applying for disability

[chuchideb]

:confused:Hi everyone, I need to apply for disability. I lost my job last Memorial Day for poor attendance due to IC. I am still living with severe pain on a daily basis. The problem is my gyno says she doesnt "do disability". She also doesn't do "pain medication". I have no insurance and have spent a lot of money with this expensive doctor. Has anyone else had this problem? I know very little about disability. Any suggestions?

[snowgirl]

:confused:Hi everyone, I need to apply for disability. I lost my job last Memorial Day for poor attendance due to IC. I am still living with severe pain on a daily basis. The problem is my gyno says she doesnt "do disability". She also doesn't do "pain medication". I have no insurance and have spent a lot of money with this expensive doctor. Has anyone else had this problem? I know very little about disability. Any suggestions?

Hang tight. Elle and Berkshire Road on here can help you with their suggestions. I would go ahead on line and apply now. The process can take time. The web site is ss.gov not sure if it is .com after that . I have it on my favorites list. Google social security disability. You can apply on line and get things started. If your gyn MD will she fill out the papers for SS? If not. Do you have another MD who is willing to help you fill out the paperwork and say you are unable to perform any kind of work?
Hang on. More posts will reply. Vicky

[snowgirl]

website is social security.gov that's your site to apply on line

[Elle]

Idon't have a lot of time right now, but wanted to let you know that I will post later to try and offer some advice.
As for your Dr. who "doesn't do" disability, that won't help your case, but it may not hurt it either. I'll tell you more later, but first, I'd apply online to get the ball rolling. Then, after the holidays are over, I'd find another Dr who is more interested in helping you than making broad judgements about their patients in general. You are in pain and deserve to have your symptoms individually treated, not treated under the same umbrella as everyone who passes through the Dr's door! :kissing:

[Elle]

OK...the first thing you should know is that IC is not a "Listing" with SS. What that means is that you're not guarenteed to be approved just because you have it. It is, however, a "Ruling", which gives you some leg to stand on (here's a link to read the ruling: http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ssaruling.html). It's good to read this before completing your application. That way, you know kind of what they're looking for. In your application, mention the Ruling number. One thing I learned early on was to not expect SSA to know anything - even if it's a Ruling issued by them! :wink: They need to be THOUROUGHLY educated about IC!
When you apply, I would really sugesst applying online b/c they store all of your info so you can access again later. Believe me, they will ask you the same questions over and over again for months to come!
About your Dr - While it would be better to have your main Dr on your side, you don't have to have them vouch for you. What's more important is what the Dr has documented for you over the course of treating you. You can request copies of your records from the Dr and review them yourself. Chances are, he's at least documented what your symptoms are-which will be in your favor. I had a uro who would not back me up even though he said himself that I my bladder was the worst IC bladder he had ever seen. I ended up finding another uro who was not only wonderful, but also willing to back me up 100%. You deserve better than what you're getting from this Dr! You can request allof your Dr's records to send to SSA if youwant to, or you can let SSA request them. I chose to send in my own b/c I checked everything first and requested that errors be corrected before submitting them.
About losing your job- do you have documentation that you were fired for missing too many days because of illness? If so, that would be great to send in with your original application. If you don't have anything like that, request something in writing from the HR office at your former employer. Be honest with why you want it and ask that they include performance reviews, etc with your documentation. The more proof you can send to SSA the better.

One thing that I think is crucial is getting a consistant contact at the local SSA office. In the end, my local case worker helped me so much with my own case. Because of her help, I felt confident enough to represent myself at my hearing.
Like others mentioned, the ssa website (www.ssa.gov) has lots of great info and is actually very well put together. The more educated you are, the better off you'll be. The IC Disability packet is also very helpful. Be prepared for a long waiting time after you apply. But, don't give up! Remember that if you are approved, ssa will pay backpay, depending on the date thereviewer declares you disabled.

I really wouldn't sugesst getting a lawyer yet. Hopefully you'll be approved on your initial application, or at least at reconsideration. If you have to have a hearing before a judge, you CAN do it yourself, but if you feel you need help, don't be afraid to ask someone. We're all here to back you up! :kissing: