Post by Cubby on Jun 15, 2009 2:22:25 GMT -5
The following is what I wrote on the Inspire Board when some people were having problems getting on social security disability. DEANNAGRAHAM also wrote her experience. Anyway, here is what I said for anyone having problems:
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Scleroderma is one of the diseases which automatically qualifies a person for social security disability. Then, you have to go thru a bunch of steps. You must have a medical doctor(s) diagnose you condition. The doctor has to explain how he determined your diagnosis; tests, cat scans, biopsies, etc. That is STEP 1.
STEP 2 is you have to be disabled and unable to work for at least 6 months. (Doctor must verify).
STEP 3. Your doctor or doctors, must provide written medical evidence that you have Scleroderma and are disabled from it and cannot work. They must say when you first were unable to work and for how long, which is usually indefinitely.
STEP 4 (this could also be step 1). You must fill out all the social security disability forms and answer ALL questions correctly. You must provide the name, address and phone number of all treating doctors, or any other medical information which may benefit your claim.
STEP 5: It is a good idea to apply for social security disability IN PERSON at the social security office. I thought the lady who met with me was going to cry. I could barely walk, let alone work.
I did all of this on my own with no attorney. I got a few calls from San Francisco when they had some questions. for example, they contacted one of my prior doctors who had passed away and they received no response. That cleared up the question of why he had not responded since the office was closed.
IF YOU ARE DENIED, read the paper work. Why are you denied? Is it because the doctors did not respond or fill out the paperwork correctly? Is it because the doctor failed to state that you cannot work? Is it because even tho the doc said you could not work, you disproved his diagnosis and worked anyway? Remember, volunterring can be construed as working without limitations. Is it because you left some of the forms with unanswered questions?
Even if you have an attorney, you still want to stay on top of your case yourself.
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I hope the above helps anyone who needs it.
____________________________________________________
Scleroderma is one of the diseases which automatically qualifies a person for social security disability. Then, you have to go thru a bunch of steps. You must have a medical doctor(s) diagnose you condition. The doctor has to explain how he determined your diagnosis; tests, cat scans, biopsies, etc. That is STEP 1.
STEP 2 is you have to be disabled and unable to work for at least 6 months. (Doctor must verify).
STEP 3. Your doctor or doctors, must provide written medical evidence that you have Scleroderma and are disabled from it and cannot work. They must say when you first were unable to work and for how long, which is usually indefinitely.
STEP 4 (this could also be step 1). You must fill out all the social security disability forms and answer ALL questions correctly. You must provide the name, address and phone number of all treating doctors, or any other medical information which may benefit your claim.
STEP 5: It is a good idea to apply for social security disability IN PERSON at the social security office. I thought the lady who met with me was going to cry. I could barely walk, let alone work.
I did all of this on my own with no attorney. I got a few calls from San Francisco when they had some questions. for example, they contacted one of my prior doctors who had passed away and they received no response. That cleared up the question of why he had not responded since the office was closed.
IF YOU ARE DENIED, read the paper work. Why are you denied? Is it because the doctors did not respond or fill out the paperwork correctly? Is it because the doctor failed to state that you cannot work? Is it because even tho the doc said you could not work, you disproved his diagnosis and worked anyway? Remember, volunterring can be construed as working without limitations. Is it because you left some of the forms with unanswered questions?
Even if you have an attorney, you still want to stay on top of your case yourself.
____________________________________________________
I hope the above helps anyone who needs it.