NeuroTalk Support Groups - View Single Post - Denial Letter from Social Security now what???

FaithS · 02-03-2009, 11:28 PM

Patch --

Think through the ways that your right foot drop, numbness right leg, muscle spasms, vision problems, 6th nerve palsy, depression, memory loss, headaches, back pain, fatigue, and loss of coordination affect you at work.
Are there specific duties that you are unable to perform?

Do they slow you down?

Do others have to pick up the slack for you?

Do you have to lay your head down on your desk during your work day to cope with fatigue and headaches?

Etc.

Also, concerning your absences due to your appointments:
Do you run out of sick time and have to use FMLA time?

Does utilizing your time off affect your ability to perform your job functions adequately?

I agree with others that it is very important to have your doctors on board with you. They should be aware of the reasons why you believe that your disabilities related to MS render you unable to work, and they should document those in your chart.

My 3 doctors each wrote a letter to SSA, because I'd been advised by somebody on another board that this was helpful. But, then I read somewhere that they don't even read those letters. I don't know which is accurate. But, if the information is in your chart, they'll read that.

I also meticulously documented my ER visits and my many hospitalizations. And, that I'd lost 3 jobs since 2002, due to absences related to MS, and my absences from employment of many months between some of my jobs, due to necessary recovery time from flares.

My application was approved within 3 months, with no attorney. Although my symptoms might have been more severe, you certainly had more symptoms. When I am not in a flare, I only deal with fatigue issues, and with some balance problems. But, I emphasized the way that my MS affected my job when I was in a flare. Some people recommend that you only tell them what life is like for you when you are in a flare, and not when you are in a remission. But, I didn't do that. I was up front with them about the differences.

Best wishes,
~ Faith