tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
Just wondering how many of those that get SSDI needed a lawyer to get it. Has anyone been able to get it without much of a hassle in MA? What do I need to know in advance before I start the process? I appreciate any tips or advice from those who are on it. Thanks!
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
The advantage of an attorney is that s/he provides you with experience in a very difficult area to navigate. My attorney sent me for testing I never would have thought to do, and it was what swayed the judge on my case.
You only pay when you win and there is a relatively low cap on the amount an attorney can earn for SSDI cases. It may be possible to win on your own, but in my opinion your chances are greatly increased with professional assistance.
Alsop, if you are like many of us and have cognitive deficits having someone who knows the ropes will be invaluable to you.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
i used a lawyer and it was worth it.
I live in MA and have the name of a lawyer if you want it. has worked and won cases for a few lymies.
he is about 20 min south of boston.
Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
This is a good question. I have been really thinking of trying to get SSDI, but I keep getting too scared to try... I know I'll be denied at least once.
I keep thinking that since I don't have a lot of POSITIVE tests, it won't show much to the Judge and they'll just deny me outright. Even though I feel physically ill most days, but that's not something they can SEE, and most people only believe something that's visibly obvious.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
disturbedme,
You took the words right out of my mouth.
To those of you that did use a lawyer, did you try first w/out a lawyer?
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
I advise getting an attorney who is recommend by the leader of your local support group - from those who have had positive experiences. If you can't find an atty familiar with lyme, see if the local CFS support group can refer someone excellent.
Even positive tests may not matter as the IDSA's position is that lyme is no big deal.
Remember that SSD is not normally awarded on a diagnosis but on what you can or cannot do.
Your doctor's records and evaluation will hold much weight, but that may not be enough.
If you have symptoms that affect your balance or your sleep, independent tests can help (sleep study, vestibular tests, etc.)
If you get a sleep study test, I'd advise finding a doctor familiar with lyme, CFS or fibromyalgia (although CFS and FM can be undiagnosed Lyme, doctors familiar with those are more in tuned with the sleep disorders of this population, regardless of the underlying cause).
Many sleep studies have more to do with apnea and lyme patients are affected more neurologically. The guy who did my sleep study was a moron. I had 16 minutes of REM and he said I really didn't need any. It was a sheer disaster and his notes really hurt my chances and made me look nuts for being so sound sensitive and dizzy.
I was awakened each time a buzzer went off in the rooms next to me - those guys had apnea and the buzzers were very disruptive to my test. But I still got charged a bundle.
Also - I had been told that I'd be able to "un-hook" and go to the bathroom overnight. That was not possible. I was told to call and they would bring me a bed pan. I was awake for hours trying not to have to call them but, in the end, had to. That really affected the quality of the sleep and the study was compromised.
So, while a sleep study could help in many ways, be absolutely sure WHO will do it and under what circumstances for the best outcome and experience.
---
However, the inner ear tests helped a great deal to document symptoms.
And, some tests may help you know where to target attention for better recovery chances.
posted
Im in Ct. and I got it first application and no lawyer but I was in my late 50's and wasnt going to get much per month because I had been a stay at home mom for so many years.
I also had a doc who told me I had to apply and he filled out the proper forms.
The agent who handles your case is the one who makes the decision so make sure your conversations with the agent are positive. My agent let me know right from the start that she believed I was really ill and not just trying to get money and not work for it.
It was very difficult for me to fill out the forms and it they were hard for the agent to read and that turned out to be to my advantage because it showed who I really was.
I cried when I got the letter saying I would be receiving my check in a few months because now even the government thought I was uncurable but then I learned to accept and just be greatful. I would give it all up in a second if I was able to do even the simplest job but at my age I doubt that is coming. Good luck
Posts: 55 | From ct | Registered: Sep 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
keebler, sorry to read about them bringing you a bed pan! they disconnected me 12-15 that night/am!!! for sleep study; it showed NO DELTA 4 SLEEP ... my body won't heal and i do not receive any restorative sleep waking up as tired as when i go to bed.
please go to my newbie package links for 30-36 pages of DETAILED info on how to win ssdi 1st time, 1st try. pages 117 or 19 thru END of 150 pages..... print them off!
took me 5 yrs. of hell to be approved 2nd time after my lawyer of 4 years QUIT me before 2nd admin law judge hearing.
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
Thanks everyone for the great info! Would I need to notifying my Dr.'s in advance before filing to give them a heads up?
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
I discussed this with my doctor prior to making the decision to file. I think he thought it was about time I came to my senses!
Disturbedme, it's not your dx that counts here. It's what you are able and unable to do. I used a great attorney who is in MD. He makes house calls.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
quote:Originally posted by laura j: .
Thanks everyone for the great info! Would I need to notifying my Dr.'s in advance before filing to give them a heads up?
laura, YES!! talk to them to make sure they will SUPPORT YOU by the EXTRA PAPERWORK they will need to make out on you.
schedule appts. for them to do it while you are there! some charge extra, but i think most will consider it an office visit, but you might need LONGER TIME to do this ok!
if they will NOT support you, and they DON'T HAVE SUPPORTIVE MEDICAL NOTES IN YOUR FILES, sorry, but you are SOL/out of luck!
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