Disability through work

[awbrowne]

Has anyone been successful filing for long-term disability through work with only Primary Sjogren's?  I have no other diagnosis, but the fatigue and brain-fog have left me unable to perform my high-level responsibilities adequately.  I spend a lot of time with various doctors (I try to schedule them around lunch and then just disappear for a while), and I have been sick for much of the past year.  I have limited sick leave, so I've gone to work anyway.   When I brought up disability, my Rheumy said, "Yeah, that will never happen.  You don't qualify." 

Yes, I could look for another, less strenuous job and make less money and worry about making ends meet.  But if I have a physical illness that is causing me to be ineffective in my job, shouldn't I qualify for disability?

Just trying to find out if anyone else has been successful without pinning it on an additional diagnosis. 

I'll think about SSDI later.  Right now, I'm focused on the disability through work.

Thanks!

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I haven't filed for disability but I'm sure I remember reading that SjS had been added to a list of conditions that SSDI could be given for.

Look out for further posters! They'll be here!

Take care - Scottie 

[Epson]

Your doctor might be cynical about your qualifying for disability because he has seen more then his share of people with some very troubling illnesses get rejected.  If you work for a large corporation they have a duty to the shareholders to do everthing in their powers to screw over employees, that's why we have a Human Resource Department.

If you work for a small company they might work with you to find a less stressfull job, but might not be happy about any type of disability expenses.  If people look ill or have cancer, it's bad PR and bad for moral to hose someone over too much.

I would strongly suggest speaking to an attorney before doing anything else, I am talking from first hand experience.

[eyeamdry]

Hi Awbrowne:  First listen to what the others have told you.  Now, I'll tell you as briefly as I can how I went from fulltime employment to short-term disability through the company to SSDI.  I did talk to an attorney first and he said he couldn't/wouldn/t help me until I was turned down and then come back to him.  I got SSDI on first try so I didn't need to go back to him.

1. First, I had a solid 5 years of dr appointments, with travel around the US included.  My filing was done on the condition of my eyes.  I had not yet been diagnosed with SS.  It has since become one of the illnesses added to Soc Sec as a possible reason, so you've got extra help there.

2.  I went on FMLA with my employer.  I filed for short-term disability.  My eye doctor (the one who butchered my eyes) told me that I would never qualify for Social Security Disability.  My GP told me otherwise, so I used him as much as I could.  After about 3 months into my short term dis, I went to SS and asked what I should do to file for permanent disability.

3.  They said bring your paperwork down and talk with an agent.  It was a very difficult thing, but I did it all by myself.  I made sure every I was dotted and every T crossed.  I had all my doctor's records in order, even the a@@ who said I'd never get disability.  It took 60 days from me filing to me getting approval with a check starting the next month because I'd gone through the 6 month waiting period. 

4.  Be sure to bring in ALL of your doctor's records.  If you've seen a mental health person, put that down, if you've seen any kind of doctor while you're dealing with Sjogrens, include everyone. 

That's my best "short" version of my procedure.  I know most get turned down first time.  I'm no one but a half-blind secretary with Sjogrens, a cancer survivor and a bunch of stuff who managed the process.  Lucy

[SeaBreeze]

I think Lucy gave you very sound advice..
If you decide to apply, please please, call make an appt and do it face to face with a family member or friend with you. I wouldn't do it on line...

[Net]

Hi, kinda wondering the same thing. Sometimes I feel like I'm chasing my tail by going to work, wearing myself out getting sick, needing more meds more Dr visits. When I keep things calm and in limbo I'm a lot less sick. I have 3 kids to care for also and try to work 25 hrs a week, I was diagnosed about 9 months ago and 2 years prior had surgery for chiari 1 malformation. None of my Drs have brought up disability yet but I am close to bringing it up myself.I know I have asked my Rheum. if I'm doing too much but she says to give the meds some time(hydroxychloroquine) but I keep having to be on steroids.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Net 

How long have you been on the Plaquenil? It can take anything up to six months to work.

Take care - Scottie 

[Gerri]

Three months after applying for disability, I was approved.  Recevied my first check 4 months later.  I am nearly two years on disability.

Lucy's report of how she got her disability is accurate, how you have put together your information.  I pretty much did everything on my own.  My ex-doctor threw out my first claim.  She was forced by the College of Physcians and Surgeons, here in Ontario Canada to fill out the second claim.  I went to all doctors, I had seen and got them to give my latest reports.  I had a dentist fill out papers for my Sjogren's.  I put papers in from a fire Chief, who called me a safety hazard.  I included Psychological information, heart specialist papers, lung specialist reports, everything and anything.

Since applying my health continues to worsen, but at least I am not stressed out about finances.

Hugs

Gerri

[Net]

Hi Scottie! I've actually been on the plaquenil since diagnosis at 9 mos  as a trial. It definitely has helped me with fatigue, arthritis, and some stomache issues. Actually kinda surprised my Dr. with that so quickly. But have been battling nonstop sinus headaches/migraines and can't seem to get through any virus normally. Just had another redo sinus surgery and tested for vasculitis in sinus but yeah-negative. Just can't seem to be off predisone but I do have a super Allergist/Immunolgist, a Rheumatologist, and now an ENT all at the UW clinic really trying to figure me out . Found this website during my surgery recoop. and I will be around here for a long time --feels good to not be alone.-Net

[Scottietottie]

Hi Net - you're definitely never alone in here! 

[eyeamdry]

If one doctor refuses to "cooperate" with the disability process, use one of your other ones.  I believe it can also be a psychologist, different kind of doctor, sometimes even someone who isn't a health professional.  I don't want anyone to be discouraged if their doc is a butthead.  But, on the other hand, I can't say for sure what will work and not.  My eye doc (the one who butchered my eyes) did not want to cooperate.  Of course, because that would mean the surgery had not been successful and he made a "mistake." 

Another thing I did when it was time for my docs to fill out my disability papers was to make an appointment just like I was seeing him for an illness.  That way he could devote that time (3 or 4 minutes-lol) to my paperwork.  I also took paperwork from one doctor to the next one so they could follow the same process as they don't have a clue on what to do.  I took my GP's paperwork to the butcher eye doc to follow. 

Lucy

[Net]

So out of couriosity on this website do we log in our ages ever? I'm a newby and 9 mos diag and 42. Is that at average age 40-50 that it seems to show up? Also do most of you try to work and how many hours and does it get to be too much at times? Or is it kinda like me where sometimes you feel like you can work more and then all of a sudden bam you're back to square one and you wonder why you pushed yourself so far?Thanks for any input-Net                    

[Scottietottie]

Hi Net 

We've had various threads about age and polls also in the past. We are a varied lot. I think we range from about 9 up to about 80. Do start a thread about it if you want to! (probably in the social hour bit) For the record - I'm 57 dxd at 52 but showing symptoms at 30.

Take care - Scottie