RA Question.... | Arthritis Information

 

It can be difficult to get on SSDI---my advice....get a lawyer. Thats what I did and I was able to get it after 2 failed attempts. A SS worker told them that they always deny people in the beginning----its how they weed out the losers that are just trying to use the system and live off of it. She was the one that actually recommended a lawyer. She said if someone is willing to go thru the trouble of paying a lawyer then they realize that this person is really sick. And don't worry---the lawyers fees are usually taken out of your initial retro-active check that you will get when your approved. You don't need to come up with any money right off.
GOOD LUCK!!    Thats Guys for the replys, I been told that myself. Company that I work for, i have been paying extra Disability Insurance just in case of  this kind of Situation, now come to find out, the company insurance People even has to approve or deny me, (which they denied) just to keep part of my income coming while they apply to SSDI for me on my behalf. Thanks for the Advice and good luck to you all also. Thanks Wyson for the Advice.....Thanks Waddie for the reply - and about my Avi - That's Gourt, Space Cop, from the 50's Movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still".  I think our Planet needs a few of these for each country --- there'd be a lot less violence going on...:) Hi Kevin and welcome.  Sorry you were turned down by the private LTD insurance.  You say the blood test doesn't show, but is that just the RF or other tests as well?  I'm RF negative but have several other indicators (ESR, CRP, nuclear bone scan for example, plus the doctor's exam) and I was approved by my private LTD insurance (still doing the long wait on SSDI).  I'm just wondering if you can gather more evidence and re-apply/appeal for the private insurance.  It has been a lifesaver for me.Hi Inner, as far as i know, from what the Insurance Company Rep told me, all my blood and xrays showed OK, the Doctor says I have some sort of flammatory RA in my ankles, but his report to the Insurance rep says he sees no reason that i can't return to work.  His Nurse told me he never said that, but i have the Insurance Denial report of what he said. My ankles swell after being on them over an hour or so. My knees and muscles between my ankles and knees are in pain most of the time and I have to help myslef when gettin into a standing position from the Sofa cause of the pain from knees to my toes. I was one of the very fortunate ones that got approval without an attorney and the first time around. That doesn't happen too often. I agree with the ones that say get an attorney. You will probably need a firm diagnosis, in any event, to get approved -- with or without an attorney. Inflammatory arthritis is sort of vague -- and not a diagnosis. So, that would be a difficult one. Are there other conditions that disable you from working?Are you taking any medications for your RA?  I had a hard time working and have to either work from home or take time off when I'm flaring, but the right meds make a world of difference.  I wouldn't be able to work if I weren't taking RA meds.  If you are on meds and they're not making a difference, see about changing to something else.  I seem to grow resistant/immune to medication after 6-7 months of taking it, so I have to change periodically or I wind up immobilized with swelling and pain.  And I'm seronegative, too.  The only indication of RA I have bloodwork-wise is elevated CRP.  I do, however, have other autoimmune disorders and a family history of RA, as well as classic symptoms.

Sorry for rambling:) - best of luck to you!
I  know you have to have a RA factor number before you can get SSDI for RA.  Mine was over 2000 when I applied and I was approved on the first try without an attorney.  My medical tests told them everything they needed to know.  I was lucky.  Some people do have to hire an attorney to get the SSDI.   The good thing is that you are over 50 which should make it easier.Hi Inner, yes i plan to appeal the denial from my Insurance company.
My new RA doctor says there is no way i can work with what i have....
Thanks
Thanks Aleva --- i just turned 55....
If all fails, I guess the last choice i have is to Retire early.....
Least I'll be able to keep feeding the birds with what the Government pays me from 40 years of paying into (FICA).....
Thanks..:)
HI Island, Thanks for the Advice... I'll keep pushing on.... Hi Kate, Im like you, i have negative on everything.....
I take Methotrexate, and just this week they put me on Pretosone.....we'll see how that works out.
My Ankles swell easily and my knees hurt all the time....hard to get off the sofa sometimes.
Good luck to you also....
Thanks
[QUOTE=kkched]Hi Inner, as far as i know, from what the Insurance Company Rep told me, all my blood and xrays showed OK, the Doctor says I have some sort of flammatory RA in my ankles, but his report to the Insurance rep says he sees no reason that i can't return to work.  His Nurse told me he never said that, but i have the Insurance Denial report of what he said. My ankles swell after being on them over an hour or so. My knees and muscles between my ankles and knees are in pain most of the time and I have to help myslef when gettin into a standing position from the Sofa cause of the pain from knees to my toes.
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