can anyone provide any info about the process and chances of getting social security disability due to having RSD. I can't work and no longer have my profession due to RSD...

there's a bunch of papers and records that u'll need to get to them. from tests done, procedures, medications, all the doctors and their contact info. you can either go down to the office and get them or they can mail them to u. they'll set up an interview which u can do in person or over the phone. i would always descibe "my typical day" as if i was having a bad flare. i was denied 3 times and had to go in front of a judge. i think it was so hard for me because i was/am so young. i would definately suggest getting a lawyer or at least consulting with one. they dont get paid unless u win. good luck.

Hey there. I can tell you about my experience. I applied last year when I was 26 for disability due to my Rsd. At the time, I had already been off work for one year and I had multiple dr reports backing up the Rsd diagnosis. I applied and I was shocked to find out that I had been approved 6 weeks later. I know I was very lucky, the only thing I could suggest would be to make sure your dr or multiple drs back up your diagnosis. Give soc sec all of their contact info. When you fill out the vocational packet, the big packet that asks you about your pain and activities, keep it short and simple by saying something like, " my pain limits me from doing xyz." My sister went to a soc sec attorney and that was his suggestion for her. Basically the only thing I knew that went right for me was having good dr documentation. They will ask for it from your drs, however, if you can start getting a copy of everything now, the more you can give soc sec, the quicker they will evaluate your case.

Much luck and I hope the process goes smoothly!

Shannon

My husband was approved last year on the first try also. (His age weighed in his favor) We filled out the application online. We spent a lot of time revising it and trying to word everything as concisely as possible. DON'T RUSH. If you PM me I can give more details. Basically what helps the most is how your pain limits your ability to move. Saying you have severe pain is not enough. Saying you can't walk for more than a block, sit for more than an hour, carry anything heavier than 1 lb, etc. helps.

They will ask for medical records from every doctor you've seen going back years. It is ok to collect those records yourself and send them directly. Much better than worrying about whether someone sent them for you. You will also need letters from your primary physicians treating your RSD, surgeons etc. stating that you're disabled and how you are limited.

That's all I can think of now. Good luck!

On this same subject, does anyone know how disability works for someone who got sick before they were ever able to work? My daughter Sarah was diagnosed with RSD when she was 13. Does a person need to pay into social security before they qualify for disability?

My daughter is my hero as well as the the bravest, sweetest person I know. Please know that I do not share the following in a boastful way ... just attempting to explain the situation:

Sarah will be graduating on schedule with her class this spring despite the fact that she has missed hundreds of days of high school. Fortunately she is extremely bright and is really good at teaching herself. To our surprise, she did so well on her ACT (scoring in the top 3% in the country), that she has received almost a full academic university scholarship. Now we have to hope and pray that she will be healthy enough to attend college.

Her high school has been wonderful in working with us, and we have been in contact with the college she plans to attend to make whatever special arrangements we possibly can to best ensure that she will be able to continue her education. Of one concern is the fact that she will have to carry at least 12 credit hours in order to remain on our family health insurance policy.

Please understand if I a rambling, as we spent the night in the emergency room with her, thus contributing to my fearful frame of mind. I must keep telling myself that God has seen her this far ... and as I continually tell her ... He most definitely has special plans for her.

I thank you so very much for listening to an exhausted, concerned mom. It is one of those days when I am feeling pretty overwhelmed.

God bless you all.

Love,
Jeanne

Oh Jeanne,
Congratulations on your daughter's success!! What a remarkable and inspirational story that is!! I know you are so very proud of her and you have every right to be. I pray that whatever sent you to the ER with her last night is resolved and that she is feeling better and that you are all getting some rest.

It IS so hard to give our children back to God to watch over when it is time. I can only imagine how doubly hard it must be for you with her being sick. I respect your courage, strength, and faith as well as Sarah's.

I'm sorry I do not have the answer to your question, I really just felt moved by your story and wanted to reach out to you. I trust that other members will be able to respond to your actual question. Best wishes to you and congratulations again!! Sarah is definitely going to leave her mark in the world one day!! We look forward to watching it happen!! Please keep in touch and take care!!!

Back in 1986 I took in my 3 cousins and raised them as my own. The oldest had mental disabilities. When he turned 18 I went down and applied for SSI for him since he would probably never work. In 3 months he was approved and started receiving SSI payments.

He just turned 40 and he has his own apartment, and a part time job at Carrow's restaurant. He still collects SSI because he doesnt earn over whatever amount it is that would cut him off of SSI.

You should give it a shot as she has nothing to lose by trying

Thanks MOM for your sweet response. I really am too much of a "fix it" kind of person, always wanting to make sure that those I love are taken care of. I do in fact know that God has it all covered and that I really need to just be still and rely and His promises.

Sarah is in bed trying to recover from a viral infection. Hopefully she will bounce back when it runs it course.

Take care!!

Love,
Jeanne

Thank you Allen for your encouraging response. I really had no idea how it all works. Although it is something that we hope we never have to pursue, I realize that we need to be informed.

I have always found your posts to be very kind and supportive ... and this one only confirms that. Great job looking after your cousins.

Jeanne

Eileen,

You should check out the social security forum here. I found my doctor's reports of my pain and total disability (narrative style) just got me denied for 3 years. New docs making the functional assessment page sound dismal was what made the difference in my approval.


Jenno,

Your daughter can collect SSDI on your's or hubby's work history when she is over 22 if either of you are retired or disabled then....or when you do eventually retire. In the meantime, she could get SSI (for people with little or no income) who didn't work enough to get SSDI until one of her parent's retire. It's not a lot......I think about $600 per month. She might even be eligible to collect that now if your household income is low enough. You should check out the social security website at ssa.gov