Review comming up
 

I was told when I 1st got my SSDI that I would have a review in December 2014.
I have read the PDF,
(Would not let me post the link the one that says, Mapping Your Path to Work Answers To Your Work Questions From New York Makes Work Pay Edwin J. Lopez-Soto Thomas)

It says New York, but I would think it's all about the same, as SS is Federal.
When I 1st got sick, and was in the hospital, I was all "Gun-Ho" to go back to work, and "this is only temporary" and this and that.
I had colon cancer, and 3 operations, last one being a reversal from an ileostomy, to "hook me back up".
Starting in December of 2013, I did 6 months of Chemotherapy, every other week. As a result of the Chemo, I now have Peripheral neuropathy in my feet, and as a result of the last reversal surgery, have numbness in my right arm.
So I have decided it would be in my best interest to stay on disability.
I hate to say it, but the medicaid insurance I have now, is better (for me at least) than the insurance I had through work. It's a shame to say, and the reality of it is true, that you are better off on state assistance sometimes.
My PCP clinic ordered a EMG of both legs and the right arm, but they have not gotten the results back yet. I told the PCP , well they are PA's really, that now I wanted to stay on SSDI, and what ever she could do to help, I would appreciate it.
She basically tells me that all SS does is request the records from her, and all my other doctors, and they (SS) make there own decision.
I thought the doctors could influence the decision of social security.
But maybe what she is telling me is true.
I have a visit with the doctor that first helped me with the paperwork when I first applied in July of 2013, coming up this Wednesday,November 19th.
I wanted to see what he has to say about it.
He has me on 30mg/day of cymbalta for the Peripheral neuropathy, but it is not really helping.
(I have been getting SSDI about 1 year now)
I also had a doctors appointment with the doctor that did the first operation,
(removing the colon tumor) last week, so that I could have him on record as well.
He seemed to agree that I should stay on disability also.
I have a follow up appointment with the oncologist the 24th of this month, they usually take blood, and do a CEA test, that checks for cancer.
I also have a follow up with the Doctor that did the reversal operation, and am set to have a CT scan that came day, this is on December 8th.

With the onset of the cold weather, my Peripheral neuropathy has gotten much worse,
I also told all my doctors I have trouble walking or standing for very long.
And at my job, we work outside winter and summer.

Let me say that I am 59 years old also, and I really don't make that much more a month working, than I do on Disability.
Well about $400.00 maybe, but not really enough of a difference to matter that much,
and like I said, the Insurance I have now is better than what I had through work.

So I guess my question is, considering we work outside, do you think they will allow me to stay on disability,
and is it true, that the doctors don't have much of a say so in the decision, and that SS just gets the records
and they(SS) make the decision?
Has anyone here gotten disability due to Peripheral neuropathy?

Oh, also,I get my checks around the 3rd Wednesday of the month, does that have anything to do with when my review papers will come?
They just send me papers right; they don't call me in? ( I will probably get the long form)
On the form, do I say I am requesting to stay on disability?
Also, do you know about how long it usually takes after I send in my paperwork, because my workplace is going to want an answer soon.
How does this sound, I was going to try to have one of the doctors write something like this.
Pending a social security review in December, contingent upon the length of the review, Anthony may return to work in
early February, Or if awarded permanent disability, may not be returning to work.

because I think the doctor told them around November of this Year, I might be back to work, and they are going to be pestering me soon.
Needless to say, I wish this review would come and go soon, so I know what I am doing.
I am a nervous wreck.
Thank You,
Tony

SSDI in never "permanent". SS determines the likelihood of a person's condition improving and then send either a short or long form Continuing Disability Review. Usually they just send the short form. If the answers meet their satisfaction, then benefits continue and your doctors are never contacted.

If you are required to go through the long form CDR, it seems reasonable that complications from your original disease have made it difficult for you to consider returning to work--that's not uncommon.

I'm not sure if you've read this guide: http://nymakesworkpay.org/docs/Guide_CDR.pdf
but the advice does apply nationally. Read it carefully and ask any questions if you don't understand.

If there is a CHANCE you might be able to return to work, you can do so and still collect benefits during a Trial Work Period (which is 9 months) and if you're unable to manage, you still will collect SSDI. You MUST notify SS if you work any hours. You can work pt and make up to the SGA level which is $1070 per month for 2014, while still collecting SSDI. If you make near the max, expect that they will do a very thorough review to determine if you can make more than the SGA (Significant Gainful Activity) level and if so, they'll terminate your benefits.

Yeah, that was the guide I tried to link to.
I understand during the trial 9 months, from the way I read it, you can collect ALL of you disability, and still earn what ever you make at your job.
The thing is too though, I don't know how long they are required to keep my job open for me.
It is the WV highway division.
OK, I can change the wording of the suggestion to the doctor to
Pending a social security review in December, contingent upon the length of the review, Anthony may return to work sometime in
February, Or if awarded continuing disability, may not be returning to work at this time.

So you think there is a good chance they would let me stay on?
Anyone know how long after you send in your paperwork does the decision take?
And is it true it's not really up to the doctors, but more up to social security?

Your doctors might never be asked any questions by SS. If you have them state that you'll return to work if your SSDI benefits are terminated, that means you have the physical ability to return to work and should. (Asking your doc to put that in writing is a BAD idea IMO. )

It doesn't matter if you have a job or not, it's the ability to work that matters. SS makes that decision, not your doctor because it is a complex medical/legal determination. --If your doc is not supportive and SS questions them, you'll likely be terminated.

Frankly, at your age, it would be surprising to be terminated, but it does happen.

While the rules do allow you to collect the 9 months pay and SSDI, returning to work will often trigger a long form CDR. If they determine your condition has improved, they'll terminate your benefits--which gives you 3 months more before you're cut off.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...ng-reviews.htm

You might want to take a look at the Ticket to Work Program as well. It gives you additional protections such as being exempt from a medical CDR. While your job was physically demanding, they might be able to help you find something with fewer physical demands or even have you answer calls from home. http://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html

OK, No, I won't have them state that. Oh, you mean if I have the doctor write the statement to my work?

I have to have "something" for work before too long.
I don't want to loose this job if I am not granted continuing disability.
I would like to give myself at least a few more months off to try and get feeling better,before I decide how I feel, and if I feel like I can return to work.
I most definitely do not feel I am able to work right now!
And like I said, I am going to need something for work.
I know they are going to be pestering me soon, and like I said, I don't want to loose this job, as it is not a bad job.
Well, I don't know what to do now.
Have you had a lot of experience with social security?
I was wondering, cause it seems a lot of people ask you for advise.

Oh, and don't I have to answer on the form, if my condition has improved?
Well, it had, as far as at this point, I am cancer free, but they still have to keep a eye on me.
But, now things have changed because of the Peripheral Neuropathy.
So do I have to sort of write an essay, on the form, stating that on one hand I have improved, but on the other hand, now I have new problems?

Whether or not your condition has improved is a decision for your doc/s.

If your PN is as disabling as the cancer was, I would think it reasonable to say that your condition has not improved. Are your Activities of Daily living effected by your PN? http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/page11-15.html

Your CDR might arrive on schedule or it might be delayed. It seems like they are better about getting them out on time the past several years, but it's never a sure thing. How long does it take to find out about if benefits will continue? Maybe 30-60 days, maybe 4-6 months for the short form. If they then send you the long form, and potentially to a Medical Examiner.... It could be a year.

Yes, I was talking about the letter to your employer from your doctor. SS could very likely see that at some point since it would be in your medical record--or someone from your employer could alert SS, it's happened to others.

"Pending a social security review in December, contingent upon the length of the review, Anthony may return to work in early February, Or if awarded permanent disability, may not be returning to work." You are not supposed to be able to work, and here you're telling your employer that you will return if your benefits are terminated.

You might realistically not be able to hang on to your job without attempting to return to work within your employers timeframe. Having an unsuccessful work attempt will not cause you to lose your SSDI benefits. If you think new medications or new treatment might allow your condition to improve, but your doctor needs more time to find out what type of improvement you'll experience, than that might be reasonable.

The odds of a 59 year old losing SSDI benefits with a serious medical condition is low. You can explore the statistics here: ssdfacts.com and they have a forum just about CDRs.

How serious is your PN? There are people that have PN and receive SSDI, but there are many factors that go into a disability decision, so take that with a grain of salt.

Could your employer accommodate you with a job inside an office? (You would likely have priority if you're qualified due to disability policies of many government jobs.)

Read the link about CDRs CLOSELY. If you put improved than you will in all likelihood receive the long form--it is often compared to going through the original application process. If your cancer was a listed impairment, that might not have been too difficult. Qualifying with PN will a more complicated process. If you can truthfully answer that your condition has not improved, than do not write in any extra comments. (It discusses this in the link about CDRs.) You want the computer to verify you still qualify without it being kicked out for a human to look at.

There are others that post that are as knowledgeable as I am, and a few that are more so. I had a long battle and a complicated road to SSDI approval, so I picked some things up along the way, and try to help out when I'm able.

Ok, thanks,
There is a guy that was supposed to get me a phone number of someone in the HR dept of the State, that might be able to help me,
but a lot of times he is all talk.
As far as an office job, I was always mostly blue collar, experience wise.
I guess I'll have to see what this doctor says tomorrow.
Sometimes it seems these doctors also act like they don't want to get involved (with SS)

No, I can't really say the Peripheral Neuropathy is as bad as the cancer,
But it is painful all the same.

You are required to notify SS if your condition improves. If you do so, that will likely mean you're sent a CDR within a few weeks.

It seems like you don't really know if you're capable of doing your old job or not, but at this point probably not. Without a work attempt it's probably impossible for you or your doctor to know your capabilities. It seems like winter might be the worst time to attempt one, but that's a decision between you, your doctor, and your employer.

Only SS can determine whether or not you'd qualify with your current limitations from PN.

There are people in wheelchairs from PN and that have limited use of their hands, and then there are people with very limited symptoms, so without more info, it's hard to know your situation.

There are 3 ways to qualify for SSDI. Meet a Listed Impairment, the Grid Rules and a 5 Step Process. If you were applying for SSDI benefits today, with your cancer being in remission and with PN, SS would use the Grid Rules to determine your eligibility. The standard is fairly low for a blue collar worker over age 55. Here's a link explaining the Grid Rules. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/top...grid-rules-age

No, for sure winter is not a good time.

I have a visit with the doctor that first helped me with the paperwork when I first applied in July of 2013, coming up this Wednesday,November 19th.
I wanted to see what he has to say about it.
He has me on 30mg/day of cymbalta for the Peripheral neuropathy, but it is not really helping.
(I have been getting SSDI about 1 year now)

I didn't see him, I saw there other doctor, he was a jerk IMO.
Didn't even listen to my heart or lungs.
Then I was told the day before that he was faxed a copy of my EMG's,
and that he would give them a quick look.
and he goes on to ask me if I had the EMG's done yet.
I printed a paper outlining everything and he read it, and then proceeded to ask me questions that were all on the paper.
Then He made a big deal about the paperwork, said he needed to talk to the nurse, she does all the paperwork, then when I called was told that she could not write the paperwork, the doctor had to write it.

he upped my cymbalta from 30 to 60mg, and only would give me a slip to be off work till the 19th of December. (I feel like I am standing on Ice!!........He should have my feet for a week and have to work outside with then, just for a week)
But I may try the trial work program, will probably end up getting booted off SSDI.
Guess I'll suck up the cold numb feet, and work a few years, it just sucks though, as at age 62, I will only get about $750.00 from SS. And I will be at the job about 7 1/2 years, and if my calculations are correct, will get about $285.00 pension from the state. (About what I am getting now, Total, on SSDI)
This is of course with out any insurance. The $285.00 a month from the state probably wouldn't even cover there insurance plan.

Do you know if at age 62, and only getting about 1,000.00 a month,
If I could still get my States medicaid?
I am "guessing" so, as that is my Income now.
I have been trying to e mail my case worker, but she has not answered.
(Maybe on vacation?)

Only bad thing is I thought I saw some blood in my stool last night, so I just hope I am not on the road to another operation. (More Cancer?)
I will mention it to my Oncologist on the 24th.

You may be able to keep your Medicare even if you return to work.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabi...i/extended.htm

Have you been to a neurologist regarding the PN?

If you do attempt to return to work you might want to try these in your boots: http://www.amazon.com/HotHands-Toe-W...6507621&sr=1-5

You probably should not have requested that doc to fill out your paperwork, it probably would have been better to reschedule... It's also not uncommon for docs to write 30 days off work and then renew them while there is a reasonable chance for significant improvement.

No, I didn't really go to a neurologist regarding the PN, he just did the EMG and faxed it to the doctor.
My PCP and this one yesterday.
He said I had PN, (I already knew that)

He didn't really fill any papers out, he just wrote a Note of some sort.
I still have to pick it up.
I wonder if MY PCP could extend my time off longer, at least till it warms up a little more.
I may not even list this doctor from yesterday on on the review form.

You mean I could still get medicaid with my Income being increased?
Cause medicaid pays 100% usually, and out Insurance only pays 80%.

best thing to do so I don't get in any trouble (providing there are no problems after I report to my oncologist,) is to just go back on the 19th or 20th of December, and tell them (My employer) it's a trial work period.
I am just worried about the Insurance, as the medicaid is better I think.

I don't know, also, if I try to work and it IS too hard on me, maybe SS will see that at least I did try, and it will be easier to continue to receive SSDI.

If the PN is severe enough to not allow you to work and continue receiving SSDI, you absolutely need to start seeing a neurologist or a doctor that specializes in PN.

Why was such a note even written? For your employer to hold your job open?

I tried explaining this before, but you didn't seem to understand. I'll use the example of Workers Comp in my state--a doctor signs off for continuing temporary disability every 30 to 60 days. It doesn't mean you'll be well enough to return to work at the end of that period, it means you go back to the doctor at that point to evaluate if your condition has improved enough to return to work. He might hope the dosage increase will help improve your condition, but there is no way to guarantee that.

You CAN"T pick and choose what you tell SS on the CDR. Doing so could be considered fraudulent. If SS requests your medical record and you've left off the visit to this doctor, your credibility will be toast.

You would need to explore what your state's policy is on Medicaid/Medicare and Returning to Work after receiving SSDI. When I last looked at my state's program, it would actually save me about $500 a month in insurance expenses if I returned to work--a nice incentive.

You might also qualify for a government job that is less physically strenuous than your current job and might pay more. (I would call Ticket to Work at the very least before just assuming it would require training you'd be unhappy with.)

Your employer doesn't need to be told it's a TWP, it has nothing to do with them. That's a SS term.

You could say that you're hoping to return back to work in 30 days, and will schedule a final doc visit to be cleared to return right beforehand. They might want you to be evaluated independently for liability reasons. What if you return prematurely and are injured on the job? They'd than have the expense of a Work Comp case. (They might not bother, but it does happen.)

This was an excellent post about PN and applying for SSDI from poster echoes long ago:http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread210434-2.html

"for peripheral neuropathy it is important to state how your nerve damage affects your gait, balance and fine motor skills (dexterity) which in turn how that limits your ability to work. trouble walking, climbing, bending, sitting, kneeling, squating, reaching, lifting, grabbing, holding, manipulating etc depending of course on what limbs are involved and what your particular symptoms are."

TWP = Trial Work program?

Yeah, that is a good point, and it's true, But I doubt they will do that.
They really should though.

Good Idea about telling them I am hoping to return in 30 days, and getting a check up.
I doubt he will want to keep me off though.
Like I said, he seemed like a jerk.

I am not trying to be difficult, but just asking,
How would SS actually know I went to this doctor.

Your doctor's office won't have 2 files for you. There might be 2 doctors in the office, but you'll have only 1 file.

And you are paying with Medicare/Medicaid--it's not as if you went into a clinic anonymously.

Trial Work PERIOD.

You don't have to go back to that doctor.

It would make sense to see a neurologist.

When a disabled person returns to work it is common for them to be given accommodations. If a neurologist determines your PN requires you may no longer work in certain environments--such as outside in the winter, your employer might be able to come up with something else for you, or it might be determined that you can not return to your former job.

But, you're not treating the PN as if it's a serious condition. If you don't, your employer won't and SS certainly won't.

yes, paying with Medicaid
Yeah, I'm sure they could find out if they wanted to.

It is serious, Seriously hurting me,
But I don't know what else to do.
I tried going back to the dr. that helped me get on SS in the first place, but that didn't work out so well.

So even If I don't go back to this doctor, I should list him on the SS CDR?

You need to see a PN specialist, likely a neurologist.

THE CDR will ask you for your last 3 doc appointments I believe. So, it depends how many appointments you have before you receive the CDR. If you received it tomorrow you MUST list this latest doc. At this point, you probably should be notifying SS your condition has improved or if you disagree with that, than you need to make another appointment with the other doc or a new doc asap.

you want to check out the QDWI program.

http://www.medicare.gov/your-medicar...-programs.html

It's been my experience too, that as soon as you mention SSDI, most of the doctors act like they don't want to get involved.
You can't ever get in to see that other doctor.

Ideally, disability issues are not something you should bring up until you've developed a relationship with a doctor.

A GP is not going to have enough expertise about a disorder like PN to know how to evaluate you for disability. The rules concerning the SSDI process are complex and docs have little incentive to learn them unless they wish to perform ME evaluations.