I received disability benefits long before lyme...about 6 years before. I have degenerative discs in my neck.
I am now being re-evaluated. Should I put on the forms that I now have lyme disease? It is documented in some of my medical records.
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
I think you should list Lyme and any co-infections you have.
Posted by lucky8711 (Member # 26221) on :
I am gooing through the benefit determination process right now, and they won't pay much mind to the D of Lyme and cos themselves, but the side effects and damge done my it.
I have to go in for psych eval on Monday! LOL
So I would stick to the original if it were me and if in result you want to add in anything like arthritis etc as a result from lyme...well it can't hurt....i don't think at least.
Good luck!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Can you ask a disability lawyer about it?
Posted by bigstan (Member # 11699) on :
Is this for a SS disability determination?
Posted by Sammi (Member # 110) on :
Some people get disability due to Lyme and co-infections.
You are dealing with Lyme and/or co-infections and all the symptoms and problems they cause. You stated that it is in your medical records, so it would be seen.
I think listing it can only help your case. It may also help others who have it and who will be evaluated after you.
Posted by jarjar (Member # 8847) on :
I am so glad I caught this thread. The best tip I ever got from my atty. was anytime I got paperwork for an evaluation is to go to your doctor and have them write a very short letter stating you are under their care and you are currently unable to return to work. Return the letter with the evaluation paperwork.
A letter from your doc stating you are unable to return to work currently stops the evaluation in its tracks. If you want to bring up Lyme that is up to you but the letter is what is really important.
Posted by Rivendell (Member # 19922) on :
Have doctor state why you can't work: your symptoms that keep you from being unable to work a full-time job. Make sure the doctor backs up your symptoms with good documentation: office notes, examinations, test results, etc.
These things are important in winning a disability case, so I assume they are important in keeping your disability.
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
Is it a short form or a long form?
Disinissues on Yahoo Groups is an excellent resource. They have lots of info on how to fill in a continuing disability review form.
But there are 2 types of forms they send out and the forms are scanned by computer and expect to see certain info on the form. If the info changes, like the diagnosis, it will kick it out and put it into a person's hands. So best to keep the info the same as much as possible. Also keep a good copy of what you send them so you can be consistent from one review to the next.
IMO, adding Lyme will hinder more than help. When I help those with Lyme with their SSA disability applications, I steer clear of "Lyme" and focus on the diagnoses that come with it where actual impairment can be documented - like arthritis, cognitive impairment, neurological effects, IC, etc, etc.
Posted by BrighterDays (Member # 26273) on :
quote:Originally posted by ConnieMc: Is it a short form or a long form?
Disinissues on Yahoo Groups is an excellent resource. They have lots of info on how to fill in a continuing disability review form.
But there are 2 types of forms they send out and the forms are scanned by computer and expect to see certain info on the form. If the info changes, like the diagnosis, it will kick it out and put it into a person's hands. So best to keep the info the same as much as possible. Also keep a good copy of what you send them so you can be consistent from one review to the next.
IMO, adding Lyme will hinder more than help. When I help those with Lyme with their SSA disability applications, I steer clear of "Lyme" and focus on the diagnoses that come with it where actual impairment can be documented - like arthritis, cognitive impairment, neurological effects, IC, etc, etc.
I believe it's short form.
If anything, discs in neck have gotten worse. I was told years ago they would continue to deteriorate. The only thing that concerns me is I haven't seen a doctor about these problems for nearly a year. I have learned to live with the pain. I have been so sick with lyme that I just couldn't drag myself to appointments.
I just wasn't sure if I would be required to list lyme since it's in my records. I definitely don't think it will help anything, so I am not going to list it.
Posted by aperture (Member # 34822) on :
BrighterDays,
Be sure to mention the reason that you haven't seen the Dr for nearly a year.
That, due to the totality of all of your medical problems, you have been so sick, you couldn't drag yourself anywhere.
That way, they won't just look at your records and think that you must be better because you haven't had to go to the Dr alot.