Hi - I applied for Disability in August of this year. I just received an email stating a decision has been made on my claim and that I would be notified by mail. I called up the office to see if I could receive the status over the phone. I was told it is in review with Social Security and it would be another 4 weeks until I am notified. Also, they are not allowed to release this info to me while it is out in review. Does this seem right? Anyone else experience this same procedure? I am a bit concerned because a decision was made before I had my Dr. appt. at John Hopkins on December 1st and my case worker always seemed to very interested in this appt. and what information they would be providing me. So I am puzzled as to why a decision was made before I even had my appt at John Hopkins. I guess my mind is just so confused right now.
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Disability Status Decision
- By stacyl531
- Posted November 5, 2009 at 12:37 pm · 7 replies
- In Systemic scleroderma
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- By wayresh
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 11:10 am
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The government claims they have a better system now to help with ssd claims. I read that in the weekly email I get from ss. I pray the you don't have to wait like a lot of people I know who have had to wait for years to get approved. Maybe this is a blessing to have a decision so soon. It could be in your favor, lets hope and pray for this miracle. I only had to wait 6 months for my decision and I thank God for that. Bless you
Wanda
- By stacyl531
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 11:45 am
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Thank you for the positive thoughts. I was just thinking of the worse since it happened so quickly and before my appt. at John Hopkins. I will be running to my mailbox everyday until I receive that final letter in the mail. Thanks again!
- By dani0518
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 3:02 pm
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hi i have limited scleroderma and due to that i have pulmonary fibrosis my lungs are pretty damaged and im wondering if that is why i was accpeted so soon for disability and maybe it could be how the doctors presenting our cases to them could affect their decision for disabilty for sd... i am finding out from this site how people are having to wait for years and it only took me 3 months to get on disability.. maybe they are looking at the severity of the sd im jus curious to know as well... so if any one out there know please advise. I think something needs to be done about this and i will try to research on my end as well. thanks
- By stacyl531
- Posted November 6, 2009 at 3:23 pm
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I know I have scar tissue in my lungs, plus my neurologist wrote a letter stating I have nerve damage throughout my right side and my hands are curled. My Rheumatologist refused to write any letters or fill out any forms for disability. He would only forward records, which I had to pay for. So after 2 years of being under his care, he would not help me with disability. That is why I am so scared that maybe I was not approved since my main Dr. did not cooperate and it happened so fast. The stress of not knowing is making my symptoms worse and the worry is making me sick inside, especially since a decision has been made, but I can't find out what that decision is. Very frustrating, but I am so happy that you were able to receive disability without the added stress of years of fighting for it. I'm happy for you : )
- By dani0518
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 5:19 pm
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staci u have to have ur doctors support with disability my doctors were the ones constantly nagging me about it till i really got sick the last year of 2008 for me to go out on disability.. i hope all goes well but if ur doctor is not supporting the decision for disabilty it may not be approved if i were u i would look for another doctor who knows how to treat patients wit sd and i bet u will get ur disabilty...i will keep u in my prayers and hope all goes well for u.... remember this do not give up on it if its not approved i would immediatly seek another doctor if ur not approved....God bless
- By stlmirela
- Posted November 8, 2009 at 8:21 am
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Hi Stacy
I know exactly how you feel.I wanted to know disability decision myself ASAP but sadly you can't control other people.My advice is "no mather what outcome you get do not give up" you hear me? When I applyed 5 mo ago i was so pesimistic and wanted to force myself and go to work (even tho i knew i couldnt work anymore) but my doctors and boyfriend pushed me every day to go forward.They will determine your disability based on your medical records so its very important that your doc writes down everything troughly ..any change ,symptoms etc. not just how it affects you body but mind too.You truly dont need any special letters (although it might speed things up) your medical records will speak by it self.It took me 5 mo to get it and to many times i wanted to give up.If u are unhappy with your doctors i do suggest that you find someone else not just because of disability but because of better treatment.Mine doctor was very frank (open) he told me to apply for disability because he understands this desease and knows how to treat it.And on the end when you get your disability thats whole another story ..its pure survival.But still i thank God everyday for having him watch over me and keeping me alive so I WILL SURVIVE.Wish you best of this world and i hope you get your disability soon.STAY STRONG!!!
PS:Sorry for my bad English.
- By stacyl531
- Posted November 8, 2009 at 9:35 am
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Thank you everyone for your positive advice and telling me to not give up. I need this disability for survival and to release myself from the added stress this has been causing me. I feel like the last few months all I have been focusing on is providing Social Security with all the needed/requested information and I have put my own health and well being on the back burner. I just want to focus on me, my health and finding a balance between traditional medications and nutrition. I mentioned last night to my husband that I hope I "Win" my disability. He said to me...."But winning is losing, if you "win" disability it means you are very sick". I never thought about it that way, and it truly made me very, very sad. I have been so focused on money (lack of), that I forgot what this whole process actual means.....it means I am very sick. I will stay strong and keep a positive thought for myself and everyone else who is going through all this. We are not alone.....and we can Survive : )
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