posted
I am considering applying for disability as I can't see myself being able to work anytime soon and my parents are struggling as well.
My concern is, some of the abx my llmd has prescribed me I have never gotten filled or only partially gotten filled because I could not afford it. I had to go back and ask for something cheaper or do without.
I was told that they ask you all the meds you are on when you apply for disability and I was wondering if they look back on everything you were prescribed and what you filled? Will it matter that a few prescriptions went unfilled or partially filled?
Posts: 85 | From somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
they will make you jump through hoops any which way you apply and more than likely deny all claims. I believe that is how its done. if your having problems functioning physically you should not delay applying. it takes forever to get disability status and they make you need a lawyer I think its a big kick back scam.
Posts: 16 | From RHODE ISLAND | Registered: Jan 2014
| IP: Logged |
posted
Although not impossible, it is very hard to get disability with a Lyme diagnosis. Politics make it sound like you are going to get better soon.
Most get disability with a Fibro and/or CFS diagnosis but your medical records have to back that up. I had to make copies of insurance claims showing medications that were filled.
If your medical records back up your inability to function, you may get approved on the first try. I know a few that have not gone through any denials.
You will need an attorney but most won't get involved until you have been denied twice.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96237 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
It will not matter that some prescriptions went unfilled.
Social Security will look for evidence that you are totally unable to work. Totally. So, that means that if you can sit at a toll booth or ticket booth, then you are not disabled.
The second requirement is that your condition is expected to last one year.
If you don't meet both requirements, you will not be approved.
As faithful has pointed out, the medical profession in general does NOT believe that lyme disease is very debilitating and it also believes that lyme is easily cured with a few weeks of antibiotics. So, these 2 false beliefs will make getting disability based on a lyme diagnosis pretty difficult.
Now, if your diagnosis were fibromyalgia, the medical profession believes this is uncurable. So, that makes it easier to get disability with that diagnosis.
(Meanwhile, severe fibro is generally lyme disease. BUT, the medical profession does not yet know or believe this. Just lyme doctors know it.)
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
| IP: Logged |
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Certainly do apply. Disability will routinely deny your first request and it will take a while but if you are approved you qualify to receive your benefits retroactively beginning six months from the day you stopped working.
The most important thing is to have a doctor who will effectively write up the reasons why you are disabled and cannot work. If the report is very clear to the reviewers that helps them make their decision. That should include CFS and fibro symptoms, which almost all Lyme patients have. While you may have Lyme, it's the symptoms that Lyme causes that doesn't allow you to work, whether they be neurological, fatigue, pain, concentration issues, memory issues, vision issues, etc.
Also, if you have seen several specialists, for example, an eye doctor, a neurologist, a Rhumi whatever even if they found issues whether or not they believe they are being caused by Lyme get their input, as well. The more documentation you can present, the better. I wouldn't be too concerned about the medications you were not able to fill.
The rule of thumb generally is that after you have been denied, file an appeal. If on the second try you lose the appeal, hire a lawyer the third time around.
It's, of course, a personal decision. Some hire a lawyer for the second appeal. The lawyer will not ask for money upfront but will take a portion of your settlement if you win and nothing if you lose. I believe the lawyer is entitled to 1/3 of the settlement but I could be mistaken about the amount.
Absolutely, file immediately. You paid into the system and if you are unable to work you should be entitled to help.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
The amount of drugs I was on weighed a lot at my disability hearing. Lack of function has to be documented but the more pieces that contribute to the picture, the better.
I had an attorney. There is a percentage of the back pay that goes to the attorney or $6k max.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks for all the information guys.I am working on starting the process of applying. It's tough when I feel like part of my brain is missing and I can't find words.. This may take a while.
Posts: 85 | From somewhere over the rainbow | Registered: Jan 2012
| IP: Logged |
posted
Is there someone who can help you fill out all the paperwork?
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
My son and sister helped me fill out the paperwork. I made a copy to work with so I could make notes.
It is all about what you can't do. When filling out the paperwork, fill out each question after you ask yourself - can I do this?
I also had other medical issues- arthritis, bladder issues, etc. It takes a lot to get this done. Ask for copies of every dr visit and report from tests.
It can be done without a lawyer, but you need to have someone help you.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
A lot also depends on how old you are. The younger you are the less your chance of being approved. Hubby was 45 when he first became ill but was almost 50 (which is considered elderly by social security) by the time he won his case.
I remember hubby's lawyer told him to answer the questions based on his health on his worst days -- this is not the time to downplay how bad your symptoms are.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic