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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
I've posted about this before, but I'd like some more feedback as I'm seriously considering filing for disability right after the new year. I know this isn't really a "med" thread, but I feel there's more traffic here for responses.
For the past several years, my depressive episodes have been too close together and too long for me to realistically work. I taught part-time this spring but had to leave as I had a breakdown at the end of the semester. I also work from home as a freelance copywriter, but I cannot complete my assignments as my depression dictates my days and accountability, and I simply can't concentrate.
I'm at a point where I need to seriously reassess my med regimen (nothing's working right now), perhaps get a new pdoc, and throw myself into therapy (I just started working with a new therapist and I think it's going to work out). I'm too up and down to take on work right now, and I need the time to trial meds, work through things and get myself stable. If I can get the support of my parents financially, I might consider an out-patient program. The bottom line is, I want to put all my effort into getting well so I can have a better future.
Good idea, right? I mean, I can always go off disability once I feel healthy, no? And, even though I truly plan on devoting this time off to attending to my mental well-being, perhaps I can take a low-pressure, off the books part-time gig to fill-up any idle time.
Some additional questions: do the disability laws vary from state to state? Do I need a lawyer to begin this process (and to better my chances at getting approved)? Where do I start?
I welcome everyone's feedback and experience...
Thanks,
bPS: I'm not sure if this matters, but I was never hospitalized for depression. But between 2007-2010, I was admitted to the psych ER twice, did 7 inpatient medical detoxes (for substance abuse) and had 2 impatient rehab stays. These inpatient programs admitted me as a "Dual Diagnosis," so I was treated for mental illness and substance abuse. Clearly, I wasn't holding down any steady work over the past six years.
Posted by Phil on December 29, 2012, at 13:36:44
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
***I was approved for SSDI several months back. I had been laid off from a job 1.5 years before that. I used a high profile law firm and we filed from my first day of unemployment.
When approved I received $17,000 in back pay and the lawyer got $5600. There's a set fee that they can take(6000?)and they don't get paid unless you win. One of the legal secretaries flat out told me that they will embellish to win. lol I would deal with a firm that specializes in disability but again, you might save 6 grand and get approved on your own. Just know that the second time is harder(you must get a lawyer on the second try). If both fail you go before a judge and his ruling could take 6 months.
I used a lawyer because they can up your chances of approval first time out but I've know many people that won without an attorney.
And, even though I truly plan on devoting this time off to attending to my mental well-being, perhaps I can take a low-pressure, off the books part-time gig to fill-up any idle time.***On disability you can still earn $800 or so a month but I haven't looked into it for myself. But yes, low stress is #1. Under the table $$$ is a good option.
>
> Some additional questions: do the disability laws vary from state to state? Do I need a lawyer to begin this process (and to better my chances at getting approved)? Where do I start?***To start, if you decide to file on your own, go to ssdi website and start typing. You will probably want to collect records etc first.
***I know that some facets of the program differ by state but I really didn't pay too much attention to other states. I have a friend on SSI and SSDI in Cali and things are different on SSI for sure.
***Start with reading on the SS website and forums. It's mind boggling at first especially when you have a disability.
Again, a lawyer can help but what really helps is: Did you always keep doctors appointments? Will your doc and therapists records back up what you are filing for? These two are very important.Think of every little single way that your disease has affected you. Write it all down.
>
> PS: I'm not sure if this matters, but I was never hospitalized for depression. But between 2007-2010, I was admitted to the psych ER twice, did 7 inpatient medical detoxes (for substance abuse) and had 2 impatient rehab stays. These inpatient programs admitted me as a "Dual Diagnosis," so I was treated for mental illness and substance abuse. Clearly, I wasn't holding down any steady work over the past six years.Try to get all of those records because it matters a lot!. Remember this: WWPMD? What would Perry Mason do? HA!
Just be thorough. Ask your docs what they think. You or the law firm will have to procure those records. In my case, I said stress about 100 times because it was true. I didn't lie and that's not recommended of course.
When you decide you are ready to return to full time work I have no idea what the procedure is. Either way, an employer is going to want to know what you've been doing the last three years.
Can't think of anything else right now. Just google SSDI and away you go.
I'm scatterbrained today. Sorry to be random.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Good luck, brynb
Posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 15:55:39
In reply to Re: Disability » brynb, posted by Phil on December 29, 2012, at 13:36:44
Phil, thanks a million. That was all super informative.
I honestly can't see why I wouldn't be granted disability, but the real challenge here is collecting all of my past info, therapists, doctors, inpatient stays, etc. Phew! Huge task. It seems that a lawyer is really worth it for all the dirty work.
Again, thanks so much. Stay, tuned, I might pop some more questions on you...
-bryn
Posted by Phillipa on December 29, 2012, at 17:25:30
In reply to Re: Disability » Phil, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 15:55:39
Bry excellent info from Phil. Yes it does vary from state to state And you will be given a full year I believe to see if you can handle full time employment when feeling up to working. And yes can earn up to $800 a month. Get the lawyer as things sure changed since I got mine when being in the hospital the pdoc filled out the paperwork and didn't need a lawyer. My next door neighbor also just got hers last year and used an attorney got on first try with the monies paid back that was owed. Phillipa
Posted by vbs on December 29, 2012, at 18:28:21
In reply to Re: Disability » brynb, posted by Phillipa on December 29, 2012, at 17:25:30
I was approved for SSDI back in January this year. I filed on my own without an attorney so I was able to keep all of my back pay. And yes a lawyer can increase your chances of getting approved but it will cost you if you're successful. Go to the Social Security website to get started. You can file online. Phil gave great info. Tell SS where you've treated. They will request medical records; not from you but from the providers.
I have a psychotic disorder and have been hospitalized twice. SSDI has been a Godsend as I can't work due ongoing psychotic symptoms (i.e. hearing voices). Based on your diagnosis, and no prior hospitalizations, I would recommend an attorney. Good luck!
Posted by Phil on December 29, 2012, at 18:52:15
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
I was laid off shortly after my brother died. I sat at home for a year and a half not able to face anything but impending starvation. I had to use a lawyer. I could barely write a check much less navigate my way through SSDI. Sure wish I could have done it because the lawyer just filed on line putting down what I was telling her. I was petrified that it would go to a judge and that would have taken forever with no guarantee. I still think the lawyer got too much but that is what lawyers are good at. No regrets. :)
I don't have to meet with SSDI for three years. If your condition is seen as "not going to improve" you have it as long as needed. It's really not as bad as it seems, it's just that we don't do it everyday.
Posted by schleprock on December 29, 2012, at 20:14:38
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
You should see if there are any non-profits in your area that may be able to help. Make sure you know all your options to get a thorough and documented diagnosis; definitely speak with your doctors and find out whether they were ever successful helping others get disability, or any agencies they could recommend to assist you. Most importantly, back-up all your documentation in the event that SSI "loses" it all and you need a hearing.
Also, don't trust any of "their" specialists they may send you to to be diagnosed; they don't know what they're doing. It's all going to come down to the testimony of your personal past and present physicians.
In terms of ending disability when\if you're stable, just send them you're pay stubs (required, whether working full or part-time or even freelance.) Month to month they'll deduct those amounts (I'm not sure if at a certain point they'll "end" disability based on income before the time for which you were approved.)
Posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 20:54:54
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
Thanks all for the valuable info thus far. It's really helpful.
Like I stated, I was never hospitalized for depression, but I did spend months (at different times in different rehabs) and weeks (at other hospitals) inpatient for detox and treatment of Dual Diagnosis. Doesn't that technically count as hospitalization? Clearly it was impossible for me to work back then.
Also, I've only been with my current pdoc for about 6-7 months. He has yet to definitively diagnose me. (Meaning he thinks I "might" be in the bipolar spectrum, but for now he Dx'd me as having MDD w/ GAD.) I would think his diagnosis and records are pretty important. Does it "look" better to have one Dx over another (i.e., MDD vs. Bipolar)?
I was summoned for jury duty recently and after a very brief meeting with a court clerk and a letter from my pdoc, I was exempt from jury duty for the next three years. Are minute details like this important too?
Sorry if these questions seem trivial and obvious, I just feel so strongly that I should be eligible for disability and that I need the time and aid right now to get well, so I want to make sure I do everything right. (Looks like I'll be needing a lawyer...)
-bryn
Posted by Phillipa on December 29, 2012, at 23:22:05
In reply to Re: Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 20:54:54
Bryn when I was placed on it I was in the hospital the doctor did all the paperwork and have no idea what he put as diagnosis. I do know My neighbor who recently got disability was given a dx of bipolar and she's not. And physically for knees. She runs jumps etc. So the docs have a big influence. You need docs that really know how to do the paperwork properly. Phillipa
Posted by brynb on December 30, 2012, at 12:56:26
In reply to Disability, posted by brynb on December 29, 2012, at 10:59:00
Does anyone here know of (reputable) disability lawyers in the NYC area?
Posted by Phil on December 30, 2012, at 13:57:03
In reply to Re: Disability--Lawyers, posted by brynb on December 30, 2012, at 12:56:26
This one at least gives quite a bit of info. I even clicked on one of the lawyers names and he had more info. It's worth a look.
Remember that they work on a contingency basis so they want to win! The first attorney my therapist recommended was a joke so if you go for a free consultation you will probably know pretty quick if they suck. I hope you get more replies. I would think that most NY attorneys are bulldogs and if their emphasis is on disability chances are they can help.
BTW I'd love to go to NYC one day.
Posted by brynb on December 30, 2012, at 16:44:35
In reply to Re: Disability--Lawyers » brynb, posted by Phil on December 30, 2012, at 13:57:03
Thanks, Phil. I really appreciate it.
And let me know if you make it here. I'll show you around for a day if not bedridden, lol.
-b
This is the end of the thread.
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