[Catch]

Not according to the Federal Government, but according to my neurologist I am. I am severely impacted by cognitive problems. According to the government disabled means you can not care for yourself or get around on your own. I can do these things, so apparently I can do my usual job. Except I can't, my last year of work was total chaos. I completely lost control of my desk and myself and ultimately retired.

Truly I don't know if I can't do something else. I am willing to try, and I've been searching for something else, but usually there's a requirement for experience that I don't have. I have always worked in an office. I don't know how my existing skills can transfer to other work. Can I submit my many rejection notices to the Feds as proof I am unable to do "any" job?

Anyone out there make a career change due to cognitive difficulties? How did you manage it? I've even tried starting a small business, but I have absolutely no business acumen. Right now it doesn't seem I can get a job at McDonald's.

[SallyC]

Cognitive loss due to chronic illness is a winner for SSDI. At least it always has been. Get a lawyer and try again, with a letter from your Neuro/Psych.

Good luck..

[tkrik]

I agree with Sally. If you haven't had neuropsych testing, get it done as it will help with your case.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/profes...dult.htm#12_01

Read 12.02 Organic Mental Disorder. From what you have stated, you certainly meet the criteria. I remember you discussing the issues you were having at work and that even your boss noticed. Maybe he/she may be willing to assist you by completing one of the questionnaires. I can't remember the title of the questionnaire but that may help.

Another way that may be helpful is to go to your local vocational rehabilitation office. They do testing there as well and I believe it is free. Should they find that you are not employable this will also help your case when you do an appeal.

Is this the first time you applied? I can't remember. Most people get denied the first time. I think it's their way of weeding out people who are trying to abuse the system. Getting a lawyer to help with the appeal is a good idea.

Good luck and let us know how it is going.

[Erin524]

I applied earlier this fall, and of course got denied. So, I'm applying again. I'm disabled enough that my neuro gave me the Rx for the blue hang tag that lets me park in the handicap parking, but just not enough for the government to help me out.

I know I should have applied last spring when I had optic neuritis and couldnt see thru one eye. I probably would have gotten it then. I'm betting they'll deny me again this second time around.

[doydie]

I was denied two times before I finally got to see the judge and got it.

[Jules A]

Originally Posted by doydie

I was denied two times before I finally got to see the judge and got it.

I have heard this many times. I think the good news is that once approved the payments are retroactive, right?

[putterfit]

I agree with Shadiyah Do Not reapply. Talk with an attorney or 2 or 3 of them. They should and will tell you if your case is strong enough to file an appeal if they will not handle it for you. If they do not think they can win your case they will not take it since they only get paid when they win. They are paid directly by Social Security and there fee is a set amount.

I am one of the odd ducks who's application was approved on the first try because I received great advice from someone who worked as an SSDI interviewer for SS.

1. First thing was that I should not file on line, it is best to let someone see who you are and what you are dealing with.
2. Do print out the online application or have SS send you one. Fill this out completely and take with you when you go for your interview.
3. Notify all of your doctors that you are filing for disability and tell them that you will either mail or bring them a completed form from Dr. X your X doctor. Your Dr. X should be your strongest advocate for filing and the two of you should complete the paperwork together. Then make copies and get them to the rest of your doctors, this way they are all saying pretty much the same thing. I did this with my PCP.
4. If there were questions you did not have the answer to get those answers back to the interviewer asap.

Mike

[ginnie]

It can take a few tries to get the disability. Just keep working at it with a good lawyer. A personal letter from all your doctors, friends, and relatives can help at a hearing. I hope this works for you soon. ginnie