairs is very specific about evidence of an ailment showing
up during your active duty period in order to qualify for Service
Related Disability. Personally, I would conveniently forget any symptoms
I had prior to service, since even if undocumented, it may be considered
pre-existing.
>> Within a coupke of years I began to have skeletal-muscular problems
that were hard to track down. Since diagnosis, I have been on every drug
available, with no results. <<
It is imperative that whatever disabling condition you experience today
can be traced through service records to have had it's origins while you
were on active duty. For example, an unknown skeletal-muscular problem
today does not for the VA's purposes relate to a diagnosis of psoriasis
during active duty. Being disabled means nothing if you can't pin it
directly to having origins during active duty service.
>> While in school and before the Army,I worked mostly under the table
and haven't applied for anything because I didn't think I was entitled.
My wife has supported us exclusively for 5-6 years and its a problem.
Any advice? <<
Which is why I have mentioned only VA Service Disability to this point.
With a mostly undocumented work history, you will not qualify for Social
Security Disability SSDI because you have not really contributed
anything to the fund. The alternative Social Security program for your
situation is called Supplemental Security Income SSI, and is essentially
a welfare program that pays a very modest $500 +/- per month
subsistence.
On the other hand, Service Related Disabilities are rated in percentages
from 10% to 100%. For a married person like yourself, a 100% Service
Related Disability would provide a $30k tax free annual income. Rather
substantially greater than $6k you would get with SSI, and easily
equivalent to a $50k taxable income. A very generous pension, which is
why they want to be sure you displayed symptoms during active duty.
I am receiving SSDI payments that are substantially less than Service
Disability, but I can assure you, if I believed my RA and Avascular
Necrosis, and lord knows what else were a result of my massive exposure
to Agent Orange in 1966-67, I'd go for it.
The evaluation process is tough, as it should be, and you must prove the
origin of your disability came during active duty. Since the VA recently
approved several tobacco related ailments, you can imagine the surge of
guys trying to prove they smoked their first cigarette in the Armed
Services. I guess my point is, don't expect anything to happen in a
timely manner.
Far too long a response, but about ten years ago, I was homeless and
desperate for information myself.
Sincerely,
!^NavFont02F0CCF0007RGHHSD0BD5C
!N3
Carolyn
Hi Dr. Susan --
Just wanted to say how impressed I am by your very practical, detailed
and caring post about disability claims. I'm sure you've given a lot of
people some truly important and useful advice today.
I know I'm not alone in thanking you for your participation on this
newsgroup. I hope you and everyone on the group has a very happy New
Year. I look forward to another year of helpful information, mutual
support and lots of laughs!
Carolyn
Susan Hoch MD wrote:
>
> Skipper, I am sorry to hear about your problem with SSI but
> not surprised. Many SSI applications are turned down initially; I
> tell my patients not to take it personally. Remember your application
> is being read by a clerk with a high school education, not by someone
> with medical training. They have a book in front of them, put out by
> the Social Security administration which lists by codes, the
> designated impairments. If your medical information matches the
> listed impairment and better yet, if you doc has the same book in
> front of him or her and uses the social security code for your
> disease, then it is more likely that you will get it on the first go
> round.
>
> If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is a listed impairment
> (I can;t give you the code right now because I'm at home and the
> guideline are in my office but you are welcome to e-mail me privately
> for this. For RA you need to have had the disease for more than 3
> months with continued activity and need either a positive rheumatoid
> factor or an elevated sedimentation rate or a positive ANA or a biopsy
> of a nodule(the guidelines are a bit strange). So RA isn't a problem.
> Much more of a problem is back pain for example from disc disease
> because nerve root involvement as demonstrated on EMG must be
> demosntrated. Lupus is a problem because the guidelines are purposely
> vague describing frequent exacerbation without describing what
> frequent is. Lupus is almost always turned down initially but will
> win on appeal. Fibromyalgia is not a listed impairment so unless the
> patient has another problem such as depression and can get disability
> under mental illness, it is always an appeal case.
>
> My recommentations for patients are as follows:
> 1. Make sure that your records get to the social security office.
> Make sure that all of your docs send them out. Even better, pick them
> up yourself, and hand deliver them (keep copies in case your file is
> lost). Remember, the clerk reading them is not going to follow up on
> Dr Jones" records that you indicated would be coming. It's your job
> to make sure all your documentation is there.
>
> 2. Look at the records yourself and make sure they say what you want
> them to say. For example, if you have back pain and nerve root
> involvement, make sure the notes say so, because if all your doc says
> is low back pain and he/she doesn't comment on the nerve involvement
> in his/her notes, it's a turndown. If you don't think your docs notes
> are adequate you have two choices:
> 1. ask your doctor to write a letter to social security indicating
> what impairment you have (and even better using the code) and how this
> impairment makes you disabled from your present job,
>
> example: Mrs X.Y. developed rheumatoid arthritis involving her hands,
> wrists, knees, and ankles in March 1997. She was rheumatoid factor
> positive with a titer of 1:512 and had an elevated sedimentation rate
> of 55 mm/hr. Despite medical treatment, her disease continues to be
> active today, 9 months later. She previously worked as a secretary
> and has been unable to work at her occupation which requires extensive
> typing since July 5, 1997. In my medical and professional opinion,
> Mrs XY satisfies the Socia; Security Administration guidelines for
> disability due to her rheumatoid arthritis (code I think1.01 A and B -
> this code may not be right).
>
> Trust me, this letter will help and if you are denied with
> such a letter in your file, a disability lawyer will love this letter
> because it will make his/her job easier.
>
> 2. If your doctor isn't going to support you and if his/her
> documentation isn't supportive, then, in my opinion, you need another
> doc.
>
> 3. Most important, if you are applying for disability, you cannot
> continue to work. This is the catch 22 of disability - you need to
> work for the income but you can't because you are disabled. You must
> stop working to be eligible for disability.
>
> 4. If you are fired because you could not do your job because of
> disability, you have several potential choices. One is, to go on
> unemployment. The problem with unemployment is that it assumes that
> you are ready and able to work should a job appear. If you are
> disabled, that is not going to be the case. If you can prove that you
> were fired because you could not do the job because of a federally
> recognized diabling condition (again RA, not fibromyalgia), then you
> may be able to sue and win under the American with Disabilities act.
> Many people don't want the hassle and don't want to deal with lawyers.
> I can understand that. However, it becomes sort of like polluters.
> If I can dump pollution in the river and no one stops me, I'll keep
> dumping. If a company can fire people because their disability alters
> what they can do in the workplace. they are going to keep doing it
> until someone slaps them in the pocketbook and in the media where it
> hurts. The final option, is that if you are fired and are disabled,
> go immediately to social security and begin the process since it may
> take up to a year.
>
> 5. Remember disability need not be the end. The same system that
> brings you disability has vocational rehabilitation. I have patients
> who couldn't work at certain jobs who are now getting further
> education, for example a secretary who is going to college, a waitress
> who is studying psycology to deal with drug addicted clients, a prison
> guard with lupus who is going back to college to study criminal
> justice. All of these patients now have income from social security,
> health insurance through social security and may someday be back in
> the work force and off social security.
>
> I'll be glad to discuss specific issues with people if they
> wish.
>
> Wishing you all a healthy happy New Year. May we learn more
> about how to treat, cure and prevent various arthritic conditions in
> 1998.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dr Susan
>
> ho...@auhs.edu
>
ho...@auhs.edu
James, if you have worked for 5 out of the last 10 years, you
should be eligible for disability for psoriatic arthritis. It will either
come under rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis (for which you need
documentation of an elevated sedimentation rate) or if you have secondary
osteoarthritis with radiographic change of sufficient severity, you may be
eligible under that.
I would urge you to see a rheumatologist and discuss your
situation with him/her and to get all applicable records to the social
security office.
Regards,
Dr Susan
ho...@auhs.edu
On Wed, 31 Dec 1997, James Kitts wrote:
> I have psoriatic arthritris which first began to manifest symptoms while I
> was in college. I developed psoriasis in the army and then after my
> discharge, I began nursing school. Within a coupke of years I began to have
> skeletal-muscular problems that were hard to track down. Since diagnosis, I
> have been on every drug available, with no results. While in school and
> before the Army,I worked mostly under the table and haven't applied for
> anything because I didn't think I was entitled. My wife has supported us
> exclusively for 5-6 years and its a problem. Any advice?
> Ron Halverson wrote in message
> <09971131100829...@prodigy.net>...
> >>> I could always get, as they term it, "substantial work". Is anybody
> >out there looking for a really big, professional doorstop?<G> <<
> >
> >Please accept my sincere regards as one who has "been there". I was
> >refused my initial application in 1990, but approved on my first appeal.
> >And that was for totally debilitating Rheumatoid Arthritis while living
> >in a Veterans Home unable to care for myself. As others have mentioned,
> >denial on first application is standard procedure to weed out those who
> >may not have the tenacity or finances to continue the battle. I believe
> >it is a cruel practice which allows SSA to do a sloppy job of
> >investigation in the first round.
> >
> >Whatever, be sure to comply 100% with all the requirements of the appeal
> >process. Missing deadlines or incorrect procedures may cost you your
> >well deserved retro-active payment which may be substantial, and a
> >tremendous boost to get you back in the world once approved.
> >
> >You have my sincere hope that justice will prevail in a system where you
> >are perceived to be a scam artist just for exercising your right to
> >apply for redistribution of money you have already paid over the years.
> >Take care.
> >
> >!^NavFont02F03BB0007RGHHJBCBCCC
> >!N3
> >
>
>
>
>
Susan Hoch
HO...@auhs.edu
Susan Hoch MD
Regards,
Dr Susan
On 30 Dec 1997 17:52:01 -0700, m_ps...@primenet.com (The Skipper)
wrote:
>I just got my letter saying that I have been denied for disability.
>They say that although they accept that I can't do my old job, there
>are jobs I could do. To quote their letter, "It may not be as hard to
>do and the pay may be less". I guess I could be an attendant at a
>parking garage, for minimum wage.
>
>I'm really angry and frustrated. Since I've been diagnosed, I've had
>to put up with truely incompetent medical personel. I've had to fight
>with doctors, just to get them to do the G__ D___ job that they are
>geetting paid well to do. Fight with HMOs just to get stuff done that
>is pretty much standard treatment. Now I'm going to have to fight
>with these f_____ at Social Security, and end up giving 25% of what I
>get to a lawyer, just to get the benifits that, by law, I'm entitled
>to. It just isn't right. I'm sick (and tired, too) and I don't need
>all this "stuff".
>
>My wife has been carrying the load for the last 1 1/2 years. When she
>married me she wasn't planning on being the only or even the main
>provider for the family. Getting disability would have gone a long
>way toward relieving some of the tention between the 2 of us.
>
>I could always get, as they term it, "substantial work". Is anybody
>out there looking for a really big, professional doorstop?<G>
>----
>The Skipper
>m_ps...@primenet.com
JBS49
I ,too know how you feel...as a single mom with RA I just received a letter
from the Administrative Law Judge saying he feels I meet the criteria for
disability. I did my initial application Oct.1995, had 2 denials and went to a
hearing in June of 1997,THEN had to wait til Dec. for the decision. I'm told
that SS can still appeal the judge's decision. I felt just like you do, and
believe me the frustration and anger didn't help me get better at all!! I am
within weeks of having to go bankrupt ,so now if they appeal or don't send me a
check soon, it'll be too late. I worked for 25years full time., and this is
how we're treated for getting sick?? ONLY in America. My 13 year old wants to
move to a country that treats it's disabled with dignity. He is really upset
with this country's politics. I don't want him to be as bitter as I feel, but
he's been through this with me, trying to help me and seeing my pain . Keep
trying! You have no other choice. I was ready to start doing drugs, they
,drug addicts are given preference!!!!!! P.S. Get a lawyer after your second
denial( usually they don't even look at your reconsideration)! My lawyer
charges $2500 and you only pay if he wins the case. Good luck.
Janepaso
Hi Skipper,
I know just how you feel. I applied for disability 9 and 1/2 years ago. I was
denied twice. The clerk who first took my application warned me that, at my
age (then 37), denial would be probably be automatic, but if I stayed fthrough
the whole process, my chances would improve, considerably. Social Security
required that I see their orthopedist for a disability evaluation: basically
walking across the room in a paper robe and displaying my hands (he declared me
fit for work). After the second appeal and refusal of benefits the case got
referred to an outside administrator for a hearing.
I did get a lawyer who asked me to get affidavits from friends, family and
fellow workers testifying to signs of disability. My medical records were
subpoenaed, the judge requested a rheumatologist to review the records.
The whole procedure took about 15 minutes, once the judge/adminstrator
appeared. Apparently, RA is "on the grid", which means that, if you meet
certain specific criteria, you automatically qualify. I have a positive rf,
and the medical report on the x-ray of one hand alone showed damage to at least
5 joints (one of the criteria), and thejudge's rheumatologist was surprised
that there was any question at all.
So, hang in there. I found it very ironic that I had to be tough, tenacious,
and smart to prove I was incapable of working <g>.
To subscribe to a ng about disability, which includes lots of posts on the
application/appeal process, send a messsage to: lis...@interlink-bbs.com and
include SUBSCRIBE in the body of the letter.
I also made note of, but have not looked into the following, (so I don't know
if they are selling anything or not,)
<snip> Appeal your own SS disability case! Tips and strategies improve your
chance to win. Disability Profile.
http://members.tripod.com/~Disability
<>
Good luck,
Jane
KaMatthews
In article <19971231024...@ladder01.news.aol.com>, lady...@aol.com
(Lady Andy2) writes:
> I have heard they automatically reject all first
applications, or most
>anyway.
80%. I got mine in seven weeks the first time around and know others who did
too.
Kathi
KaMatthews
In article <19980101004...@ladder02.news.aol.com>, jane...@aol.com
(Janepaso) writes:
>So, hang in there. I found it very ironic that I had to be tough,
>tenacious,
and smart to prove I was incapable of working <g>.
Applying for social security disability is a job in itself. That's how I
treated it.
Kathi
AM
Stacy Scott <sls...@sirius.com> wrote:
>I cherish my latest approval letter: ". . . it
> is expected you will improve . . . ."
Oooooooh, they are positive!! ;-) Not! Saying such in such a letter to a
person with a chronic, progressive disease is soooooo stupid!!!! What
the heck is the point... Make you feel unsure about your financial
situation? Yeah, just what you need... ;)
AM
Hi,
I just have to say that I am so sorry to hear that you have to go
through such a battle!!!! I admire the positivity and strength you show
despite your problems!!!
Hang in there!!!! Crossing my fingers for you!!!!
The Skipper
Happy New Year Everyone,
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has offered me
information, caring, and support, both in the group and via e-mail,
both with this last deal and through this last year, also. You
probably wouldn't believe just how much this group has meant to me.
This disease can leave a person feeling like they are the only one
that has these problems, and this group has done a lot to remove that
lonelyness.
I also want to send a special thanks to Drdoc, Dr Hoch and the other
medical people for taking what little time they have left after their
busy practices to keep us informed.
My experience with doctors and my arthritis has not been a good one,
and they have gone a long way toward showing me that not All doctors
are jerks. <G>
So, once again, HAPPY NEW YEAR !
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
Rick Hahn
There is a List for people trying for Disability.
Snip------------
To subscribe, send mail to: lis...@interlink-bbs.com
In the BODY of the message, write: subscribe
DISABLED
snip--------
Doug Pendley
Hi Skipper,
Hold on, and take a deep breath. I am mad too. I do not know what to
do with my life. I love my Husband (my sweet baby....) but am
considering seperation, either temp. or perm....because I was not
planning on being disabled. I am only 33 and very blonde, very fit,
(aerobic coordinator for 11 years), very cocky in life, (drive mercedes
and have few money problems), but got RA 1 1/2 years ago.
My husband is older, (we have been married almost 10 years
now,...) and understanding of the medical situation, but life is not the
same. I know he loves me, but the fact that I can not continue on with
my career has made me less "marketable" in my field and in the real
world. I have to find something else to do.
I would love to go back to school, but can't afford to. My
husband does well, but since I am not steadily working with aerobics,
there is just not enough money left for tuition and child care for my 5
and 7 year old. I am not able to apply for tuition assistance because
of our income level. I have not looked at any other options yet. I am
sure that any finacial aid is impossible, because of my husbands income.
I am mad. I love my field and now I can't continue it. I can't
re-train because I can't afford it. I am having a difficult time with
my relationship, because I am not the same person he married. I want to
sleep all the time, and I hurt all the time. Who do we talk to? I am
so madd. !!!!
Pam
Harvey R. Stone wrote:
>
> Hi Skipper, It seems that the only people to benifit when dealing with
> the gov are lawyers and they force you to use them
> to get what you deserve. Hmo s loss of work life in the pain
> lane is very frustrating as they say been there done that. The only
> thing you can do is the best you can and try not to dwell on the
> downside... Easy to say and hard to do and everyone has a different way of
> handling it but you will.
> Harv
>
Jane Schweitzer
I can empathize completely with the disability situation. I worked for 15 yrs
as an operating room nurse, but had to quit when the pain from the OA in my
hips got too bad. I was able to get disability for the first year, but then
when i started dealing with the Feds, I was told that I was too well educated
to go on disability and that I should look to getting another sort of job.
Never mind the fact that I can't walk very far or sit for very long. Like many
of you my options are severely limited.
I spoke to a friend recently whose husband was in a similar situation. One
thing she told me is that some SS offices are more generous than others. Isn't
that swell!? Apparently, if you shop around you can find an SS office that is
more lenient than another one might be. I plan to give it a try.
In the meantime, it might be worth our while to think of what we might be able
to do as a group, with the help of our computers.
Jane
The Skipper
Hi Pam,
On Thu, 01 Jan 1998 04:24:42 -0700, Doug Pendley
<dougp...@sprynet.com> wrote:
>Hi Skipper,
>Hold on, and take a deep breath. I am mad too. I do not know what to
>do with my life. I love my Husband (my sweet baby....) but am
>considering seperation, either temp. or perm....because I was not
>planning on being disabled. I am only 33 and very blonde, very fit,
>(aerobic coordinator for 11 years), very cocky in life, (drive mercedes
>and have few money problems), but got RA 1 1/2 years ago.
Thats interesting. When I first got meical attention for what
turn out to be RA, I was a hard core body-builder and in some of my
spare time was selling fitness equipment for a friend of mine that had
his own shop. Initially, I was having tendon problems. I thought
they were from over training, or not using good form.
My first doctor put me on NSAIDs and told me to quit lifting.
I didn't quit for several months, but eventually I had to.
That was 6 years ago, and as much as I hate to admit it, I've
put on 100 lbs, and it ain't muscle mass.
My job (I was a painter), weights, and SCUBA, were what my
life was about. Not doing those things, and not being able to control
my weight, have caused me to lose much of my identity.
> My husband is older, (we have been married almost 10 years
>now,...) and understanding of the medical situation, but life is not the
>same. I know he loves me, but the fact that I can not continue on with
>my career has made me less "marketable" in my field and in the real
>world. I have to find something else to do.
My wife is 10 years younger than me. That didn't seem to make a
difference when I had a body that most guys 10 years younger would
have killed to have. My wife says that it doesn't matter to her, but
as you say life is not the same.
I can understand being "less marketable" in your field. I kept at my
trade until my value was just about zip. I loved it, it was what I
was about, but as the arthritis got worse, first I lost my bussiness,
then I lost the house, then I couldn't even hold a job, then I
couldn't drive to school. Now I'm this huge fat lump that watches
movies or plays on the computer all day because I have no life.
> I would love to go back to school, but can't afford to. My
>husband does well, but since I am not steadily working with aerobics,
>there is just not enough money left for tuition and child care for my 5
>and 7 year old. I am not able to apply for tuition assistance because
>of our income level. I have not looked at any other options yet. I am
>sure that any finacial aid is impossible, because of my husbands income.
> I am mad. I love my field and now I can't continue it. I can't
>re-train because I can't afford it. I am having a difficult time with
>my relationship, because I am not the same person he married. I want to
>sleep all the time, and I hurt all the time. Who do we talk to? I am
>so madd. !!!!
Obviously, talk to your rehumatologist, s/he should be able to do
something about the pain, if not the fatigue, right away. You should
also talk to your state office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
If nothing else, they may be able to give you some ideas, and help you
put a "game plan" together, even if they can't pay for school. It is
easy to get services from them if you have a diagnosis.
>Pam
>
>dougp...@sprynet.com
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
MLBee
Pam:
I'm sure that others, with more knowledge than I, will provide specific
suggestions about retraining, etc. But I think you might benefit from
some counseling on adapting to the curve ball that life has thrown your
way. I too have had to give up the career I LOVED and trained for many
years to do. I had made many assumptions about how my future would be,
based on good health, a good income and a growing reputation. Only
recently, with help, have I been able to channel some of the anger and
frustration and sadness into finding a NEW career. As friends have told
me, the average American has at least 3 different careers in their
lifetime!
It is so hard to be thinking about taking a different way when it takes
all one's energy just to stumble along the current path. How about
using the services of an imaginative, Barbara Sher-type career
counselor, or calling a meeting of your good friends to do some crazy
brainstorming about other things you could do? Maybe in addition to the
traditional vocational retraining folks who may not be as imaginative.
Letting go of a dream is easier when we have a new dream.
Still stumbling but beginning to dream again,
MLBee
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pam wrote:
>
> Hi Skipper,
> Hold on, and take a deep breath. I am mad too. I do not know what to
> do with my life. I love my Husband (my sweet baby....) but am
> considering seperation, either temp. or perm....because I was not
> planning on being disabled. I am only 33 and very blonde, very fit,
> (aerobic coordinator for 11 years), very cocky in life, (drive mercedes
> and have few money problems), but got RA 1 1/2 years ago.
> My husband is older, (we have been married almost 10 years
> now,...) and understanding of the medical situation, but life is not the
> same. I know he loves me, but the fact that I can not continue on with
> my career has made me less "marketable" in my field and in the real
> world. I have to find something else to do.
> I would love to go back to school, but can't afford to. My
> husband does well, but since I am not steadily working with aerobics,
> there is just not enough money left for tuition and child care for my 5
> and 7 year old. I am not able to apply for tuition assistance because
> of our income level. I have not looked at any other options yet. I am
> sure that any finacial aid is impossible, because of my husbands income.
> I am mad. I love my field and now I can't continue it. I can't
> re-train because I can't afford it. I am having a difficult time with
> my relationship, because I am not the same person he married. I want to
> sleep all the time, and I hurt all the time. Who do we talk to? I am
> so madd. !!!!
> Pam
>
Cherco
Skipper, I went through the same thing. I applied twice and got it the second
time. I've heard of people trying 4 and 5 times and then getting it. Someone
finally told me to keep trying and you would get it. I don't know how bad your
case is but, keep trying anyway. They do have SS advocates, try and locate
one. I got one through our county.
Hope this helps, It took 3 yrs. from diagnosis till I got SS.
Cher
P&D Woodford
Pam wrote: <snip>
> > I am having a difficult time with
> >my relationship, because I am not the same person he married. I want to
> >sleep all the time, and I hurt all the time. Who do we talk to? I am
> >so madd. !!!!
> >Pam
Hi Pam,
You didn't say when you were diagnosed, but I thought I'd add my 2 cents in
saying that the first year after diagnosis IS the hardest. Having to live
with Arthur is a HUGE adjustment, not to mention you just feel lousy most
of the time! Give yourself a little time before making any big decisions.
Once the meds kick in and you learn to pace yourself it will get better.
Your husband too should learn all he can about your illness, because you
will lean on him just as he would lean on you if it were he facing a
chronic illness. Don't feel that since you're not the same person he
married that he is being cheated. We all change as a couple, because we
never know what life will have to offer. Remember you both pledged to go
through life together for richer or poorer and in sickness and in health.
You may look back and feel you are stronger as a couple, because of it. I
know you are mad and you have every right to be and remember you can vent
here anytime.
O.K. ready to step down from my soapbox...
Take Care,
Phyllis
Marijo
Well said, Phyllis!
Pam, I would only add, to remember that the feelings you are having
right now...the anger, feelings of letting your husband down, and
lack of self worth because you are no longer what you used to
be....they are all part of what the medical field calls stages of
grief. There are seven (I think) stages: one is anger;
one is denial; one is loss.....I don't remember all of them off the
top of my head, but they are usually associated with terminal
illnesses, esp. cancer. BUT that doesn't mean that you can't
experience them with any other kind of illness. I think we can all
vouch for that. Give yourself time to adjust...not fun or easy, but
every single person in this NG can tell you the same thing. It's a
big punch below the belt...like walking into a brick wall. Every
person has something worthwhile, no matter what their station in
life....every person deserves to be loved no matter what their
station in life. Speaking for myself, I can tell you that my health
(or lack of it) has drawn my family closer in a lot of ways. Give
yourself time, and you will discover a piece of you that you never
knew existed. There is also something that I have seen happen to
others that I would caution you about, too.....Don't feed on the
anger you have now. I have seen others do that, and eventually it
destroys not only their relationship with others around them, but it
ends up destroying them too.
As Phyllis told you.....if you need to scream and holler, and vent
you frustrations, bring them here.:-) We're with you all the way.
Give him a chance, and I would bet that your husband would tell you
the same thing.
--
Marijo
Send Any Direct Replies to:
mar...@thekeyboard.com
P&D Woodford <Phil...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in article
<68k5ce$j...@mtinsc05.worldnet.att.net>...
Marijo
Hi Jane........
Jane Schweitzer <ja...@ns.net> wrote in article
<68j85n$2u4$1...@aurora.ns.net>...
<snip>
>I was able to get disability for the first year, but then when i
started dealing with the >Feds, I was told that I was too well
educated to go on disability and that I should >look to getting
another sort of job. Never mind the fact that I can't walk very far
or sit >for very long. Like many of you my options are severely
limited.
>
...too well educated???? Hmmmmmm I didn't know that education made
the difference. So if we have gone to college, we should be smart
enough not to get disabled? That sounds just as ridiculous.
>Isn't that swell!?
Super!
>Apparently, if you shop around you can find an SS office that is
more lenient than >another one might be. I plan to give it a try.
Let us know how you fare. This could be an interesting test of the
system.
>
> In the meantime, it might be worth our while to think of what we
might be able
> to do as a group, with the help of our computers.
>
Sounds like a good idea, but for the life of me, I don't know what it
would be. Any one else have any thoughts?
The Skipper
On 3 Jan 1998 02:37:07 GMT, "Marijo" <mar...@thekeyboard.com> wrote:
>Hi Jane........
>snip
> ...too well educated???? Hmmmmmm I didn't know that education made
>the difference. So if we have gone to college, we should be smart
>enough not to get disabled? That sounds just as ridiculous.
>snip
>Marijo
>
>
>Send Any Direct Replies to:
>mar...@thekeyboard.com
They mentioned the fact that I'm only 44, and that I have a good bit
of post high school education (132 hours and I don't even have an
associates degree), but I don't get it. If I was 54 and a high
school drop-out, would I have been judged as being dissabled.
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
CADown
In article <34ae0643...@news.primenet.com>, m_ps...@primenet.com (The
Skipper) writes:
>They mentioned the fact that I'm only 44, and that I have a good bit
of post
>high school education (132 hours and I don't even have an
associates degree),
>but I don't get it. If I was 54 and a high
school drop-out, would I have
>been judged as being dissabled.
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
That's absolutely ridiculous. Your plight with SSD really touched me. Even
for those of us who are working, the spectre of not being able to continue is
always there.
What does education have to do with it? My arthritis was acute onset, with
disorienting pain and crushing fatigue. I have a PhD and supposedly my job is
not physical. Getting out of bed and taking a shower is physical, nevermind
putting in the hours and trying not to have a dull, affected look on my face.
Picking up a book, walking from the car...getting up after sitting...trying to
find a place to sit down while standing. These are just a few of the very
minor challenges faced daily. I looked forward to the two weeks off for the
holidays just to rest.
There's so much more to these diseases than just orthopedic impairments. It's
discouraging to hear that my degrees are going to bite me in the butt.
Carol
Human beings are flawed individuals...the cosmic bakers took us out a little
too early. That's why we're as crazy as we are---Jimmy Buffett
Harvey R. Stone
Doug Pendley wrote:
> Hi Skipper,
> Hold on, and take a deep breath. I am mad too. I do not know what to
> do with my life. I love my Husband (my sweet baby....) but am
> considering seperation, either temp. or perm....because I was not
> planning on being disabled. I am only 33 and very blonde, very fit,
> (aerobic coordinator for 11 years), very cocky in life, (drive mercedes
> and have few money problems), but got RA 1 1/2 years ago.
> My husband is older, (we have been married almost 10 years
> now,...) and understanding of the medical situation, but life is not the
> same. I know he loves me, but the fact that I can not continue on with
> my career has made me less "marketable" in my field and in the real
> world. I have to find something else to do.
> I would love to go back to school, but can't afford to. My
> husband does well, but since I am not steadily working with aerobics,
> there is just not enough money left for tuition and child care for my 5
> and 7 year old. I am not able to apply for tuition assistance because
> of our income level. I have not looked at any other options yet. I am
> sure that any finacial aid is impossible, because of my husbands income.
> I am mad. I love my field and now I can't continue it. I can't
> re-train because I can't afford it. I am having a difficult time with
> my relationship, because I am not the same person he married. I want to
> sleep all the time, and I hurt all the time. Who do we talk to? I am
> so madd. !!!!
> Pam
Hi Pam, I have started and stopped 3 times on writing this.
What you feel is a normal adjustment to what you have and how
your life is going to change. Please give yourself a little time and let
your husband know how you feel. Its not your 5-7 olds
fault in any of it and they are the ones who will pay bigtime. It
says for better or for worse and this is some of the worse but the
things we do(burn bridges) can make it worse. Work with your
RD and get the right medicine working for you and things will get better. I
think that you may find that your familey love you
and not your market value.
Harv
Msciciel
Dear Skipper (and all)
As one who has been there, I understand. Please believe that what you are going
through is merely SOP, especially if you are in the age group that they
classify as young. I'm not sure where their breaking point is, but I'm going to
guess that anyone under 60 is classified as "young". I won't go into all the
maddening steps that must be taken to get the benefits that you deserve, but I
will give you my best advice:
GET A LAWYER!!! Preferably a firm that has someone on staff that has worked for
SSI. Most of these firms will probably ask you to wait until you have been
denied the second time. You won't really need the lawyer until you go before
the judge, which is usually on your third appeal. You'll know because you'll
receive a letter from SSI telling you your court date.
I know that it seems grossly unfair to have to pay someone to get you something
that you feel you are entitled to, but look at this way, 25% of nothing is
nothing and that is what you're getting right now. Besides, it's great to feel
that you have someone in there on your side. In spite of all the "bad lawyer"
jokes, there really are some fine people in the profession and the reason they
chose the profession was to help people.
Before someone asks, no I do NOT work for an attorney and I never have. I was
exactly where Skipper is right now. I was being made to feel like a total
deadbeat by a government organization that I had thought was there to help
people when they could no longer work. I was exhausted from trying to work when
I wasn't able and I was very frustrated and angry by what I perceived as some
big monster (the government) telling me that there was some type of work that I
could do. What I didn't realize is that there was nothing personal about it --
it was merely red tape.
So, what should you expect from your lawyer? First they will probably want to
interview you. Tell them exactly how you feel. Don't try to hide any of your
pain or frustration. (Most of us have become fairly "stoic") You'll probably
notice that they begin to zero in on certain points and it may *not* be what
you feel is the most important. Just go along with them. They know what the
judge needs to hear in order to resolve your case in your favor. If the lawyer
you have selected decides to take your case, she or he will advise you on how
to continue. They will advise the court that you are represented and then the
court will probably do most of the work through them. There will be more paper
work that you have to fill in, but your lawyer will help you with this. When
you are finally set for a court date, your attorney will go with you to court.
Before this, your attorney will meet with you and go over over your case with
you and tell you what to expect when you go before the judge. There will
probably be a vocational specialist there that will be sent by SSI. They will
listen to your complaints and make suggestions on the type of work that you
could do. One of the things that they suggested for me was a ticket taker at
the wrestling matches (I'm not joking!). My previous employment had been with
an elite insurance company. It was a desk job -- but somehow this mental giant
had decided that this would be less stressful! :/
Anyway, Skipper, my point is that lawyers do have a purpose. I know you feel
that you shouldn't have to hire one to get one to get what you deserve and
you're right -- you shouldn't! But, if everything went as it should, there
would be no lawyers -- just as if we never got sick, there would be no need for
doctors. Both are sort of a "necessary evil". You have a doctor on your side (I
hope), now get yourself an attorney, relax and start thinking about how much
better you will feel when all this is behind you. :-)
Feel free to write me at my e-mail address if you have any questions or just
want to chat about this. I may not have the answers but perhaps I can help you
find them.
Ann
msci...@aol.com
Marijo
The Skipper <m_ps...@primenet.com> wrote in article
<34ae0643...@news.primenet.com>...
> On 3 Jan 1998 02:37:07 GMT, "Marijo" <mar...@thekeyboard.com>
wrote:
>
<snipped>
> They mentioned the fact that I'm only 44, and that I have a good
bit
> of post high school education (132 hours and I don't even have an
> associates degree), but I don't get it. If I was 54 and a high
> school drop-out, would I have been judged as being dissabled.
> ----
Exactly my point. The whole thing is angering, especially when you
work and pay into the system....then have the system tell you that
you don't qualify. True, there are people in wheel chairs, etc.,
that are working....and as others here have said, we all go as far as
we can until we can't go anymore. Each person reaches that point at
a different pace, and time frame, because we ARE all different. Pain
tolerance, fatigue level, etc., etc., all of it enters in. ......but
I guess we don't need to tell each other that, do we? So when
someone reaches the end of the line at 44 and another person is able
to go till age 54 does that make their disability any less real?
Aaacht!
I need a soapbox!
--
Marijo
CADown <cad...@aol.com> wrote in article
<19980103101...@ladder01.news.aol.com>...
> In article <34ae0643...@news.primenet.com>,
m_ps...@primenet.com (The
> Skipper) writes:
<snipped>
> There's so much more to these diseases than just orthopedic
impairments. It's
> discouraging to hear that my degrees are going to bite me in the
butt.
> Carol
You're not alone Carol. I don't have a PhD, but I did go to college
(Assoc.Deg)....makes you wonder what the point was almost.
> Human beings are flawed individuals...the cosmic bakers took us out
a little
> too early. That's why we're as crazy as we are---Jimmy Buffett
By the way.....on a lighter note....I really like the above quote.
Makes me think of my sisters. They're twins...five minutes apart.
One born breach, the other not. We've always joked about that. The
first one was breach, and the second one says that's the reason she's
a little slower.....she didn't get to bake long enough. She says the
first one was in too much of a hurry, and grabbed her foot and said,
"let's go" before she baked long enough!.....Well, it's funnier if
you know them, anyway! :-)))
RBo1968691
I have been denied twice I had to turn my case over to a lawyer because i was
not able to keep up with everything that had to be done. My pain is so bad at
times, it is completely unbearible but I keep a positive attitude. My doctors
say that I am not disabled, but I don't beleive in doctors either.
Tiggrrr
Here is my .02 cents...for what it's worth.
I quit working in 1992, somewhere around May I believe. I didn't consider
myself as disabled, but a bit challenged when it came to doing some things.
The stress from office politics would cause flares. I missed quite a bit of
work due to doctor appointments and all that. I also found myself napping
through lunch and breaks as I was exhausted all the time. I quit work for
two reasons: 1. my husband (fiance' at the time) got a job working an hour
out of town and we moved to the small town where he would be working. 2. the
office politics (I didn't play those games in high school, I wasn't about to
start). I lost my benefits when I quit working and wasn't covered on
hubby's until we got married (not that they were good benefits, but at least
it was something). I went several months without any prescription
medications. I medicated myself with Ibuprofen (got up to 12 a day at last
count) and managed to get by.
At my mother's request (she has RA as well) I went in to file for Disability
in November of 1992. At this point, I really couldn't work for lack of
medication among other things. I was 27 at the time. The counselor I
interviewed with told me that there was a list of "automatic disabilities"
and said he thought RA was on that list. He may have been wrong, and he did
say he wasn't sure that it was. I went to see the doctor they told me to
see, who asked me why I was limping. I honestly looked at him and said "I'm
limping?". I don't realize it, but I do have a noticable limp, some days
worse than others.
Anyway, I was notified in March that I was approved for disability and in
June I received a check that paid me for the period from November (even
though that's when I filed, they considered my waiting period over since I
had quit working in May) to June and started receiving monthly checks after
that. I've worked my 9 month trial period in 1995, working for a temporary
agency when I felt like I could work. It was more hassle than anything,
since as soon as I'd get into the job I'd have a flare and have to quit
again.
My sister filed for disability (she has lupus) when she lived in New York
and was turned down. She seems to think that everyone in New York is turned
down automatically. I don't know if that is true or not.
I'm done now! :) Happy New Year everyone!:)
Linda
Skwjem
I was turned down on initial attempt due to level of education also. I had a
Masters + 15 hrs in education. My appeal was accepted, but as I was told later
since I had turned 50 that was the magic key. But I had to laugh. When they
approved me 9/97 they approved it back to 1/97. They said prior to that date I
could have worked a job using my left arm as long as I didn't stretch it. I
still haven't figured out what type of job that was. I couldn't sit, stand, or
walk. My right side totally locked up, but I could work with that unextended
left arm. Wonder how I was going to get to work???
Ron Halverson
>> I was turned down on initial attempt due to level of education also.
I had a Masters + 15 hrs in education. <<
After reading a number of these experiences, I'm convinced even further
about a horrible trend in government. The legitimation of "Class Envy".
You had no right to better yourself, and if you did it, you did it on
the backs of the downtrodden.
!^NavFont02F01230006RGHHHk0D90
!N3
Harvey R. Stone
Ron Halverson wrote:
Hi Ron, Well said but you will probably get jumped on for saying
it. I like a person who says their mind and agree with you a little.
lol
Harv
Nathan Engle
Harvey R. Stone wrote:
> Ron Halverson wrote:
> > >> I was turned down on initial attempt due to level of education also.
> > I had a Masters + 15 hrs in education. <<
> > After reading a number of these experiences, I'm convinced even further
> > about a horrible trend in government. The legitimation of "Class Envy".
> > You had no right to better yourself, and if you did it, you did it on
> > the backs of the downtrodden.
> Hi Ron, Well said but you will probably get jumped on for saying
> it. I like a person who says their mind and agree with you a little.
In Livvy's history of the Roman Republic he related the story
of Rome's so-called "Agrarian Law". Apparently early in the city's
growth it was noticed that aristocrats were very successful in
gaining ownership of land which had been conquered by its citizen
army - so successful in fact that they usually ended up with far
more land than they could hope to farm, and therefore a law was
passed which prohibited land ownership above some arbitrary
level.
During the course of the Republic the law went through a
series of cycles. Most of the time it was simply ignored, but
inevitably it would resurface in times when the plebs had axes
to grind with the aristocrats on other issues. Ultimately the
law probably resulted in more harm than good - Romans rarely
had any shortage of things to argue about, but this was an
issue even less constructive than any other. Fortunately,
however, resolution of other issues and the passage of time
was always sufficient to cause it to drift back into obscurity
for another few years.
I'm not sure I'd fully disagree with Ron's observation,
but I do find myself reluctant to call it a "horrible trend".
Class Envy was legitimized a long long time ago, and IMO the
"trend" Ron is talking about is just a swing of a pendulum
which was set in motion thousands of years in the past.
--
Nathan Engle Electron Juggler
Indiana University Dept of Psychology
BLOBn...@indiana.eduBLUB BLOBhttp://php.indiana.edu/~nengleBLUB
"Some Assembly Required"
The Skipper
On 6 Jan 1998 05:41:48 GMT, rona...@prodigy.net (Ron Halverson)
wrote:
>>> I was turned down on initial attempt due to level of education also.
>I had a Masters + 15 hrs in education. <<
>
>After reading a number of these experiences, I'm convinced even further
>about a horrible trend in government. The legitimation of "Class Envy".
>You had no right to better yourself, and if you did it, you did it on
>the backs of the downtrodden.
>
>!^NavFont02F01230006RGHHHk0D90
>!N3
>
I agree, also. The other thing that bothered me was that they
mentioned my education and my age. Age shouldn't be an issue. If I
was 55 and in the same shape, would they have given it to me? If is
no, then why mention it,?
You hear about people not getting hired because they are considered
too old. Some of the people on the group that were disabled young
have written to me talking about the terrible time they had getting
disability. I think that I, and many others, may have gotten the
shaft, because we're too young. Hmmm. Can you say, "class action
suit", boys and girls? <g>
As far as education goes, I've worked with my hands all my life. Yes,
I have some education, but it's never earned me a dime. I did
painting and decorating. I had my own business for a while, and I
took a some business and computer classes,but mostly, I just took
things that I was interested in; Spanish, chemistry, bio, geology.
I'm a year away from *any* degree, although in three years I could
probably have 4 degrees. That doesn't do me any good now.
Voc Rehab had me back in school during the last spring semester. I
made it half a semester and had to quit because I couldn't drive any
more. (it was 26 miles each way to school) I've since improved back
to a point that I have been driving since Sept., but who knows when it
will happen again...
----
The Skipper
m_ps...@primenet.com
Gr8otdors1
My niece has been hospitalized for 7 weeks in a row with her first episode of
Lupus-she is now 17. She is an all A student and prior to this was a concert
violinist. Thankfully, she will still be able to graduate on time. She has
had every known Lupus complication and is currently under-going Cytoxan
treatments.
Are there any college grants, scholarships or foundations available? Is her
only recourse to apply for disability?
Thank you,
Lori
DarkLeha
> Are there any college grants, scholarships or foundations available? Is her
> only recourse to apply for disability?
Lori,
If she does apply for SSI or something of the sort, she will be eligible
for PELL Grants. PELL Grants pay for books, food and transportation. Also,
in most Community Colleges and some UC's, they have an application to
waive registeration costs.
Whatever school she plans on going to, have her talk to the Finacial AID
department, or Human Resources. Some CC's and UC's have Disabled Offices,
which could probably help point you in the direction of special grants and
scholarships.
- Lynn
--
Confused.. Cynical.. Cappicino.. Corn.. Cow.. Cow.. Cow.. :)
dark...@ecis.com
Ron Halverson
Hi Skipper. My original response to this issue may have been a bit rash.
I must practice a little moderation in matters that push my buttons.
>> I agree, also. The other thing that bothered me was that they
mentioned my education and my age. Age shouldn't be an issue. If I
was 55 and in the same shape, would they have given it to me? If is
no, then why mention it,?
As I mentioned in a previous message, which I think got lost in the big
bit bucket somewhere, it seems to me that disease and disability are the
great equalizer. My age, education and IQ are totally irrelevant If it
takes me four hours to prepare myself to face the day, and a couple of
naps during the day to keep going.
>> I think that I, and many others, may have gotten the
shaft, because we're too young. Hmmm. Can you say, "class action
suit", boys and girls? <g> <<
That's the kind of thing that pushes my buttons. I was 43 years old and
quite well educated and employed at the onset of my disease. Nobody ever
said anything to me about age or education, but I was turned down on my
initial application in spite of the fact that I was living in a veterans
facility unable to care for myself. If these statements about age and/or
education are in a hardcopy format, I would consider writing my
congress critters with a copy attached. Well, maybe if they turn you
down again. Litigation against Big Brother is difficult even as a class
action. Some memorable cases come to mind in which the plaintiffs were
mostly dead or dying before arguments were begun in the cases.
>> I could probably have 4 degrees. That doesn't do me any good now.
<<
Precisely the point. What is so difficult to understand about a highly
educated young person so wracked and consumed with pain and/or fatigue,
that they are virtually unable to function in any productive capacity?
>> Voc Rehab had me back in school during the last spring semester. I
made it half a semester and had to quit because I couldn't drive any
more. (it was 26 miles each way to school) I've since improved back
to a point that I have been driving since Sept., but who knows when it
will happen again... <<
My experience over ten years tells me to be grateful for a good day,
week, month. Rejoice in it because it will pass just as the bad times
do. It's an obvious physical roller coaster that is also working on your
head. Having lived with so many guys going through this physical and
emotional ride, I know, as I suspect you do as well, that we end up
mimicking a manic-depressive disorder where none clinically exists. It's
a horrible time for our government to give us such grief.
!^NavFont02F084B0007RGHHO4C7D6C
!N3
Stacy Scott
Gr8otdors1 wrote:
>
> My niece has been hospitalized for 7 weeks in a row with her first episode of
> Lupus-she is now 17. She is an all A student and prior to this was a concert
> violinist. Thankfully, she will still be able to graduate on time. She has
> had every known Lupus complication and is currently under-going Cytoxan
> treatments.
> only recourse to apply for disability?
There may be scholarships and grants, depending on her fields of inter-
est and her ability to write grant proposals. A place to start to look
is Yahoo's Financial Aid page:
http://www.yahoo.com/Education/Financial_Aid/
Is she applying now to the universities? If so, and she's accepted,
then the Financial Aid office of her choice will also be able to
help. You'll need to contact the SSA to determine her eligiblility
for SSDI -- all I know is that there's a different set of rules for
those disabled before a certain age and before the person has the
usually required numbers of quarters of coverages (oops, it's cre-
dits now). I'm too foggy. The webpage is:
http://www.ssa.gov/odhome/
I do know that if she does qualify for SSDI, and this is her sole
income and she's not living at home, she's also eligible for SSI
and for PELL Grants for Education (these pay tuition, fees, and
books). PELL Grants are also available to low-income students,
regardless of source of income. Another avenue, at the state
universities (at least here in California -- not knowing where
you are) are the work-study programs, if she's sufficiently able.
Typically, the jobs available under these programs are part-time
clerical within the university itself.
Try the high school, too. It may be that her counsellor (I'm
assuming they still have counsellors, and this may not be true,
alas) will at least know where to look up some information on
finaicial aid available. I do know that my university library
has a shelf-full of enormous fat volumes that do nothing except
list granting agencies and their eligibility requirements, and
having been through a couple of these I was amazed at the money
potentially available for some fields (not mine, alas!). Writ-
ing grant proposals is not much fun, but it's a handy skill.
Stacy Scott
remove the obvious in address above to e-mail
ho...@auhs.edu
The issues re disability are not that she may not be abole to work
- I have many lupus patients who work at a number of different jobs.
However, one of the biggest issues is health insurance. When she turns
18, if she is not in college, she may not be eligible for her parent's
health insurance and the lupus will be viewed as a pre-existing condition.
Lupus is a disease recognized under the disability guidelines and she
should be eligible. Disability will get her health insurance without
pre-existing condition clauses. It may also offer her assistance with
living expenses, college and will put her in contact with the Vocational
Rehabilitation system.
Remember, you can always go off disability later, if your disease
is quiescent and you have a job you can do with benefits. I have had
patients with lupus go on disability, have the lupus controlled, have them
go to college or get further training and then re-enter the job force.
Regards,
Dr Susan
ho...@auhs.edu
On 7 Jan 1998, Gr8otdors1 wrote:
> My niece has been hospitalized for 7 weeks in a row with her first episode of
> Lupus-she is now 17. She is an all A student and prior to this was a concert
> violinist. Thankfully, she will still be able to graduate on time. She has
> had every known Lupus complication and is currently under-going Cytoxan
> treatments.
> Are there any college grants, scholarships or foundations available? Is her
> only recourse to apply for disability?
> Thank you,
> Lori
>
>
Susan Hoch
HO...@auhs.edu
Marijo
ho...@auhs.edu wrote in article
<Pine.PMDF.3.95.980107...@oscar.auhs.edu>...
You're certainly right about that. We had the same problem with our
daughter regarding her asthma, college, insurance, etc. Hadn't
thought about that....been a few years since we dealt with it....how
soon the mind goes!!! :-)
Griselda
I was wondering -- Looking through the Bluebook I downloaded from the SSA
last night, it appears I may qualify for disability under Obesity (I weigh
more than the chart says someone of my height has to weigh to qualify) and
under B, I have severe pain in my knees and osteoarthritis, which I think
would qualify as "pain or Limitation of Motion" and evidence of arthritis
that it specifies are necessary. IF I'm understanding this correctly, and
IF I can provide the appropriate documentation and evidence of these
conditions, would the SSA be likely to approve that without looking at
education and so forth, or do they still consider that, even if you meet
the guidelines in their book? I know no one can say 100% for sure, but I'm
just trying to get an idea as to what I may have to worry about aside from
documenting my problems.
Thanks!
Griselda
ho...@auhs.edu
It depends a little on what kind of job you do. For example,
let's say you sit in a chair and translate French literature on a
computer. You could do that job with knee osteoarthritis and as an
obese individual. It would be hard to make a case that you are disabled
by obesity in that case.
However, let's suppose you are a waitress with a bum knee who is
massively overweight. If you satisfy the height-weight criteria and the OA
criteria (which include radiographic change as well as symptoms), you
would qualify.
So it depends on the nature of the job and not just the education.
For example, a surgeon with bad osteoarthritis of his hands would qualify
despite his years of education.
Regards,
Dr Susan
ho...@auhs.edu
Susan Hoch
HO...@auhs.edu
CTNATIVE
>Subject: Re: Disability
>From: jb...@aol.com
Once the administrative law judge approves it , it will
not be reviewed for a few years. They have these
review cycles depending on the type of disability
you have. 3 yrs, 5yrs, 7yrs etc. Hope you get your
retro check soon!!!