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Post by scrappintoee on May 24, 2016 7:10:11 GMT
I just did a search to re-read some of the informative posts I've read here on this subject, but can't find them.
The most recent thread I read mentioned that getting a lawyer usually resulted in someone FINALLLLY getting
the SSI they deserved.
My friend is definitely one of those people! Just as many people said on the thread here, after 1, 2 (maybe even
THREE?) attempts, complete with medical records, etc. they were STILL denied, until they finally got a lawyer.
I knew my friend had tried at least twice, submitting full medical records, etc. but was denied. She recently
vented to me and I rememberd the thread I read here, so I suggested she get a lawyer, hoping that would
work for her!
She worked SO hard as an LPN for years, then **put herself** through RN school while working full-time.
She is an excellent nurse and has worked SO hard for 30+ years!!!
She recently got a position as a school nurse----thinking the PHYSICAL demands of it would be WAY
less than all the years she worked as a bedside nurse. Sadly, there was an emergency one day, and although
she DID get to the student in time and DID intervene to save the student's life, that and other situations were
almost physically impossible for her. (severe limp, neuralgia, recovering from breast cancer, taking oral chemotherapy
that makes her sick with lots of weird symptoms, etc!)
Well, I was so sad for her when she told me she HAS had 2 lawyers' help, but she still CAN NOT get the SSI
she deserves. Not only is she absolutely unable to work anymore, the lack if income is causing her husband
to work 2 full-time and 1 part-time jobs, so she has guilt on top of the financial strain.
If anyone can link that thread to me or give me info, I'd appreciate it.
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gsquaredmom
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Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 9:48:07 GMT
If those are her conditions, I can see why she is not being deemed totally and permanently disabled. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. Lots of people limp (WHY does she limp?) and lots of people are in pain. And she HAS shown she can work. I am not an expert, but it is not easy for people to get the disabled funding. I think it more often needs to be a multi-year inability to do ANY job. Can she do anything other than nursing? Has she tried and created a track record of inability to earn any money?
I hope your friend figures it out.
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suzastampin
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Post by suzastampin on May 24, 2016 10:55:18 GMT
Could it be that she's filed for the wrong disability? SSI is for those who have never worked. SSD is for those who have worked. My son, who has autism, gets the SSI because he's never worked.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on May 24, 2016 12:22:24 GMT
From what I have heard from people, it is getting harder to
Get SSDI. I have even known people who have had it for years and now are being told that they no longer qualify. In some ways it is good because there are a lot of people who could do some kind of work and would be better off for it (physically and mentally) but for some people it is really tough. I personally think it is going to get harder and we are going to have to come up with some major changes to the system due to so many people being ill as they age (much of which is preventable) and the number of kids with autism and other mental health issues who are getting SS as children and as they turn into adults.
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sweetpeasmom
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Posts: 2,607
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Post by sweetpeasmom on May 24, 2016 12:30:30 GMT
Took my mom years to get her's approved. I think it was like 4 attempts? She did have to get an attorney.
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gsquaredmom
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Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 12:38:03 GMT
From what I understand, disability pays very little, likely not enough to replace her income if her husband has to work so mch now. She may earn more if she finds another field.
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scrappinghappy
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“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
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Post by scrappinghappy on May 24, 2016 12:42:14 GMT
One of my nursing friends just got a job with an insurance company. It's a desk job and all her patient contact is over the phone.is that kind of job an option for her?
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Post by compwalla on May 24, 2016 13:03:27 GMT
One of my nursing friends just got a job with an insurance company. It's a desk job and all her patient contact is over the phone.is that kind of job an option for her? I work with scads of nurses and none of them are involved in direct patient care. One of our vice presidents still does work shifts at the hospital but she's the only one; she said she likes to stay connected to patient care and to keep up with her clinical practice. But the rest of the nurses I work with all do other things - core measure training, jobs in quality, etc. I didn't know before I started working here that there were other jobs for nurses besides the obvious. But there are lots and lots. Whatever happens, I hope your friend recovers and doesn't end up needing disability forever. |
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Post by mikklynn on May 24, 2016 13:08:26 GMT
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Post by buddysmom on May 24, 2016 13:19:15 GMT
There are many nursing jobs that are not physically hands on.
I worked a desk job for an insurance company and we had nurse case managers who did 100% of their jobs at their desk--very sedentary position.
Also there was a problem with abusing the system. I saw a lot of it in my job.
Twenty years ago someone could get SSD for a little pinky injury--yes I'm serious, I've seen it all!
Now it is much more difficult and almost no one gets it on their first try.
But again, there are a lot of nursing positions that are desk jobs. With your friend's many years of experience she should have little problem getting one.
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Post by miominmio on May 24, 2016 13:44:11 GMT
. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. While a lot of people recover, ^^^^ that is certainly not true for a very large percentage of cases. Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and I have seen women who have ended up being unable to walk (the limp might very well be caused by the chemo), and who have lost the dexterity in both hands. Not to mention chronic pain, again caused by nevropathy. One ended up in a nursing home because the side effects were so severe that she was unable to do such a basic task as wiping herself, eating or taking a shower. Not to mention, breast cancer has the very nasty habit of recurring....even after the five year mark. |
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 14:19:03 GMT
. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. While a lot of people recover, ^^^^ that is certainly not true for a very large percentage of cases. Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and I have seen women who have ended up being unable to walk (the limp might very well be caused by the chemo), and who have lost the dexterity in both hands. Not to mention chronic pain, again caused by nevropathy. One ended up in a nursing home because the side effects were so severe that she was unable to do such a basic task as wiping herself, eating or taking a shower. Not to mention, breast cancer has the very nasty habit of recurring....even after the five year mark. Yes but OP is not mentioning any of that and SSD may not look at worst case. Lots of women go through without issue or long term effects or recurrence. You can't take the exceptionally bad cases and generalize to make SSD decisions. Many more would get SSD if they did that. |
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Post by miominmio on May 24, 2016 14:43:42 GMT
While a lot of people recover, ^^^^ that is certainly not true for a very large percentage of cases. Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and I have seen women who have ended up being unable to walk (the limp might very well be caused by the chemo), and who have lost the dexterity in both hands. Not to mention chronic pain, again caused by nevropathy. One ended up in a nursing home because the side effects were so severe that she was unable to do such a basic task as wiping herself, eating or taking a shower. Not to mention, breast cancer has the very nasty habit of recurring....even after the five year mark. Yes but OP is not mentioning any of that and SSD may not look at worst case. Lots of women go through without issue or long term effects or recurrence. You can't take the exceptionally bad cases and generalize to make SSD decisions. Many more would get SSD if they did that. That is true (although the limp might suggest nevropathy, and that will only get worse). It was more intended as a comment to a very common belief (not saying you believe that) that breast cancer isn't more serious than the flu. And as someone who not only have had several relatives suffering from that disease, but who has also worked with cancer patients (legal assistance), I'm pretty quick to point out that it is a disease that has many common and serious effects on women's lives for many years after diagnosis. I have actually met more women with long term problems, than those who have gone through treatment without any problems. |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on May 24, 2016 14:57:18 GMT
Yes but OP is not mentioning any of that and SSD may not look at worst case. Lots of women go through without issue or long term effects or recurrence. You can't take the exceptionally bad cases and generalize to make SSD decisions. Many more would get SSD if they did that. That is true (although the limp might suggest nevropathy, and that will only get worse). It was more intended as a comment to a very common belief (not saying you believe that) that breast cancer isn't more serious than the flu. And as someone who not only have had several relatives suffering from that disease, but who has also worked with cancer patients (legal assistance), I'm pretty quick to point out that it is a disease that has many common and serious effects on women's lives for many years after diagnosis. I have actually met more women with long term problems, than those who have gone through treatment without any problems. I don't think ANYONE is comparing breast cancer to having the flu, she was merely pointing out that there are many who have had breast cancer go on to lead productive lives, work, family, etc., and that it is not looked upon as a completely debilitating disease or death sentence like it used to be years ago. SSD/I certainly looks at that now differently, thus would not automatically consider disability when the patient is recovered, recovering, in remission and/or not disabled from some type of work. |
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Rhondito
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Post by Rhondito on May 24, 2016 15:03:07 GMT
From what I understand, disability pays very little, likely not enough to replace her income if her husband has to work so mch now. She may earn more if she finds another field. That's not true. The amount you get depends on your lifetime earnings. |
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 15:08:53 GMT
That is true (although the limp might suggest nevropathy, and that will only get worse). It was more intended as a comment to a very common belief (not saying you believe that) that breast cancer isn't more serious than the flu. And as someone who not only have had several relatives suffering from that disease, but who has also worked with cancer patients (legal assistance), I'm pretty quick to point out that it is a disease that has many common and serious effects on women's lives for many years after diagnosis. I have actually met more women with long term problems, than those who have gone through treatment without any problems. I don't think ANYONE is comparing breast cancer to having the flu, she was merely pointing out that there are many who have had breast cancer go on to lead productive lives, work, family, etc., and that it is not looked upon as a completely debilitating disease or death sentence like it used to be years ago. SSD/I certainly looks at that now differently, thus would not automatically consider disability when the patient is recovered, recovering, in remission and/or not disabled from some type of work. yes. Thank you. |
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 15:11:05 GMT
From what I understand, disability pays very little, likely not enough to replace her income if her husband has to work so mch now. She may earn more if she finds another field. That's not true. The amount you get depends on your lifetime earnings. Good. I did not think it replaced income. Has that changed? I thought it was some percentage, and not very high. The one person I know who did manage to get it got about 20-30 percent or so. |
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on May 24, 2016 15:14:05 GMT
That is so sad. Hugs to your friend.
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Post by jenis40 on May 24, 2016 15:17:01 GMT
If those are her conditions, I can see why she is not being deemed totally and permanently disabled. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. Lots of people limp (WHY does she limp?) and lots of people are in pain. And she HAS shown she can work. I am not an expert, but it is not easy for people to get the disabled funding. I think it more often needs to be a multi-year inability to do ANY job. Can she do anything other than nursing? Has she tried and created a track record of inability to earn any money? I hope your friend figures it out. Some cancers automatically qualify you for SSDI. I have Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was able to get it quickly because that cancer is on a fast track list. Not saying breast cancer is but just wanted to note that just because you have a "temporary" disease you can't get SSDI. |
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gsquaredmom
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Post by gsquaredmom on May 24, 2016 15:29:00 GMT
If those are her conditions, I can see why she is not being deemed totally and permanently disabled. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. Lots of people limp (WHY does she limp?) and lots of people are in pain. And she HAS shown she can work. I am not an expert, but it is not easy for people to get the disabled funding. I think it more often needs to be a multi-year inability to do ANY job. Can she do anything other than nursing? Has she tried and created a track record of inability to earn any money? I hope your friend figures it out. Some cancers automatically qualify you for SSDI. I have Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was able to get it quickly because that cancer is on a fast track list. Not saying breast cancer is but just wanted to note that just because you have a "temporary" disease you can't get SSDI. Not generalizing to all conditions. Just taking what the OP said at face value and not assuming her friend is eligible because of breast cancer. I said I am not an expert. I am glad you were able to get it. hope you have a favorable outcome. |
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Post by jenis40 on May 24, 2016 15:30:57 GMT
Some cancers automatically qualify you for SSDI. I have Acute Myeloid Leukemia and was able to get it quickly because that cancer is on a fast track list. Not saying breast cancer is but just wanted to note that just because you have a "temporary" disease you can't get SSDI. Not generalizing to all conditions. Just taking what the OP said at face value and not assuming her friend is eligible because of breast cancer. I said I am not an expert. I am glad you were able to get it. hope you have a favorable outcome. Thank you. Things are going in a good direction but it's still one day at a time. |
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snappydog
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Sept 11, 2014 22:53:41 GMT
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Post by snappydog on May 24, 2016 15:50:59 GMT
The disability adjudicators take into account many aspects when granting or denying disability including her present age, occupations, and diseases. From what you posted they think she can still work in some capacity. She may not be able to do bedside RN but there is phone triage, insurance work, and RN administration that could still enable her to use her education and not be so physically demanding. She is not entitled to disability no matter how hard she has worked in the past or how much money she and her husband need. Those are not factors that the SSA is even concerned with. She has to prove she can't work and her medical records don't show that or they would have approved her.
I just rode the paratransit this morning with a friend who is wheelchair bound from CP with little use of any limbs. She was going to work at 7:00 am and works full time for the SSA in town. Social Security sees her working full time without complaints...this is what your friend is being compared to when it comes right down to it. Their are a ton of blind, disabled, and diseased people on that bus happily headed to work. SSA expects you to work unless your situation shows that you simply cannot.
Sandy
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pridemom
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Post by pridemom on May 24, 2016 16:01:46 GMT
Vocational Rehabilitation may be a good option for her. Their mission is to help you find a job that you can do since health/disability has changed how you can work. If they cannot help you find a job, it's further evidence to SS to approve you for SSDI.
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suzastampin
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Post by suzastampin on May 24, 2016 16:17:28 GMT
Another thought...would she be able to teach nursing? There's such a long wait to get into nursing school because of the lack of teachers. It took two years for my daughter to get in. She now teaches staff at group homes. She has to recertify the staff periodically on CPR, med pours, etc.
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julieb
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Post by julieb on May 24, 2016 16:40:46 GMT
My BIL just went through the same thing. Despite several back and neck surgeries and all these plates, rods and fusing, he was denied. When they got a lawyer, they got results. It's a scam.
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inkedup
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Post by inkedup on May 24, 2016 16:51:08 GMT
I'm so sorry for your friend. It's infuriating to hear of people with legitimate disabilities being denied while you see others with specious issues who are approved with no problem. I love the people who are in too much pain to do their desk jobs, but sit on the internet all day once they're deemed disabled.
I hope your friend is able to get some assistance and a positive resolution.
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Post by Merge on May 24, 2016 17:42:24 GMT
The disability adjudicators take into account many aspects when granting or denying disability including her present age, occupations, and diseases. From what you posted they think she can still work in some capacity. She may not be able to do bedside RN but there is phone triage, insurance work, and RN administration that could still enable her to use her education and not be so physically demanding. She is not entitled to disability no matter how hard she has worked in the past or how much money she and her husband need. Those are not factors that the SSA is even concerned with. She has to prove she can't work and her medical records don't show that or they would have approved her. I just rode the paratransit this morning with a friend who is wheelchair bound from CP with little use of any limbs. She was going to work at 7:00 am and works full time for the SSA in town. Social Security sees her working full time without complaints...this is what your friend is being compared to when it comes right down to it. Their are a ton of blind, disabled, and diseased people on that bus happily headed to work. SSA expects you to work unless your situation shows that you simply cannot. Sandy This. We have a wheelchair-bound teachers' aide at our school with limited mobility in her hands/arms. She requires some accommodation to do her job, but she is here every day doing it. I am totally sympathetic to people who truly can't work at any job. If your friend is one of those, then you would think her medical reports would bear that out and the SSDI would be granted. |
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Post by twinks on May 24, 2016 17:55:39 GMT
Social Security Disability is a different ball game. It is a numbers game and you either meet the qualifications or you don't. The biggest standard is that you usually have to be not working for 6 months. For example, my father had terminal cancer. He was not able to maintain his practice any longer and had in fact sold it. Even though all the medical records indicated that it was terminal and he was in pretty bad shape, he had to wait 6 months before he could be approved. This is where long time disability insurance comes in - it provides some income until you are approved.
I have had co-workers continue to work while receiving treatment for breast cancer. It again, is a numbers came and it depends on the severity, the stage of breast cancer, and the long term outlook. When I talk about a numbers game, say they are rating your friends breast cancer. It is Stage 2 XXXX type cancer, that would be rated a 4 (example only as I am not sure the exact rating system). Your friend had a lumpectomy so that would be rated a 2. Then she has chemo neuropathy in both her feet, that would rate a 6, etc. They also will look at the forms everyone has completed as far as her daily living. Yes, she is in pain, but, she can still comb her hair, shower independently, etc. They will rate that as well. Then you either make it or you don't. In the forms, it is very important to list exactly what you can and can't do. I had a friend with seizures and she was making herself out to be fully functioning because she didn't want the disability examiner to think ill of her - excuse me! Have your friend tell it how it is, bottom line.
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Post by justkat on May 24, 2016 18:28:45 GMT
. Breast cancer and chemo are temporary. While a lot of people recover, ^^^^ that is certainly not true for a very large percentage of cases. Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy, and I have seen women who have ended up being unable to walk (the limp might very well be caused by the chemo), and who have lost the dexterity in both hands. Not to mention chronic pain, again caused by nevropathy. One ended up in a nursing home because the side effects were so severe that she was unable to do such a basic task as wiping herself, eating or taking a shower. Not to mention, breast cancer has the very nasty habit of recurring....even after the five year mark. This is me. I have metastatic clear cell endometrial cancer. I've had multiple recurrances. I've had multiple cycles of chemo and both internal and external radiation. My chemo neuropathy is severe. I can't feel my left hand at all. It's virtually useless. My feet are awful. They are numb and tingling on a good day. On a bad day I can't feel them. I have to walk using forearm crutches. On a really bad day I can't walk at all. The pain is excruciating. I can't even begin to put it in words. The neuropathy has had more of an impact (almost) on my me/my life than the cancer itself. I am very weak, get awful muscle cramps,have stability issues etc all from the neuropathy...all from the chemo. |
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