I would suggest Disability Workbook by Douglas Smith, available on
Amazon for $20.
I used his worksheets and followed his suggestions. I applied with SS on June 1st - and received my approval in mid-August.

Linda

I applied in NM in Jan 2007 and was denied. Am now in CO and told the wait for an appeal is about 2 years. Wondering what state you are in? Was told that in some states you can get disability much faster than in others. Thanks.

I just received approval. I utilized the internet. There is a lot of information to include a couple of good web sites authored by SSD attorneys. Think the most important aspects are finding out what criteria is used by SSD to determine if you are disabled. I referenced the neurological, depression and anxiety sections. Then your attending physicians must be in agreement that you are disabled and meet the criteria....... and that he/she will advise SSD of same.

Don't mean to simplify the process......it took me 17 months, and I obtained legal counsel after rejection at the initial stage. Further, my age 60, is considered "advanced" by SSD..... and........ rehabilitation/vocational education is not usually consided feasible. I did not apply for SSD until 18 years after the onset of PN......and it was the depression, fatigue, anxiety, and ongoing loss of feeling in my feet......that initiated my application.....once I started falling a lot......knew it was probably time to hang it up.....at 60 it's getting harder, and harder to get up off the floor...

Does this work for SFN? I am considering applying due to the fact that my SFN pain is so severe now that I cannot sit for longer than 1 minute before my bum pain becomes very severe. Also, my feet and hand pain is great so walking/standing and keyboard typing becomes very painful after a short time. I am very tired all the time and frustrated because of all this.

Jay

Jay-

That is a great question and I am hoping someone here can answer that. What tests have you had done to show SFN? I have had skin biopsies done which show very low nerve density and I have pain associated with that.

What about disability insurance that I have through work? Has anyone been successful in receiving group disability benefits? Is the process as difficult as it is for SS?

Thanks,
David

I have had nerve conductive tests (2), blood tests, MRI's, and various stuff during physical examinations such as reflex and vibration tests. No biopsys done, as he said its not necessary for him to make a diagnosis. Probably gonna hurt my disability case, but I'm going with legal counsel after my first denial.

I would try to file with your group policy. Does it cover disabilities not due to work? Might as well try.

Let me know how it goes David.

Jay

Hi Jay-

My group disability does cover non-work related issues but I am not sure what the process is like and how it differs from SSDI.

I don't know anything about the process but it sounds like you have had enough tests done by your doctor. The only thing I would say is that the skin biopsy would be another piece that might be helpful? It is a very analytical test which simply counts the nerve fiber density. It is objective and by itself can indicated small fiber neuropathy which obviously causes lots of discomfort and disability.

Were you denied once already? And just curious about your age?

Take care,
David

Hi Friends,
I just wanted to let everyone know that I was approved for SSDI, yesterday I saw a deposit in my checking account so I made a couple of phone calls, and yes I'm approved. I applied in mid January of this year and after that I contacted a company called ALLSUP, they agreed to take my claim and I just can't believe I was awarded in five short months. I had to do alot of the leg work and nag the doctors to send in their reports after filing but other than that I did nothing. The S.S. lady said oh I see they forgot to send out the letters, I'll que them up and you should be getting them in the next ten days. Best of all I don't have to do the "tap dance" for my disability company anymore, they demanded new paperwork every month and were generally wearing me down. I'm so darn happy so know I can focus on my health now!

I applied for SS Disability for SFPN, 2004. I was granded it after the first try and without a lawyer. I can't do anything longer than 20 to 30 minutes with out being in tears. Taking a daily shower hurts. I have other health issues all dealing relating to pain. During the years I have had my ups and downs, but my faith in God has helped me the most. Also the love and support of my family. I in pain everyday. I had a hard time dealing with the fact that I wasn't going to be able to return to work, but with God's help, I'm I peace with it. I pray for everyone with peripheral neuropathy who can't work anymore get the SS Disability they should be getting.:grouphug

im new here and wanted some ssdi advice.

how do i contact danp or his friend mikef?

thanks


MIke NC you give sound advice. is there any way i can ask you a question in private?
thanks