Am I disabled?
 

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.

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..:hug:

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.

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.

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?

I was denied the first application. But my cognitive abilities prevent me from working, and my neurologist assisted me with filling out the forms.
I miss working...but I know that I wouldn't be able to do any work, physical or mental.:(

When you reapply, first of all you have to have a neuropsych eval. Then when filliing out your app, write in simple sentences. Explain how difficult, specifically, working was due to cognitive impairment.

Wish I didn't qualify, but the second time I was accepted. I'm grateful, but sad:(

everyone no matter what unless you are in the mental hospital is denied. just appeal don't reapply because that will start you all over again and you will miss out on that money from the first time. appealing with a lawyer that handle those cases and know what to do and will not cost you anything they get paid when the cast is won. it took me 2 yrs to go to court but I got every dime from the time I applied. So I was disabled before I even got MS.

From what I understand almost everybody gets turned down the first time. Don't let that stop you. It took me twice to get on SSD. The second time I had a lawyer.

Good luck.

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

don't give up!
 

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:hug:

I'll be seeing the lawyer to discuss my case this week. What do I do for income in the mean time??? How do I make my mortgage payments? Where can I go for financial assistance??

Hello catch
 

What you describe is the hardest part of the whole issue regarding getting disability. I had some help from my family while I waited the 4 years. I also went to my local church, and an agency that paid my electric bill a few times. A friend paid for my phone. I sought every agency I could to get the help. I live in Hot florida, and would have died in the heat and all. There are emergency numbers that can give out information on where to get help. I also went to a womens center, and scouted out help there too. My congressman got involved , to try and speed up the process.
If you can get a little help from your family during this time, It would be a blessing. I am so sorry you have to go through all this. So many of us have. If it were not for my son, I would not be in this home. As it is, I have to sell it eventually. It has already been on the market with no luck as it didn't meet codes with my roof. I too don't always know how to make ends meet. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie