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Topic: Hi  (Read 151 times)
Nittany168
Valued and Trusted Member
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Gender: Female
Posts: 65
Hi
« on: February 05, 2012, 06:40:52 AM »
I'm just starting my disability journey, and found this forum.  I'm so thankful for this wonderful resource.  I just applied this past week.  My problem is that I've been without insurance for over a year.  I was able to apply and get the pre existing condition insurance here in Arizona.  Other wise I'd still be without insurance.  So my medical records are quite slim, and I'm hurrying to get appointments with specialists.  Right now I'm waiting for PCIC to approve an MRI.

Here's a short list of my health problems,
I'm 51 yo female
RA, I'm one of those who has this condition, but the blood tests come back negative

Cervical anterior subluxation of C4 on C5
C5-C6 and C6-C7 severe disc space narrowing with endplate osteophytic ridging (DDD)
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Mild scoliosis
Cervical radiculopathy, worse on the right side
Peripheral Neuropathy
Raynauds
Ringing in ears

I've worked for 30yrs in manufacturing.  The last 15 years on an automobile assembly line.  My neck is just killing me, I can't look up at all.  I've done oddles of PT with no improvement.  I can't use any type vibrating wrench because of the  Raynauds.  The Raynauds is worse in my feet.  Even being in the air conditioning can make them turn purple.  I also have problems with cold weather, it's awful.  My dear hubby moved us here to Arizona to make me more comfortable, he's a saint.  My hands and feet (worse in my feet). Tingle, and I have numbness in my upper back.

I've seen an Orthopedic Dr, who wants an MRI.  The cervical problems Ive listed were what was found with an xray.  Just waiting on the insurance to approve the MRI.  I'm bone on bone in two places in my neck.  

The Preexisting Condition Insurance is a god send.  I dont know what I would have done without it.   My worry is that I have a year long gap in my medical care.  I have an appointment with a new rheumatologist the middle of March.  It took me almost 10yrs to get the RA diagnosis.  I'm one of the unlucky 10% who don't have the positive bloodwork, so I'm not looking forward to going through this all over again with a new Rheumy.

My DH insisted I file for SSDI, I'm not sure I'll qualify with all these new Dr's who dont have much history with me.  What do the folks who have been through this think.  I've been out of work since 8/10, he's afraid that I'll not have enough credits if I wait till I'm an established patient.  I did hire a law firm to help me with this.

Sorry about this long winded post, but I wanted to give everyone good idea of who I'am, and what I'm up against.  Again thanks for this great forum.  If we get a IRS refund I'll be sure to donate a bit  Smiley
Logged
Location: Arizona
Age at Application: 51
Disability: RA, DDD, Raynauds, cervical radiculopathy, cervical subluxation, peripheral neuropathy
Date Applied: 02/01/2012

« Last Edit: February 05, 2012, 07:28:27 AM by Nittany168 »
jasjohnascar
SUPERSTAR Member
*****
Gender: Female
Posts: 243
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2012, 07:26:59 AM »
Nittany,
Welcome to the boards!  I ditto your initial sentence in that you found these boards.  I, too, found these boards and they have been a God send for me.  The folks on here are very informative and very friendly.  That being said, I would encourage you to see your specialists and maintain a detailed working document on each of your visits.  This is what I did:  I had a simple "Word" document on my computer with columns, listing the date, time, who I saw, what I told them about my current condition, what they said back to me, etc.  I provided a really, really detailed document to my attorneys, who even said that it helped.  Keep us posted on your progress!
Logged
Age at Application: 50
Disability: fibro, rheumatic arthritis, depression, anxiety & panic disorder, PTSD, gout
Date Applied: August 2007
First Approval/Denial Date: Denied at initial level December 2008
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: ALJ denial November 2010
Additional Info: Filed 2nd claim Sept 2010; awarded on Jan 2012!!!
plgerrard
Administrator
SUPERSTAR Member
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Gender: Female
Posts: 4767


The Catwhisperer
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2012, 07:36:25 AM »
Welcome Nittany:

You're among friends. You're very lucky to find an attorney that will take your case from the initial application. Many will not until an application has been denied. So, your best advice will come from him, but we here are always happy to fill in the blanks.

jasjohnascar gave some great advice about detailing your doctor visits. You should also be able to use your previous medical records - even if they are older and out-of-state. SSA does understand the problems with lack of insurance, moving and finding new doctors, etc. If they don't feel they have enough medical evidence, they will send you for a Consultive Exam with one of their contracted doctors.

From the way you describe your work history, you should not have a problem with your work credits running out for several years. The best way to know is to call your local SSA office and ask what your Date Last Insured (DLI) is. The DLI is the last date an onset of disability can be established. Even if you apply several years later, if it is established that the onset of disability was before the DLI, you are still eligible for SSDI.

Again, Welcome.
Pati
Logged
The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it. (Richard Bach)
Name: Pati
Location: East Tennessee
Age at Application: 53
Disability: Small Fiber & Autonomic Neuropathy; Sjogren's Syndrome; DJD
Date Applied: 02/19/2009
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved 10/26/2009
Date Award Letter Received: 11/17/2009
Date Back Pay Received: 10/25/2009
Additional Info: Assigned to DQB on 10/5/09. Approved.
JTB ~ Jane
SSDFacts VIP
SUPERSTAR Member
*
Gender: Female
Posts: 1730
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2012, 08:27:10 AM »
Hi Nittany!!

First ~ Let me Welcome you to the SSDFacts family.  We're glad you found us!

Second ~ Keep in mind that The MOST important thing is that you have medical records (evidence) to support the medical claims and conditions, that make it impossible for you to do ANY work.  This evidence will help determine SSA's need to send you to a Consultive Exam.

Third ~ Read, Read, Rread and ask questions cuz, as we all know, Knowledge is Power...

Fourth ~ Be consistant and keep copies of all you submit.

Fifth ~ With the help from this site, you WILL get thru this (without losing your mind...)
Logged
Life is a series of problems to be solved...Abe Lincoln
Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be...Abe Lincoln
Name: Jane
Location: Illinois
Age at Application: 59
Disability: Spinal Cord Injury, Fractured C4, Left-side partial paralysis, severe spasticity
Date Applied: ... 7/21/11>Re-Opened 2009 application
First Approval/Denial Date: APPROVED 11/3/11 ... BACKPAY from 11/08
Additional Info: Rec'd partial BackPay 1/3/12...Balance of 36 months rec'd 2/13/12
jshorty77
SSDFacts VIP
SUPERSTAR Member
*
Gender: Female
Posts: 152
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2012, 08:58:43 AM »
 welcome_sign Nittany,

     You have run into the right place for your questions, concerns, and for support. This is a wonderful forum and as you can tell by the previous posts, there are many knowledgeable people here! You've been given some excellent advice already so I just wanted to say "Hi"  wave-hello and wish you the best of luck with your new journey.  good-luck heartthrob Please keep us posted!
Logged
"Laughter is a powerful tool against life's ample conundrums." -J.L. Eades
Name: Jen
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Age at Application: 32
Disability: Severe seronegative, erosive, deforming rhuematoid arthritis. Congenital hip dysplasia. Total hip replacement in both hips. Congentital os odontoid, C1-C2 (fractured neck vertebraes)
Date Applied: Initial application was March 9, 2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: I lost track!
Hearing Date: December 9, 2011(with disability lawyer)
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: Approved December 30, 2011
Additional Info: Received approval letter (that I was found Disabled) on January 9, 2012 (age 34). First Federal SSI back pay February 2, 2012. Received 17 months of State Supplemental back pay February 17, 2012

« Last Edit: February 05, 2012, 09:33:01 AM by jshorty77 »
Nittany168
Valued and Trusted Member
***
Gender: Female
Posts: 65
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2012, 09:29:20 AM »
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome.  Dummy me cant figure out how to respond to each post Huh?   Thank you for the advice to keep a record of all my Dr visits, what I told them, and what they told me.  I even started a document of what I want to tell//ask them at next visit.  I always try to have my hubby go with me because I'm very shy, and not very assertive, and he helps me convey to the Dr how bad the pain is.  He also helps me remember what was said.   

I consider all you wonderful, helpful people to be the lights that illuminate my path Smiley
Logged
Location: Arizona
Age at Application: 51
Disability: RA, DDD, Raynauds, cervical radiculopathy, cervical subluxation, peripheral neuropathy
Date Applied: 02/01/2012
JTB ~ Jane
SSDFacts VIP
SUPERSTAR Member
*
Gender: Female
Posts: 1730
« Reply #6 on: February 05, 2012, 10:53:54 AM »
Thanx, Nittany, for completing your profile info.  Knowing where you're at in the process will enable us to do a better job at answering any questions you may have in the future...Thanx much!
Logged
Life is a series of problems to be solved...Abe Lincoln
Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be...Abe Lincoln
Name: Jane
Location: Illinois
Age at Application: 59
Disability: Spinal Cord Injury, Fractured C4, Left-side partial paralysis, severe spasticity
Date Applied: ... 7/21/11>Re-Opened 2009 application
First Approval/Denial Date: APPROVED 11/3/11 ... BACKPAY from 11/08
Additional Info: Rec'd partial BackPay 1/3/12...Balance of 36 months rec'd 2/13/12
Dragon Fly
Glitter Queen SSDFacts Doughnator
Global Moderator
SUPERSTAR Member
****
Gender: Female
Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2012, 03:56:46 PM »
 wave-hello Nittany,
Welcome to the forum!
Sounds like you have a lot of support on your side, and now we will just add to that.
I had several "new" doctors when I was applying as well.
By the time DDS actually started working on my case, they had been treating me for a couple of months...so that is something to remember, that this process can take its sweet time.
I'm glad you found an attorney to represent you!
Come back and keep us posted. Ask questions.
>;<
Dragon Fly
Logged
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
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