Applying For Disability | Arthritis Information

 

My plan is to return to the classroom in 2012-2013.  I really miss it-love those crazy middle schoolers.  I'm really hoping I will be able to do it.  I'm 34, plenty of teaching left in me!

 

While Social Security said yes, the Virginia Retirement System(VRS) said no.  Their reasoning: I had RA when I was hired.  I get legal representation for free since I belong to the NEA.  The lawyer sent an entire box of documentation and we are awaiting their answer on the appeal.

 

It is very overwhelming, and scary.  I wish you the best of luck.  If you do get denied, definitely go with a lawyer.

 

It's necessary that all of your doctors are on the same page and that documentation is in line with what you're stating on the paperwork.  I had pulmonary and cardiac complications and I think it made it a little easier to be approved plus my age.  I was 58 when I applied.  Good luck and if they ask you to wear a red clown nose you'd better find a clown store, buy one and wear it!!!Thanks everyone for your input...I will let you know what happens. I probably should have gone with an attorney right off the bat, but I went ahead on my own, and if denied, I will hire an attorney for the appeal. It saddens me that it has come to this, but my line of work puts a lot of stress on the body and the mind, and I'm just not able to do it any more. If things change in the future, I'd love to go back to work, but I'll just have to wait and see. Gale, I've gone back to work now and I'm 65 but I didn't go back to work as a nurse.   You might be able to return at some point but nursing is so hard on your body.  I was a surgical nurse for years and paid a price with my back, legs and feet.  LindyBrisen---I'm with you applying for SS due to my RA.  I have been diagnosed with RA 7-8 years, I also have Lupus.
 
Two years ago I fell and broke my tailbone, from that point on my work performance and attendance was shoddy and the pain from RA is never gone.  I worked as a receptionist--sitting for hours at a time--my boss was less than sympathetic, stating that 'RA was my problem and not to make it hers!".

I suffer from severe depression, anxiety and severe, chronic pain.

Unfortunately, when I went for my 'non-biased' SS physician appt., that doctor informed me that the rheumatologist I use (and have for several years) is not pro-SS.
After my discussion with this non-biased doctor, telling him that I am not able to tolerate the infusions - I have already been on Remicade, Orencia and Rituxin - he felt my treatment options were limited and intended to write that in his report.

My case is still in the 'pending' process--I'll let you know.
Thanks for the info Mawt28. My two docs are very much on board with the process, so I'm hoping that will help. How long has your case been open? As I stated, I just sent it in last week, so I know it's going to take time for them to contact my doctors for my records. At what point will I be called in to see the SS doctor?

Good luck with your application, and please do let me know how it turns out. And BTW, welcome to the forum! The forum is going through kind of a rough time right now...a couple of trolls, but just pick and choose what posts you want to read. There is a wealth of information here!

You might not have to see a SS doctor.  I never did.  About a month after I sent in the paperwork, my local SS office called me to make sure they had all my current drs and contacts listed.  They said they would contact me again if I needed to see another dr.  Next letter I got was the approval letter.  It was all very quick.  Hope this will be the same for you!

I think the reason that I had to see a SS doctor was because of multiple hospitalizations due to side effect/reactions to infusion meds.   I started with Plaquenil and methotrexate, moved up to Remicade infusions for a couple years--until it began leaving horrible sores and scars on my arms.  I then tried Orencia....what a nightmare! got a kidney infection from hell and spent several days in the hospital.  We then tried Rituxin...had such a bad reaction that I couldn't breath.

The problem....I worked for a doctors office and often was treated in their office instead of going to rheumie or PCP.  So my records are spread out over several clinics and doctors offices.  I know that my PCP would write me a letter stating the obvious, my RA has become a disability to me.

I have obtained a lot of information from the internet regarding SS - number one, get these records for yourself, build your own case; number two, concentrate on how RA is disabling you---refrain from words such as---it hurts alot, etc. be very specific like 'I cannot sit for more than 20 mins." I cannot stand for more than 30 min.", etc.

I actually called SS social worker to check on status this morning.  Its been 5 weeks since my appt, with SS doctor.  Gale, I had an appt. with a SS doctor but in this state it's almost mandatory.  I was in a huge flare, swollen from tip of ears to bottom of feet, walked very slowly with a cane, and generally looked like crap.   I was at my worst when I had the appt. which was points in my favor.  My approval was made within a month of the appt.  LindyMy Orthopedic doc mentioned I would probably have an appointment with one of the SS doctors, and he said to just swing by the office and pick up all my x-rays to take with me. I'm assuming the SS dept. will get in touch with me to make the appointment once they receive all my records. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm in a flare right now, but my RA has not been well controlled for over a year now. Actually, it's never really been well controlled, but I'm probably worse now than I was a year ago. Definite swelling and my inflammation markers are highly elevated.

I really appreciate all the advice everyone has given me, and as soon as I know something, I'll let you know too. BTW Lindy, I really like your signature line quote!  Thanks Gale.  I use it as a reminder that just because we sit alone in front of a computer we still are interconnected; even though there are some who misrepresent themselves, their words still have a great impact negatively.  Sometimes I just need a reminder. LindyWell, I received my letter from SS stating that I am not disabled according to their guidelines.  Very disappointed, but I have hired an attorney to help me try again.  I hated to do this because of the cost involved - the 25% or 00 - upon approval for disability.  But I am not in a condition to fight this alone - I know it is important to build your own case, but that involves driving to the multiple doctors offices, hospitals, infusion clinics, etc. to get all the records, etc. 
I am in too much pain to go through that.  Yes, some days the pain is not as severe but it is always there.  Somedays I can't seem to get myself out of bed - although I do know the importance of forcing myself out of the bed because I know the stiffness will set it - but I usually wait until I am forced to get up by having to use the bathroom. I'm so sorry to hear your claim was denied Mawt28. I still haven't heard anything, but did receive a packet in the mail last week asking lot's of questions about my daily activities, changes in my health, inability to work, etc. A few days later my husband received the same packet, asking him to fill it out about me. I'm expecting to get denied also, but like you, I don't have the strength to fight this on my own, and will also hire an attorney if denied. I had no idea what the cost would be...that's a tad more than I thought it would be. Did you check around for prices?
My best of luck to you as you appeal this process, and as soon as I know something about my application, I'll let you know. Mawt-keep fighting.  I'm sure it must be incredibly frustrating.  A lawyer is the way to go so you don't go overwhelmed. Disability update: Received a call from Social Security both yesterday and today, asking for clarification of several things. Everything they asked me, I had already filled out on the initial form I sent in, but I guess they felt the need to ask again. I almost felt like they were trying to trick me with my answers. But maybe that's just me being paranoid. She said I should know something soon, as all of my paperwork is in. Even though I'm prepared to be denied, it's still scary knowing that your future is in someone else's hands. I definitely haven't had the greatest past two weeks, lots' of pain and inflammation. I almost wish they would ask me to come in to see one of their doctors while I'm feeling this way, but that hasn't been mentioned. I have lot's of x-rays at my orthopedic surgeons office, but they haven't asked for those either...and those tell a lot of the story with all the damage I have. Anyway, as soon as I hear something, I'll let you all know.
Gale and Mawt, don't be discouraged and don't give up!  As Lindy said get your doctors all on the same page and buy the clown nose if need be.  It took me three years and a lawyer to get my disability hearing and when I got into the hearing even though the judge over the proceedings was a jerk, the panel (a doctor, physical therapist and an occupational therapist) were in immediate agreement as to granting my disability.  My lawyer did not say a single word at my hearing (no need) and the judge told him (in front of me and the panel) he was entitled to a larger portion of my award because the government had approved an increase and the judge would allow an amendment of the contract of charges!!! Brisen-you can check on the SS website on the status of your claim.  You should have been given some sort of ID # when you applied. Don't forget that when you do start to feel better you can work, you just need to be careful and follow your state's guidelines for working when you're on disability.  I was able to work within my state's guidelines.  It made me feel much better about the whole situation.  You have no idea how long the first packet of papers sat on my desk before I got up the courage to mail them.  It's a huge step but remember it's a huge step in the right direction. LindyThat is my goal Lindy, to at some point when the RA is better controlled, to be able to work again. The problem is, nursing is all I know, and working in a busy hospital, especially those 12 hours shifts, seem like it will always be impossible. I've thought about maybe taking a coding class, something where I could possibly work from home. But yes, I will have to find out what the state guidelines are. This was such a big decision to sign the SSDI papers, but it definitely needed to be done. Keeping my fingers crossed I get approved.
Good luck with your application Gale!  Hope you don't have to wait too long and get a positive outcome.  When I finally had to give into it,  I had to go on an Invalid's Benefit here in NZ, not such a protracted process here, just a letter & records from my Rheumy  to take an appt with the Dept's nominated Dr.  When approved, the benefit was backdated to the date of application.