The BEAST! ! and ssdi
 

So went to look up if I would qualify for SSDI. No I wouldn't qualify. My husband makes too much money in the AF. At least I qualify through the VA in my own rights being a veteran myself. I am also thinking of wanting to start an awareness campaign for "THE BEAST". Yes that is how im going to call it for a little because I can't curse enough to get the appropriate feel of it. No one in my family or among my friends had even heard about this disease. Too many people stay quiet. Well since Paula Abdul came out and said she had it there might be more. Today is a new day. I WILL NOT let this rule my life ( will just have to wait till after little one is born to really start). I want this disease as well known as epilepsy is. Or better. This is not just for me but EVERYONE affected by it. Any have any ideas?

There in info about SSDI and RSD on the website rsdhope.org. I don't know it that includes VA insurance, but maybe it might have some helpful tips for you. I think an awareness campaign is a good idea. I would like to do that too, but I don't know how. I thought of printing out info about RSD and mailing them to people and drs offices might help. Or if it's allowed, putting them on cars. The website RSD hope has different groups too and bracelets for rsd. Well, if you can get something started I would like to help if that's ok.

Hey Allanira! Are you talking about SSI or SSDI? Social Security Disability benefits are not determined on income, Social Security Income is. I cannot get SSI because of my husband's income, but SSD is based on how much I have paid into it.

You would think that for as long as this BEAST has been around more people would be aware of it, but that's not the case. I have had it for over 22 years and most of my family doesn't understand it.

Huh I went on a calculator at ss to see if I qualified. I might have used the one for ssdi lol. Sorry that day like today is a bad day. I can't really concentrate when I hurt so bad.

I had the same situation as Nanc. I didn't qualify for SSI but did for SSDI. You may want to check into it when you feel better. Hope you're feeling better today. My stomach cramping and rsd flares were so bad last night. the pain went right down my legs and my lower back. I could barely walk. I feel better today and hope tonight is better for all of us. My fingers are stiff and swollen today from trying to type,so I'm going to read more than talk today. I'm very depressed today. I fell so sad to see all of you suffering. I am trying to be positive and keep the faith, but today I'm just going to stay in bed for most of the day and try not to cry. Bye for now.

Renee, so sorry you are having a tough time and feeling depressed today. I think we can all agree in that we all have those moments. It is tough to deal with, that's for sure. I have been struggling so much myself lately, my husband is the one that gets me thru. Do you have that support at home? My hands are affected too, often times I am lurking and reading more than typing and replying.

I am glad you feel better today, but hope the rest of the day and tomorrow is even better for you.

All the best,
Nanc
:hug:

Thanks for caring Nanc. My husband and son are wonderful support systems, but I don't want them to see how bad it is. I try to hide it because I want them to be happy and not worry about me. There's nothing they can do about it and I feel like enough of a burden as it is.
My husband tries to help me anyway he can. And when my son's home from college he does the same. I'll snap out of it. I've just had bad flares for a week straight now, and though I fianlly feel better physically, except for hands and wrists, it's taken a toll on me mentally. Thanks again and hope you have a good day too.

SSDI eligibility is based upon your work credits. Your husband's income would not be an issue. If you do not have enough work credits, than there is SSI, but your husband's income would make you ineligible.

Definitely go back and look, my husband makes a tidy salary. At least he did earlier this evening, not sure what is going on right now, with out gov't. But his salary had no barring on my SSdisability. It's based on your work history only and what you contributed to date when you were working. Makes me annoyed that I spent so much time working for non-profits, but happy at least that I started working as soon as I was old enough and kept it up.

The only hard part is jumping through the hoops and the time it takes. Just be persistent. I was denied twice, kept appealing, and fought to get a court hearing and once I stood up to the judge it seemed to happen quickly then. It took 3 years and was very frustrating, but you should file. I did it without an attorney too. After talking to several, it seemed like a waste of money. I never met anyone who hot through the system quicker with an attorney. If you really can not afford the stress, it might be something to consider, but an attorney takes a bite of the pie.

Good luck.
Sylvia:)

I did file for ssd. I am now waiting on 2 disability decisions. The va and ssd. I hope that both wake up and say ok we're going to give her disability. Shoot I cant walk more than 5 minutes without really hurting and thats pushing past the hurt and hitting the hole crapoli stage. I cant sit with knees flexed. So how am I going to work. I don't want to get an attorney. They smell like skunks to me. All they want is money money money. If I see a skunk I go the other way, same for attorneys. Plus im the one that worked my but off to pay my taxes and ss, not them. Why should I just hand them part of my money to look at a piece of paper or 2. Sorry low opinion of lawyers here.