LymeNet Flash: Disability question--to mention or not to mention

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » General Support » Disability question--to mention or not to mention

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Topic: Disability question--to mention or not to mention

Tiramisu
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15082

posted

Hi all! I'm filling out my disability report (SSD) and am asked to list all past doctors and their tests.

My 1st Western Blot was "Ind" from a PCP, so I'm definitly listing that.

My 2nd WB was from my LLMD per my own request, and was only + for 41 Igg and Igm. Should I bother listing that? Couldn't I just skip it?

Thanks!

Posts: 175 | From SW PA | Registered: Mar 2008 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

I don't think it matters since you usually don't get SSD based on Lyme. It is based on how disabled you are... what you can or cannot do.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

faithful777
Moderator
Member # 22872

posted

I listed my western blot labs which were IND.

Disability was won on what I couldn't do and they called it CFS, Fibro and migraines. At the time we suspected Lyme but attorney did not even want to go there for me to win.

--------------------
Faithful

Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor.

Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009 | IP: Logged |

Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922

posted

Best to get an attorney to advise you. There are attorneys who see you from the very beginning (filling out the form).

They can guide you on how to present your case. What you put on those forms is VERY important.

And faithfull777 is right. Chronic Lyme is not recognized, but CFS, Fibro, etc. will be accepted.

Pain should be called arthritis. Use other diagnoses.

Get a good attorney.

The website of Scott Davis offers good advice online. Also "Disability Secrets".

Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009 | IP: Logged |

Tiramisu
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15082

posted

Thanks for all the input. I am also listing CFS and Fibro, because I had heard Lyme means pretty much nothing to them.

I called my LLMD today, and the nurse adv to not list it, since it will not help my case, basically.

Thanks so much!

Posts: 175 | From SW PA | Registered: Mar 2008 | IP: Logged |

Tiramisu
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15082

posted

Was just looking at the Scott Davis site (in AZ), and found this approach helpful. Since I haven't worked in 4 years, I need to really think and remember what it would be like trying to function in a working environment. Just fyi:

"Also, it is important to assume you are back working full time on a sustained basis (8 hours per day, 5 days per week) when answering questions about what you are capable of doing."

Posts: 175 | From SW PA | Registered: Mar 2008 | IP: Logged |

Rivendell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19922

posted

That is the key.

The form you fill out encourages you to make yourself sound well.

Be honest, just like Scott Davis says. We tend to want to brag on ourselves. That's what we do in our society, but with SSDI, you have to be honest.

It is a very humble experience, just as is Lyme disease.

Posts: 1358 | From Midwest | Registered: Apr 2009 | IP: Logged |

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