When and if a PNer reaches the point where applying for Social Security disability is near I strongly recommend that Mike F be contacted at:
*edit* contact DanP for info. Mike resides in the Eastern Time Zone so consider that if you call.

Mike has helped a lot PNers get their SS disability and very often on the first try. I'm pretty sure some of the folks here have used his advice and I'm certain some from the old BT forum and TNA site have. Mike does not fill out the forms for you but will guide you all the way through the process. He knows not only what to include but perhaps more important what NOT to include.

Mike does not charge for his expertise *admin edit* He is legitimate in every sense of the word and I have personally met and visited with him when I made a trip to NY. He came all the way into NYC to meet with me and we had dinner and talked the night away. I belong to this and a couple of other PN sites so Mike and I remain in touch. I'm certain that Rose will verify Mike's letitimacy as well as Mrs D, Glenn, David, and maybe Lisa Jane and a few others here. Why does he help? Because he too is a PNer, understands the problems, and simply enjoys being of service to his fellow man/woman. Simply put, Mike is the real McCoy.

So, I stongly recommend everyone reading this write down Mike's name, email address, and telephone number and keep it handy. And Mike...if your reading this - thanks for all those you have helped and blessings upon you, my friend.

Dan Pearce

If any Canucks with PN need help- let me know. I might not be able to help but we can commiserate together. I was just declined yesterday. The woman said it was because my neuro repeatedly declined to answer 3 questions about my disease and prognosis. (thanks Doc) I'm covered financially by insurance through work. The paper work for that was enormous too. My neuro feels that she's filled out enough forms for me I guess. Anyway, the appeal process will begin. I'm really looking forward to that.

Can you really get disability for having PN

Newbie to all this!

To Joneb - YES, you can get SS disability when your PN is severe enough - many on this forum have. Check with your Social Security office for details.

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