hypertension Any Suggestions ?

[devildog 71]

Hi All ;

Not sure how to word this , but let me try. I have been diagnosed with , and am currently being treated and on meds for the following:

- Emphysema

- PTSD

- Type 2 Diabetes

- Hypertension

I called a law firm specializing in SS Disability and explained all my problems to them , and was told that I definately qualify for SSD (I am 52 yrs old) HOWEVER , here is the problem - I am currently working - I do sedentary security work giving out visitor passes at a local hospital - but still use many sick days due to diabetic complications , mood disorders etc..Both my personal AND VA Dr's are willing to give me medical notes stating I am not able to even do this type of work - and the lawyer said SS WILL NOT approve anyone who is CURRENTLY employed - but like I told him , I HAVE NO CHOICE , as if I take my Dr's orders and quit working due to my disabilities , how the hell am I supposed to provide for my wife and two kids for the six months (OR LONGER) while waiting for my SS claim to be approved ??? After all , the rent still has to be paid , as the electric , utilities , and we have to eat . Unfortunately , my family and I have no one we can move in with to support us while I wait for the claim to be approved , and we have only a couple thousand in savings - which would only last about a month and a half if we used it to "survive" .

It's like a "double-edged sword" - the lawyer then sais , "Well , if you ever DO become unemployed ,give me a call ." My Brother got SSD for Diabetes with this same lawyer in about 7 months , BUT...my brother sold his house and was able to 'survive' on the profits until he was approved - hence , he didn't have to depend on any type of employment to survive.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get around this - it would be appreciated - as I'm sure there are MANY disabled people in the same situaation as me.

Thanks in advance... :D

[Guest jstacy]

It is an Independant medical opinion from a Specialist in occupational medicine. These guys detgermine if you can or cannot work.

Edited October 27, 2006 by jstacy

[Guest jangrin]

Brandy,

It is my understanding that PAIN is NOT a measurement in ones inability to work. I think what this means is that simply put, saying you are in pain and how much the pain hurts even if it is excuciating is not an indication of not being able to work.

What is an indication is how the pain KEEPS YOU FROM DOING CERTAIN THINGS.

For example, during the day I cannot turn my head because the pain causes me to loose my grip and drop my tools, glass, papers. I cannot carry more than 10 pounds because I have no strength in my hands. The numbness and tingleing causes me an inability to sense hot items.

My low back pain restricts me, I am only able to walk 10 yards before I have to stop and rest or sit down. The numbness in my feet and legs causes me to trip which has become hazzardess when I am have tried to work. I am now unable to work because I cannot perform the physical duties of my profession which are the following and list them.

The pain has caused me to become very depressed and has increased to the point where I wonder if it is worth living the rest of my life this way with constant pain. The depression about the pain and constant headaches is always on my mind and I cannot concentrate on my job.

Anyway, I think you understand what I'm trying to say. It is all about your inability to work (function) they know you have pain but they want to know how the pain keeps you from working. If you can do any kind of work at all they will say you are not disabled. If they can find a job for you to do that is available in most major cities across the country they will say you can work.

You need doctors who will do an IMO and say you can't work but also say how your problems keep you from working.

It is a tough standard, and doesn't seem fair. Good luck to you.

Jangrin

[Brandy]

Brandy,

It is my understanding that PAIN is NOT a measurement in ones inability to work. I think what this means is that simply put, saying you are in pain and how much the pain hurts even if it is excuciating is not an indication of not being able to work.

What is an indication is how the pain KEEPS YOU FROM DOING CERTAIN THINGS.

For example, during the day I cannot turn my head because the pain causes me to loose my grip and drop my tools, glass, papers. I cannot carry more than 10 pounds because I have no strength in my hands. The numbness and tingleing causes me an inability to sense hot items.

My low back pain restricts me, I am only able to walk 10 yards before I have to stop and rest or sit down. The numbness in my feet and legs causes me to trip which has become hazzardess when I am have tried to work. I am now unable to work because I cannot perform the physical duties of my profession which are the following and list them.

The pain has caused me to become very depressed and has increased to the point where I wonder if it is worth living the rest of my life this way with constant pain. The depression about the pain and constant headaches is always on my mind and I cannot concentrate on my job.

Anyway, I think you understand what I'm trying to say. It is all about your inability to work (function) they know you have pain but they want to know how the pain keeps you from working. If you can do any kind of work at all they will say you are not disabled. If they can find a job for you to do that is available in most major cities across the country they will say you can work.

You need doctors who will do an IMO and say you can't work but also say how your problems keep you from working.

It is a tough standard, and doesn't seem fair. Good luck to you.

Jangrin

Thanks for the help Jangrin. I will see if I can get the letter.

[JohnM]

Well then, I guess I don't have a chance. My disabilities are pain with movement in my neck, shoulders, lower back. I have burning pain on each side of my neck and stabbing pains in my shoulder blades. When I try to cook or use my arms for anything. My neck basically hurts continuously. I cannot read for longer than a few minuites because if I hold my head down or to either side for more than a couple of minutes the pain worsens. I have a herniated disc in my cervical spine C5-6 with a bulge and spurs that is protruding towards the right side. My nuero doctor does not understand this because I have more pain on my left than right. I have had this pain beginning about five years after a very bad car accident about 28 years ago. I have worked full time all my life until late last year. The pain got so bad that I was taking breaks every half hour. And it got more difficult to consentrate on my work when I was in pain all of the time. I also have a tear in my disc at L5-S1 lower spine. I have MRI's that show both issues. The pain in my neck radiates up my head and I had terrible migraines.

I was denied on my original claim saying "your condition is not severe enough to keep you from working. The medical evidence shows that you do have herniated discs and that you have a lot of pain due to your back problems. You are able to move about freely and without aids. Your physical examinations are good, including good reflexes, stregth and sensation. It is noted in your file that you also have migraines; however, this is controlled with medication. Although your impairments are severe and limiting, they are not considered to be totally disabling within the meaning of the law".

I keep migraine headache calendars and I average 75% of having severe migraines during one month. I don't think my doctors forwarded copies of my headache calendars to SS. I am taking medication to prevent headaches, imitrex for when they are severe, strong pain medication for neck and shoulders because the shot (steriod) in my neck did not work and causes bad reaction and the trigger point shots did not work.

I have talked with a very good attorney that handles SS and workmans comp cases only, for the last 25 years. I told him that I could handle the reconsideration but if not approved then I would get him involved to take over from there. He agreed that this was the best way to do this. From my original filing date and when I files for reconsideration my condition worsened. They had to increase my medication which causes a lot of side effects and I have physical therapy records where my pain worsened when tried to increase my movements at any time. So I filed that with the reconsideration. That is where I am at now. Waiting to hear about the reconsideration. I asked for a "case review" showing the additional problems I have had since the first filing.

Any one else filed a claim for SSDI for pain related medical problems? Or any advice?

Brandy,

I have fibromyalgia it took me 7 mos, after the original 6 mos, pain is a hard one to win because people have pain all the time but it can be won, chronic pain, fibromyalgia,rsd/rsds arthritis and more are considered on SSD. What I did to win my case was I went to an occupatioanl therapist, and a pain clinic, SSD seems to take their word on weather you can work or not. In my case my pain is so bad that I can not sleep and your body can not function with out sleep.

Keep fighting you will Win

[Guest jangrin]

Brandy,

I agree with JohnM. He is absolutely correct. Pain center and pain management is they key if you can afford it or get the referrals.

Pain causes not being able to sleep. No sleep means not being able to function. NO FUNCTION MEANS NO WORK.

Pain is the cause for sure, but no work ability is the effect of the pain.

Pain= no sleep=no function=no work.

Hang in there you can win this. Just think about the restrictions the pain is causing you. I know it's hard because pain is always on your mind and physically it is devastating.

you can do this.

jangrin :)

[robert51]

Hi All ;

Not sure how to word this , but let me try. I have been diagnosed with , and am currently being treated and on meds for the following:

- Emphysema

- PTSD

- Type 2 Diabetes

- Hypertension

I called a law firm specializing in SS Disability and explained all my problems to them , and was told that I definately qualify for SSD (I am 52 yrs old) HOWEVER , here is the problem - I am currently working - I do sedentary security work giving out visitor passes at a local hospital - but still use many sick days due to diabetic complications , mood disorders etc..Both my personal AND VA Dr's are willing to give me medical notes stating I am not able to even do this type of work - and the lawyer said SS WILL NOT approve anyone who is CURRENTLY employed - but like I told him , I HAVE NO CHOICE , as if I take my Dr's orders and quit working due to my disabilities , how the hell am I supposed to provide for my wife and two kids for the six months (OR LONGER) while waiting for my SS claim to be approved ??? After all , the rent still has to be paid , as the electric , utilities , and we have to eat . Unfortunately , my family and I have no one we can move in with to support us while I wait for the claim to be approved , and we have only a couple thousand in savings - which would only last about a month and a half if we used it to "survive" .

It's like a "double-edged sword" - the lawyer then sais , "Well , if you ever DO become unemployed ,give me a call ." My Brother got SSD for Diabetes with this same lawyer in about 7 months , BUT...my brother sold his house and was able to 'survive' on the profits until he was approved - hence , he didn't have to depend on any type of employment to survive.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get around this - it would be appreciated - as I'm sure there are MANY disabled people in the same situaation as me.

Thanks in advance... :)

dont think for a second they dont know the spot your in... i said the same thing i applied and it took 2 1/2 years and i barley made it with 4 doctors on my side.. if i wasnt getting VA how could i feed my children for a few years..