Disability Assistance

[Coslet]

For those living in the States. Are you still working or have started drawing disability?

[jolocny Volunteer]

Hi Coslet, I have now been on disability since 2007. I'd gone into my local SS office seeking information (I took a folder with all my medical information, test results, a list of diagnosing MDs and test results). That's what they went from and I was all signed-up in minutes. I understand from others that they hadn't had the same luck. I went in and simply applied due to ALD/AMN - no other symptoms were discussed. ALD/AMN is under the same category for them as MS.

[Coslet in reply to jolocny]

I’m currently employed at my parents’ business. I’m pretty sure if I was working for someone other than family I wouldn’t have a job. Do you have to be unemployed for any amount of time or can you take your paperwork in and that’s it?

[jolocny Volunteer in reply to Coslet]

That I don’t know! I had lost my job by the time I went in. Maybe someone else would be able to answer that.

[quilling]

I worked in the school system in MA so did not have Social Security withdrawn. My doctor told me early on to stop working then at the very least get disability on my own which I did. I worked with very supportive people. I had a power chair but the school did not have room for me to move through aisles of desks and no automatic doors etc so I still had to stand with crutch. My neurologist told me it was time to stop working and I agreed. The doctor had to fill out paperwork and I had to release medical records. I had to use my accrued sick time then disability began. I make more with disability than I did working because it’s not taxed no union fees etc. every 2 years Neurologist has to confirm I can’t work. When I turn 65 it ends so I will have my pension which covers my health insurance so I will have nothing after that. My husband will as he says working until he dies. I feel terrible to be such a burden in so many ways.

Uggh. Simple question and you got a book. Sorry.

[Aaron98]

I'm 34 and I've been on disability for a year and a half. It took three tries (two denials), including going before an administrative law judge, before I was approved. If your symptoms of AMN affect you severely (for me, chronic pain, spasms, sleep disturbances, fatigue, bowel and bladder problems all contribute), and you have good documentation from doctors showing that, you should get approved eventually.

[SongStream]

I'm on disability and was approved the first time with SSDI but denied firstly with LTD. Once I was approved for SSDI, LTD immediately approved my claim. Note: When I filed, I compiled a huge stack of medical records including MRI's, 2 of KKI VLCFA tests and information about AMN which was a printout of an AMN presentation at the yearly ULF conference. I had a cane walking in to my SSDI appointment and was surprised at the approval because this is highly unusual. Once approved, I attended a disability support group because I had lost my identity as a professional. I'm in good health and utilize the time I now have to maintain it.

The medical diagnosis code for AMN is:

E71.522 Adrenomyeloneuropathy

[Coslet]

Were you unemployed at the time? I currently work for my family. I feel fairly certain I wouldn’t have a job otherwise.