posted
I'm a newbie and have been reading here a couple of weeks now. Still trying to plow my way through things like bettyg's newbie package and minoucat's link. But with a lymed brain like mine...it takes so long!
Got approved for LTD ins. last week and the co. sent a letter saying I'm OBLIGATED to apply for SSDI and they'll supply assistance on their nickel. I looked at the .gov website for filing and I'm overwhelmed just looking.
Their attorney called me today and wanted to fill out the application. I felt a bit steam-rolled from his assertiveness so asked to set a later time to talk. I need time to process, think, etc.
I'm seeking advice from anyone who's been down this road:
--Good idea to go with the insurance attorney?
--What about this release form the ins co wants me to sign to get info from SSA without going thru me?
I don't even know what else to ask yet. Thanks for your help. Grannie LA
Posts: 67 | From the state of Lyme | Registered: Sep 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
welcome grannie; glad you found us and hope you are safe from gustov !!
my ssdi info starts on page 114, or it did the other day before i added more info to package!!
conniemc, member, is one who really knows her stuff on LTD, etc. since she has been thru it and is a NON-LAWYER representing clients for ssdi claims!!
i would NOT sign off on anything for this lawyer!! you need to be aware of everything in your files, etc.
you were wise NOT to have him file this; you need to get things organized so you can WIN 1ST TIME, 1ST STEP, and it's possible having SUPPORTIVE DRS and connie's forms where they show how much time you physically can do work.
if you have not copied my entire newbie package to ms word, i'd do that now, so you can go directly to page 114 and start reading or print from where it starts to the end of info ... all ssdi info!!
posted
ConnieMc was INSTRUMENTAL in me getting SSDI the first try. I used an advocate, not a lawyer from the company she recommended. It saved me so much pain and hassle and it worked.
Not saying it's this easy for everyone, but she definitely steered me in the right direction for making the process easy and finding a wonderful advicate and taking a huge load of stress off.
Alison
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The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer. --- Edward R. Murrow Posts: 923 | From California | Registered: Aug 2005
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shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Thanks for all the responses. Betty, I never thought to copy and save the package--that makes it easier. You'd laugh if I told you how long it took me to figure out how to copy it...
Sharon, those links are a gold mine for me, thanks for making it easier. I previewed them last night and will spend some time reading today.
Alison and TSN I appreciate your support and encouragement. Just knowing someone else has done it successfully helps somehow.
My mom weighed in saying she used an attorney with first round success for my step-father. Husband is planning to take Friday off to be available when I talk to the attorney. May as well listen to what he has to say before making a final decision. Homework to do in the meantime. Thanks so much, ladies!!! LA
Posts: 67 | From the state of Lyme | Registered: Sep 2008
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Do avoid settling for an attorney appointed to you by the LTD. The drawback is that the LTD is given any and all information generated by the law firm.
If SSA decides to order a Mental Consultative Eval, then LTD could later use this against you. Most LTDs have a 2 yr clause for mental illness and if there is evidence that you have a mental illness, even if it is related to Lyme, secondary to Lyme, then they could termninate benefits using that very info.
Most who have Lyme will have evidence of a mental illness, IMO. But it is secondary to Lyme.
Besides, in a situation where a LTD has hired an attorney to represent you in your SSDI case, the LTD is the client, not you.
You need someone who will fight for YOU, not the LTD.
Alison, I am so glad you had success with the reprentative I recommended. I am partial to non-attorney reps, as I think they do a better job.
So far I have won all Lyme cases. Nothing like living it to teach a person how to document it.
Grannie LA, let me know where you live and I will see if the network I am in has any reps in your area. I have helped many of our reps with their Lyme cases and I am known in our network as THE ONE who knows how to represent claimants with this diagnosis.
Alison, if you don't mind, I cannot remmeber who your rep was - do you mind sending a PM to let me know? Our network is in the process of breaking apart due to the death of the president and founder, but we still intend to maintain a loosely structured network to exchange ideas and get support from one another.
Thanks for the nice comments.
Posts: 2275 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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ConnieMc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 191
posted
Grannie LA - I see you are in VA. What part of VA? I have represented claimants with Lyme in SW VA. And have covered a few SSD cases which were heard by judges in the Roanoke VA and Bluefield WV hearing offices.
Let me know if I can advise you in any way.
Posts: 2275 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
ConnieMc, I just tried a PM but don't think it worked so here goes again...
Thanks for your time and interest. I live in the Arlington (Northern VA) area. Please do let me know if you have anyone in the network this far north.
You make some good points I hadn't thought about: LTD is the client, not me and LTD has access to anything attny generates.
Nothing to hide here, but I would still like to be the gate keeper on the flow of information about me. That's what keeps me from signing the authorization for LTD to access SSA information without contacting me.
My fondest dream is to beat Lyme & co's and return to work, resume leisure activities. But just in case this body doesn't cooperate I need to safeguard the future options.
Sorry, I get all fired up. Thanks for your help. LA
Posts: 67 | From the state of Lyme | Registered: Sep 2008
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posted
I may be talking out of turn because my SSDI was for an auto accident where I became disabled.
But my injuries were hard to prove as being permanantly debilitating so I'm figuring that's the same problem as with Lyme.
All I wanted to share was -- I live in Hampton, Virginia and did use a lawyer.
I was told that no matter what lawyer you choose, they cannot charge you any more than your monthly allotment of SSDI.
At least that was how worked was for me. I signed a form the SS office supplied to the laywer assigning my first month's allotment to be paid directly to the her.
I was initially denied. I was told at the time (again, correct me if I'm wrong) that most everyone does get denied at first.
Unless it's a catastrophic disability such as brain damage or loss of your legs, etc. Or blindness.
Situations where it's OBVIOUS you will NEVER be normal again.
But my 2nd time around was processed quickly with no problems.
Once again, if I'm talking out of turn or not being helpful, I don't mind deleting this post.
Just wanted to share my personal experience with using a lawyer.
But I'd definitely use one who specializes in disability claims. I didn't and think that slowed things up a bit.
Posts: 36 | From Buckroe Beach, VA | Registered: Aug 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
brit,
how long ago were you approved for ssdi?
current rate is maximum $5300 and they can also charge for misc. expenses:
overnight mailings, paying for drs. medical records, copying, etc.
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