I am a 55 year old female. I managed two convenient stores and left my job because of stress. I developed shingles just before I quit, but didn't know what it was. I waited to long to get help and have developed nerve pain and weakness in my arm and joint pain in my elbow. I experience a lot of pain when I use my arm and it's hard to use it. The Doctors put me on nerve pain but I stay so doped up it's hard to stay alert. I am not asking for a hand out but I have worked my whole life and I need help. Do you think I would quailify for disability?

It is difficult to say just from what you have written. If you feel that you are too foggy to work, and your doctor would support that, then apply.

Aside from a diagnosis of ALS or terminal cancer, most conditions have more mild cases and severe cases. It's up to each one of us to convince SSDI that our conditions are so severe, they preclude us from doing any gainful employment.

Good luck to you

It will be a battle, but being 55 will definitely help your fight. Also, if you're suffering, and being treated for, depression due to your illness it will help. I recently read the 2008 SSD Report and it stated that over 33% of applicants won theirs on depression/mental disabilities.

I, on the otherhand suffer Occipital Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, TMD, Osteoarthritis of the neck and spine, frequent dibilitating sciatic flares and a host of other problems yet because I'm 42, and not antidepressants, I've had a major battle with them, and am currently awaiting a hearing before an Admin Judge. SSD stated, "You're young, you're educated, and have a diverse background. You can do some type of work."

My atty, and several others who are receiving SSD, had told me prior to applying 'to get ready for the battle of my life because I'm under 50 and female.' They were certainly right.

I recommend applying for it. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and potentially a lot to gain. The primary criteria is that you have been and continue to be, or will be disabled and unable to work for a minimum of 12 months.

Best of luck to you!