I had a 3 level anterior fusion C4-C7 in Feb/09 and still experience pain from bone spurs and C3 disc herniation since surgery, severe headaches and numbness in both arms/hands along with pain in the scapular muscles I was recently diagnoised with TOS, I have applied for disability and I was wondering if anyone is on disabilty for TOS? Thanks for your responses

Hi,

I think some are but can't recall who specifically.
I do know many have had to go through the work comp system first, as they acquired in on the job.
And some acquired RSD after or along with TOS so that's another tough dx mixed in.

Hi Bunz,

I'm on SSDI for TOS, RSD, fibro

Thank-you Jo*mar and Finz for your response, Finz did you get approved right away or did you have to appeal? I am losing my job at the end of January as I have been off work for 2 yrs(scary feeling), both my neurosurgeon and family doctor signed me off work, but in Ontario all I hear is that all applications are denied the frist time around and I will have to appeal. I really do not know how disability in the US works. Thank-you both again.

I am on Disability for TOS. It's listed as PPD but I dont know if that stands for Permanent Partial Disabled or Partial Permanent Disabled (is there a difference?).

I did not have to appeal, but my case took 4 years and an eviction notice plus my Senators intervention to finally get the award from Social Security. I guess the medical records spoke for themselves. My surgeon did write a general letter as to my condition, pointing out that a successful surgical outcome does not automatically mean a return to employment.

I did use a popular SSD Advocate Law Firm. Do you have someone similar in Canada?

Anne

Do you mind me asking if you were on WSIB before or did you use short term and long term disability insurance? I'm just thinking to the future if the same thing happens to me after surgery, I was told b/c I'm on WSIB I can't use my short term disability insurance. Ontario is so sticky with red tape. I hope they approve it quickly for you! It's bad enough being in pain, even worse if you're stressed about how to pay your bills.

Hi Cath1, I applied for short term disability thur unemployment, collected for 3 months and then LTD thur the company I work for, this was not a workplace injury. Eventually these insurances expire and then there is no money coming in, and WSIB does not expire so long as you do as they ask and your Dr. Continues filling out Comp's medical forms, I have had experience with WCB back in 1992, thanks for the well wishes and don't hesistate to ask ???? Bunz

Hi Anne, Wow it took 4yrs to get disability, that's insane! I was told it could take 4-6 months for a decision from CPP and if they deny me then the appeal process could take up to another 4-6 months. I summited a large medical file along with medical reports from my surgeon amd family dr. I hope I do not require a lawyer as I could not afford one.

It was 3 years for me. Can't rush bureaucracy !

Alrighty then, I guess I will just have to be patient no sense getting stressed out about it, thanks finz